Vaginal douching in teenagers attending a family planning clinic.

This study assessed the knowledge and usage patterns of vaginal douching in sexually active teenagers attending a family planning clinic. A questionnaire was administered consecutively to 94 black, 36 Hispanic, and 12 Anglo females ranging in age from 13 to 19 years. The survey showed that vaginal douching is a common practice, with almost two thirds learning about douching from their mother. The technique is primarily used for hygienic reasons with few using it to prevent pregnancy or infection. Age of first douche correlated with age of first intercourse (p less than 0.001). Almost 23% had douched within 2 days of the clinic visit, and 56% reported douching one or more times a week.