OBJECTIVE: Frequent vaginal douching has been associated with bacterial vaginosis. We investigated whether infrequent douching is also a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 411 African-American women of reproductive age who were visiting gynecologic or family planning clinics of 2 hospitals in New York City from 1999 to 2001. Detailed information on demographic characteristics, feminine hygiene practice, contraceptive use, and reproductive and medical history was collected through in-person interview. Pelvic examinations and laboratory tests on vaginal secretions were performed. Bacterial vaginosis was defined as Gram stain score of 7 or greater. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in this population was 27%, similar to the national average. Water-vinegar solution was the most common douche. Although one half of the subjects reported douching regularly, only 2% douched frequently (once per week or more). Frequent douching in the past 3 months had a prevalence ratio of bacterial vaginosis of 2.35 (95% confidence interval 0.98-5.63). However, douching less than once per week was not associated with bacterial vaginosis. CONCLUSION: Douching less than once per week, particularly with a water-vinegar douche, is not associated with bacterial vaginosis in this African-American population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
OBJECTIVE: Frequent vaginal douching has been associated with bacterial vaginosis. We investigated whether infrequent douching is also a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 411 African-American women of reproductive age who were visiting gynecologic or family planning clinics of 2 hospitals in New York City from 1999 to 2001. Detailed information on demographic characteristics, feminine hygiene practice, contraceptive use, and reproductive and medical history was collected through in-person interview. Pelvic examinations and laboratory tests on vaginal secretions were performed. Bacterial vaginosis was defined as Gram stain score of 7 or greater. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in this population was 27%, similar to the national average. Water-vinegar solution was the most common douche. Although one half of the subjects reported douching regularly, only 2% douched frequently (once per week or more). Frequent douching in the past 3 months had a prevalence ratio of bacterial vaginosis of 2.35 (95% confidence interval 0.98-5.63). However, douching less than once per week was not associated with bacterial vaginosis. CONCLUSION: Douching less than once per week, particularly with a water-vinegar douche, is not associated with bacterial vaginosis in this African-American population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
Authors: Christine M Markham; Susan R Tortolero; Robert C Addy; Elizabeth R Baumler; Nicole Kraus McKirahan; Soledad L Escobar-Chaves; Melissa Fleschler Peskin Journal: J Adolesc Health Date: 2007-09-04 Impact factor: 5.012
Authors: R J Diclemente; A M Young; J L Painter; G M Wingood; E Rose; J M Sales Journal: J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol Date: 2011-11-03 Impact factor: 1.814
Authors: Ana S Salazar; Nicholas F Nogueira; Violeta J Rodriguez; Alejandro Mantero; Emily M Cherenack; Patricia Raccamarich; Marissa Maddalon; Theodora Brophy; Emily Montgomerie; Nichole R Klatt; Deborah L Jones; Maria L Alcaide Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2022-04-01