Douching can disrupt the natural balance and pH of the vagina, increasing health risks such as infections. To keep clean during your period, gently wash your vulva with plain water and avoid getting water inside the vagina. Managing your menstrual flow can be messy sometimes, and douching after your ... Douching is the practice of washing or flushing the vagina with water or other fluids. It is not necessary, safe, or effective for hygiene, contraception, or infection prevention. Learn about the risks, alternatives, and when to see a doctor for vaginal problems. Douching is washing or cleaning out the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluids. In the United States, almost one in five women 15 to 44 years old douche. Doctors recommend that you do not douche. Douching can lead to many health problems, including problems getting pregnant. ‘Douche’ means to soak or rinse. Vaginal douching is the process of irrigating the vagina with a liquid apparently to clean it for hygienic reasons, after menstruation or intercourse, and to ...