Douching Is Indirectly Linked to HIV Infection in Female Sex Workers

Abstract

Researchers analyzed data from 540 sex workers in Nairobi Kenya who were screened to determine whether an association exists between vaginal douching and sexually transmitted infections. 30% of the women screened tested positive for HIV while 49% tested positive for bacterial vaginosis 16% for trichomoniasis 10% for candidiasis 10% for gonorrhea 6% for syphilis and 1% for genital ulcers. 72% of the women surveyed reported having practiced vaginal douching. Researchers found a significant relationship between douching and condom use. Women who practiced vaginal douching were more likely than those who did not to have ever engaged in anal sex. They also had more sexual partners per day. A significantly higher incidence of bacterial vaginosis was found among the female sex workers who douched. The researchers did not find a significant association between douching and HIV infection however a result that the researchers attribute to greater condom use among sex workers who douche.