Frequency of douching and risk of bacterial vaginosis in African-American women.
OBJECTIVE
Frequent vaginal douching has been associated with bacterial vaginosis. We investigated whether infrequent douching is also a risk factor for bacterial vaginosis.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 411 African-American women of reproductive age who were visiting gynecologic or family planning clinics of 2 hospitals in New York City from 1999 to 2001. Detailed information on demographic characteristics, feminine hygiene practice, contraceptive use, and reproductive and medical history was collected through in-person interview. Pelvic examinations and laboratory tests on vaginal secretions were performed. Bacterial vaginosis was defined as Gram stain score of 7 or greater.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of bacterial vaginosis in this population was 27%, similar to the national average. Water-vinegar solution was the most common douche. Although one half of the subjects reported douching regularly, only 2% douched frequently (once per week or more). Frequent douching in the past 3 months had a prevalence ratio of bacterial vaginosis of 2.35 (95% confidence interval 0.98-5.63). However, douching less than once per week was not associated with bacterial vaginosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Douching less than once per week, particularly with a water-vinegar douche, is not associated with bacterial vaginosis in this African-American population.


METHODS
III
Departments of Community and Preventive Medicine, Pathology, and Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. zhangj@mail.nih.gov
Jun
J
Zhang
Maureen
M
Hatch
David
D
Zhang
Joanna
J
Shulman
Emily
E
Harville
Albert George
AG
Thomas
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D044383:Black People / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016585:Vaginosis, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology*; D001741:Black or African American