A douche is a device used to introduce water or other preparation into the body. The word can refer to the rinsing of any body cavity but usually applies to vaginal irrigation, rinsing of the vagina. Vaginal douching is useful for cleaning the vagina and reducing the occurrence of unwanted odors. When a douche product is used for medicinal purposes, such as treatment of fungal or yeast infections, then the product is considered a drug by the Food and Drug Administration and much be shown to be safe and effective for the intended use. Douche drug products can either be sold as Over-The-Counter drugs or as prescription drugs. Any douche product used to treat medical conditions should be used under the supervision of a physician. The safety of douching products used solely for cleansing purposes is ensured by careful selection of ingredients and testing to make sure it can be safely used. In addition, strict quality assurance and good manufacturing practice are followed in the manufacturing of douche products to ensure that they are safe during shipment and storage and while in use by the consumer. This includes stability testing to make sure that the product containers are suitable for the product during the lifetime of storage and use. It is especially important to read the directions on the product and follow these instructions. Cleansing Douche products are not intended to treat medical conditions and must not be used to treat vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases or for contraceptive purposes. The safety of products that are in the market place is monitored by the manufacturer and consumers can contact the company by calling the phone number provided on the product.
