Vaginal douching practices in women and influential factors

Güler G., Bekar M., Ulusoy H., Kocataş S.

HEALTHMED, cilt.4, ss.12-20, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 4
  • Basım Tarihi: 2010
  • Dergi Adı: HEALTHMED
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.12-20
  • Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Abstract
Objective: Vaginal douching can be very
harmful to women’s health and can lead to health
problems because of the introduction of many
pathogenic microorganisms into the ascending pathways.
This research was conducted to investigate
the vaginal douching practices of women and
influential factors of this practices.
Materials and methods: The research population
of this cross-sectional research, consisted of
665 women, attending a primary healthcare centre,
between March - May in 2006. A questionnaire,
developed by researchers, was used as a data
collection tool.
Results: The prevalence of vaginal douching
of the women was found to be 54.3%. The major
reason for douching was found to be for general
body hygiene. In total, 83.1% of the women applied
vaginal douching after each elimination (defecation
and urination). Of the participants 12.2%
reported that they have learned this practice from
health care personnel.
Conclusion: the prevalence of vaginal douching
was found to be high. Practicing vaginal douching
after each elimination may expose high risk
to various genital infections.
Key words: Perineal hygiene; Traditional intravaginal
practices; Vaginal douching