Intimate hygiene products (washes, vaginal douches)
Fragrances and antibacterial agents for intimate use
Evidence level : Probable BathroomMechanism : Hormonal disruption burden
🟡 Several human studies point the same way, with a plausible biological mechanism, but the evidence is not yet conclusive.
- Where it's found
- Scented intimate washes, antibacterial soaps for intimate use, internal vaginal douches.
- Suspected mechanism
- Frequent use of scented products or internal douching disrupts the naturally protective vaginal microbiome and pH, which is associated with recurrent infections (bacterial vaginosis) and, in several studies, an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy and a longer time to conception.
- Suggested alternative
- Washing the external area with plain water or a mild pH-neutral soap is enough; avoid internal vaginal douching, which is not recommended by gynecologists.
- Source
- Gynecological literature on douching and reproductive health; studies on douching and ectopic pregnancy.
Map your everyday exposures in about ten minutes.
Take the questionnaireRelated factors
Including a factor does not mean it causes infertility: it is simply worth monitoring, depending on its level of evidence.
Content last updated: September 14, 2026