Since the time of Hippocrates, the vaginal douche has been a common item of pelvic therapeutics. It is extensively used by uninstructed women. It is prescribed by many physicians, though condemned by some. As a rule, however, neither patient nor physician has any clear idea of its proper uses and its limitations. While in selected cases douching accomplishes definite good, as actually practiced it is for the most part worthless, if not positively harmful.
According to the results expected, there are three general types of douches. These are used for purposes of (1) simple cleansing, (2) local medication and (3) hydrotherapeusis.
THE CLEANSING DOUCHE
The cleansing douche is ordinarily a short douche, 1 or 2 quarts in volume. It is of indifferent temperature, cool or tepid. While some drug, most often a mild antiseptic, may be added to the douche water, the purpose of the douche is primarily a mechanical