Vaginal irrigation is a procedure that involves rinsing the inside of the vagina with water or specially dedicated substances. It is essential to use an irrigator that should be inserted into the vagina. This treatment is to protect against the development of intimate infections or significantly accelerate the treatment of existing ones.

Vaginal irrigationis intended for he alth, but unfortunately, interference with the vaginal biocenosis can lead to the opposite effect. This is because vaginal irrigation is not only about the selective elimination of pathogens, but also destroys the normal bacterial flora, which is a defense against pathogens.

The vagina is normally colonized by strains of lactobacilli, which maintain an appropriate vaginal pH (acidic, below 4.5), and thus constitute a line of defense against pathogenic microorganisms. The mentioned bacteria inhabiting the vagina block the place of attachment for pathogenic bacteria, because they take their place.

What is vaginal irrigation?

Although vaginal irrigation involves rinsing the vagina with water or specially dedicated substances, it happens that women use homemade blends or Coca-Cola for the procedure, which is a big mistake and can lead to permanent damage vaginal mucosa. The most commonly used preparations are 5% acetic acid, acid mixtures, oxidants, iodine preparation, urea derivatives and others. Perhaps the best selectivity is attributed to acetic acid, which selectively destroys pathogens, leaving behind lactobacilli.

Still, the rationale behind the benefits of vaginal irrigation is limited.

According to many gynecologists, vaginal irrigation is not recommended even in the event of an intimate infection. Much data suggests that the elimination of the vaginal flora contributes to the development of infections in the uterus and fallopian tubes. In addition, attempts are made to demonstrate the relationship between detoxification treatments and infertility, although this remains in the initial phase of observation. Vaginal irrigation should not be performed during pregnancy as it can lead to serious intrauterine infections.

Disadvantages of vaginal irrigation

The disadvantages of vaginal irrigation are primarily the elimination of lactobacilli, which have a protective functionBattery vaginosis or a tendency to other infections, including those that are sexually transmitted, are a consequence of excessive care for hygiene. Many women indicate the need to clean the vagina after menstruation or to prevent unplanned pregnancy as the legitimacy of vaginal irrigation.

Irrigation creates an increased pressure in the vagina, which translates into the development of ascending infections. Then, the cervical canal, uterine cavity, fallopian tubes or the abdominal cavity are infected. During the menstrual cycle, ovulation is the most common period of infection, when the cervical mucus is thinner and more abundant, and the outer opening of the cervix is ​​slightly dilated. Such facilitated transmission of pathogens can lead to inflammation of the endometrium of the fallopian tubes or the peritoneum. The consequence of such infections in the future may be problems with fertility.

Vaginal irrigation and the most common diseases

The use of vaginal irrigation is associated with an increased likelihood of diseases:

  • Inflammation of the pelvic organs abbreviated as PID, which is the result of the penetration of bacterial vaginosis etiological factors from the lower parts to the higher levels of the reproductive organ under the influence of the generated high pressure. Chronic inflammation causes permanent damage to the structures of the reproductive organ, which may lead to the development of other disorders, such as abscess of the fallopian tube and ovary.
  • Bacterial vaginosis is caused by the multiplication of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, the most common of which are:Gardnerella vaiginalis ,Mycoplasma hominis , Prevotella spp. ,Peptostreptococcus spp ,Mobiluncus spp. ,Bacterioides spp.They are rare under physiological conditions, only appear after the elimination of lactobacilli. During pregnancy, in many cases, bacterial vaginosis remains undiagnosed and may contribute to superinfection of the placenta, fetal membranes, premature rupture of the membranes or, ultimately, premature birth.

There is still an increased risk of developing cervical cancer in women using vaginal irrigation to clarify. It seems that the most unfavorable effect is demonstrated by tar mixtures.

Advantages of vaginal irrigation

Despite the more frequently reported defects of vaginal irrigation, several positive aspects of this procedure can be found. Vaginal irrigation in sexually active women allows the recovery of the optimal pH, which has been altered due to the presence of sperm. It is believed that the positive aspect can beshould be seen in the case of women suffering from thrush, because the elimination of the vaginal flora allows for the removal of fungal colonies. Among the mixtures available on the market, the greatest importance is attached to those containing acetic acid, which allows the greatest effect to selectively eliminate pathogens.

Category:

Female diseases