Vaginal Douching Practices among Turkish Married Women

• Published in: Gynecologic and obstetric investigation Vol. 73; no. 2; pp. 152 - 157
• Main Authors: Erbil, Nülüfer, Alışarlı, Anıl, Terzi, Hakime Çilem, Özdemir, Kevser, Kuş, Yeşim
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel, Switzerland S. Karger AG 01.01.2012
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Attitude to Health; Cross-Sectional Studies; Culture; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Marital Status - statistics & numerical data; Middle Aged; Original Article; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Social Class; Surveys and Questionnaires; Turkey; Vaginal Douching - adverse effects; Vaginal Douching - statistics & numerical data; Women's Health; Young Adult; Turkey; Douche, risks of; Hygiene; Vaginal douche, prevalence
• ISSN: 0378-7346; 1423-002X
• DOI: 10.1159/000332372

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of the practice of vaginal douching among Turkish married women and associations between their douching status, predisposing factors, and effects on their health. Methods: This cross-sectional survey of women between 17 and 61 years of age was conducted between February 1, 2007, and May 18, 2007, in the Maternity-Gynecology and Children’s Hospital in Ordu, Turkey. The sample of this study included 427 women. A confidential and anonymous self-reported questionnaire was collected in a convenient sample of the women. Results: Of the 427 women in the study, 165 women (38.6%) had douched at some time. Housewives [odds ratio (OR) 2.660, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.162–6.090], women who had experienced a spontaneous abortion (OR 4.676, 95% CI 1.606–13.618), or had beliefs about positive health effects of vaginal douching (OR 29.603, 95% CI 14.090–62.192) also had risk factors associated with vaginal douching practices. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study found that vaginal douching is a common practice among women. Many of the women who practiced vaginal douching believed in its health benefits. The results may enhance healthcare practitioners’ knowledge and efforts to educate their patients.