Wednesday
15Apr2009
Douching & Ectopic Pregnancy
Wed, April 15, 2009
“Is it true that douching can lead to an ectopic pregnancy? (I read this on one of those sites you hate.)”
Unfortunately, this one seems to be true. For years, doctors have known that women who frequently use vaginal douches are at greater risk for pelvic inflammatory disease and certain vaginal infections, including chlamydia.
Now, recent studies suggest that vaginal douching may be associated with higher rates of cervical cancer and perhaps even ectopic pregnancy.
So how does that work? Well, one explanation is that douching can force bacteria from your vagina into your uterus and Fallopian tubes. When an infection gets into your Fallopian tubes it can damage the tiny hair-like projections that move a fertilized egg down to your uterus.
Remember, fertilization doesn’t take place in your uterus—it takes place in one of your fallopian tubes. And if the egg can’t travel onward to the uterus after it meets with the sperm, it will set up shop and continue to divide and “grow” right there in the tube.
If you would like more information about douching, your gynecologist is the best person to ask. Only he or she is qualified to give you medical advice but don’t be surprised to hear that vaginal douching has little to offer in terms of positive benefits.
And, as the article you found pointed out, vaginal douching is, indeed, linked to a number of health problems, including ectopic pregnancy.
References:
Zhang, J., et al. (1997). Vaginal douching and adverse health effects: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Public Health.
Alatas, E., et al. (2008). Laparoscopic management of a primary ectopic ovarian pregnancy and vaginal douching as a possible cause. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Unfortunately, this one seems to be true. For years, doctors have known that women who frequently use vaginal douches are at greater risk for pelvic inflammatory disease and certain vaginal infections, including chlamydia.
So how does that work? Well, one explanation is that douching can force bacteria from your vagina into your uterus and Fallopian tubes. When an infection gets into your Fallopian tubes it can damage the tiny hair-like projections that move a fertilized egg down to your uterus.
Remember, fertilization doesn’t take place in your uterus—it takes place in one of your fallopian tubes. And if the egg can’t travel onward to the uterus after it meets with the sperm, it will set up shop and continue to divide and “grow” right there in the tube.
If you would like more information about douching, your gynecologist is the best person to ask. Only he or she is qualified to give you medical advice but don’t be surprised to hear that vaginal douching has little to offer in terms of positive benefits.
And, as the article you found pointed out, vaginal douching is, indeed, linked to a number of health problems, including ectopic pregnancy.
References:
Zhang, J., et al. (1997). Vaginal douching and adverse health effects: a meta-analysis. American Journal of Public Health.
Alatas, E., et al. (2008). Laparoscopic management of a primary ectopic ovarian pregnancy and vaginal douching as a possible cause. Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
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