Douches and Vaginal Sprays
Douching or using vaginal sprays can disrupt a normal balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina, weakening the vagina’s natural defenses and making it more susceptible to a yeast infection. Symptoms like itching, burning, and redness may occur when that happens.
Douching can cause vaginal infections because it washes away the normal bacteria in the vagina. This causes an imbalance of pH levels and allows yeast to grow in the vagina. Typically, women try to treat their vaginal infections using feminine sprays containing acetic acid or vinegar. These sprays are designed to kill any bacteria or fungus in the vagina and help prevent bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections.
However, when these sprays are used regularly, they can cause vaginal infections by changing the acidic environment of the vagina from its normal state into an alkaline one. By changing the pH level, these sprays allow the yeast to grow and cause vaginal infections such as a vaginal yeast infection or thrush.
The symptoms of an actual yeast infection are much like the symptoms of many other common vaginal infections. Therefore, it’s very important to see your doctor or gynecologist if you suspect you have a vaginal infection.
