A douche is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself. Douche usually refers to vaginal irrigation, the rinsing of the vagina, but it can also refer to the rinsing of any body cavity. A douche bag is a piece of equipment for douching—a bag for holding the fluid used in douching. However, doctors recommend that women do not douche, as it can lead to many health problems, including problems getting pregnant, vaginal infections, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) . Douching can change the necessary balance of vaginal flora (bacteria that live in the vagina) and natural acidity in a healthy vagina. The vagina is designed to clean itself, so there is no need to douche to clean it.