I am always douching

Dear Pastor,

How often should a woman douche? I am 30 years old and douching was something that I did regularly until my doctor told me that that is not necessary. I cannot understand why he says that it is not necessary and there are times that I can smell myself. And when I douche I feel fresher and comfortable. I would like to hear from you.

R.E.

Dear R.E.,

Your doctor is quite correct. It is not necessary for a woman to douche. According to medical doctors, " Some vaginal odour is totally normal and healthy, and that odour may change as you move through your cycle, exercise, or engage in sexual activity. So first, let's dismiss the myth that the vagina should be odourless or smell of strawberries and sunshine. It shouldn't, and trying to force it to can lead to actual health problems."

"A change in odour can result from several things: if you think you have an infection such as BV or trichomoniasis (an STD) or a yeast infection, you need to talk with a doctor. Douching won't solve or prevent any of these and may well make them much worse."

Pastor