Another Reason Not to Douche
Anna Wald, MD, MPH reviewing Gonzalez NL et al. Epidemiology 2016 Jun 20.
Douching was associated with almost twofold higher risk for ovarian cancer.
Douching remains prevalent among U.S. women (especially black women) despite associations with adverse reproductive health outcomes, including pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. In a prospective cohort study, investigators asked whether douching or genital talc use predicts risk for ovarian cancer in a cohort of some 50,000 women, each of whom had a sister with breast cancer.
After a median follow-up of 7 years, 154 women received diagnoses of ovarian cancer. Women who reported douching at baseline had significantly higher risk for ovarian cancer (hazard ratio, 1.8). Talc use was not associated with subsequent development of ovarian cancer.
Comment
Because products used for douching are categorized as cosmetics, regulation of their ingredients is minimal. Environmental chemicals such as phthalates are found at higher levels among women who douche. The practice disturbs the normal vaginal flora and may impair local immune defense. Assurance from clinicians that douching confers no health benefits — and that good hygiene need not include douching — may convince some women to stop. For those who choose to continue douching, however, use of tap water only is advised.
Note to readers: At the time NEJM Journal Watch reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
An addition from my youth. I have no self restraint.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YJmUZXGxD0
Anna Wald, MD, MPH reviewing Gonzalez NL et al. Epidemiology 2016 Jun 20.
Douching was associated with almost twofold higher risk for ovarian cancer.
Douching remains prevalent among U.S. women (especially black women) despite associations with adverse reproductive health outcomes, including pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy. In a prospective cohort study, investigators asked whether douching or genital talc use predicts risk for ovarian cancer in a cohort of some 50,000 women, each of whom had a sister with breast cancer.
After a median follow-up of 7 years, 154 women received diagnoses of ovarian cancer. Women who reported douching at baseline had significantly higher risk for ovarian cancer (hazard ratio, 1.8). Talc use was not associated with subsequent development of ovarian cancer.
Comment
Because products used for douching are categorized as cosmetics, regulation of their ingredients is minimal. Environmental chemicals such as phthalates are found at higher levels among women who douche. The practice disturbs the normal vaginal flora and may impair local immune defense. Assurance from clinicians that douching confers no health benefits — and that good hygiene need not include douching — may convince some women to stop. For those who choose to continue douching, however, use of tap water only is advised.
Note to readers: At the time NEJM Journal Watch reviewed this paper, its publisher noted that it was not in final form and that subsequent changes might be made.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
An addition from my youth. I have no self restraint.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YJmUZXGxD0
I don't have an anger problem, I have an idiot problem.