A procedure in which the vagina is washed with water or a cleansing solution. Most cleansing solutions contain water mixed with vinegar, baking soda, or iodine. Regular douching can wash away some of the bacteria that normally live in the vagina. This may allow yeast or harmful types of bacteria to grow and cause infection. Douching may also cause other health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and problems during pregnancy. Most doctors do not recommend douching.