Prospective studies of vaginal douching and bacterial vaginosis

Limited data are available describing the effects of vaginal douching on vaginal flora, and the key determinants for why women douche are not well understood and have not been studied prospectively. This dissertation research will evaluate the risk for bacterial vaginosis (BV) in a douching cessation trial and explore the longitudinal patterns of vaginal douching in an observational prospective study.;Study ;Study ;Conclusion. Vaginal douching after menstruation may contribute to disruption of vaginal flora. Predictors of feminine hygiene practice can be utilized in developing douching cessation and prevention interventions.