II. Epidemiology: Prevalence of frequent douching

  1. Age related
    1. Ages 15 to 19: 16%
    2. Ages 20 to 24: 28%
  2. Race related
    1. Black: 37%
    2. White: 11%

III. Indications

  1. Vaginal Douching offers no benefit in any condition

IV. Adverse Effects

  1. Changes vaginal flora
    1. Predisposes to Bacterial Vaginosis
    2. Normal Saline or acetic acid douche
      1. Changes occur within 10 minutes of douching
      2. Flora return to normal by 72 hours after douche
    3. Povidone-Iodine douche
      1. Long-term lactobacillus suppression
  2. Predisposes to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
  3. Predisposes to Ectopic Pregnancy

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