Using a douche for a yeast infection is generally not recommended. The treatment can flush the yeast out of a woman's vagina, but the act of forcing a liquid into the vaginal cavity could also force the infection further into the woman's body. In the short term, the potential benefits of using a douche are that the itching, irritation, and odor may be eliminated. Douching does not, however, treat the yeast infection, and any relief it offers is temporary.
There are many problems that can arise from douching, and medical professionals do not recommend that women use a douche if they a yeast infection. One of the primary concerns with douching is that it can damage the balance of bacteria that grow naturally in the vagina. This can increase a woman's chance of developing yeast infections, bacterial infections, and sexually transmitted infections. In many cases, douching may make a yeast infection worse or lead to more infections in the future.
Most woman douche with pure water or a mixture of water and iodine, vinegar, or baking soda. When treating yeast infections, women may also use yogurt because the bacteria found in yogurt may kill certain yeasts. Another problem with using a douche for a yeast infection is that liquids forced into the vagina cannot be properly cleaned out. Leaving substances such as vinegar or iodine in the vagina can cause the lining to dry out and become sensitive and irritated. Allowing a food product to remain in the vagina can encourage the growth of dangerous microorganisms.
When a woman has a yeast infection, using a douche can force the infection further into her body. If the infection moves up into the uterus, it can be more difficult to treat. These infections can make it difficult for a woman to conceive a child and increase her risk of having an ectopic pregnancy.
Despite these downsides to using a douche for a yeast infection, many women continue to use this home treatment. It can relieve symptoms temporarily and make the woman feel much more comfortable for a time. Once the treatment wears off, however, the symptoms are likely to return because douching does not kill the infection. If a woman has used a douche before deciding to seek medical treatment, the yeast infection can be difficult for a medical professional to diagnose.