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Frequent rectal douching and STI risk

The relationship between frequent rectal douching and the increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including rectal gonorrhoea and chlamydia, as well as HIV.

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Jan 30, 2026
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How do different douching solutions (water, saline, soapy, hyperosmotic) compare in their effects on rectal mucosa and microbiome?

Rectal douching solutions vary in how they interact with the fragile single‑layer rectal epithelium and the resident microbiome: plain water and soapy water commonly used by people are linked to epith...

Jan 26, 2026
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How does rectal douching frequency affect the rectal microbiome over time?

is repeatedly associated in the literature with measurable changes to the rectal mucosa and with shifts in microbial composition that plausibly increase susceptibility to infections; higher douching f...