Intravaginal Washing and Insertion of Commercial Products Are Common — Should They Be?

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), a condition marked by alterations in the vaginal microbiome, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased risk for HIV acquisition. The etiology of BV is not fully understood, but both sexual activity and intravaginal practices such as douching are thought to play roles. Investigators enrolled 141 women (median age, 32) in Los Angeles who completed surveys at entry and at 12 months about their intravaginal practices; participants were also tested for BV and sexually transmitted infections. Women were counseled about the distinction between the vagina (the region beyond the introitus) and the vulva (part of the external genitalia).

Fully 81% of women reported washing inside their vaginas or inserting p…