Vaginal douche, the 'Omega Spray', England, 1900-1940

Rubber and vulcanite vaginal douche, the "Omega Spray", by Ingram, English, 1901-1940

A vaginal douche forces water or another solution into the vaginal cavity to flush away vaginal discharge or other contents. This one is made out of rubber and vulcanite. Douches were often used by women as a contraceptive. However, douching is quite an ineffective form of contraception. It is also an ineffective protection against sexually transmitted infections. Regular douching can alter the chemical balance of the vagina. This makes a woman more susceptible to infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease. This type of douche is called the ‘Omega Spray’. It was made by Ingram in England and was patented by Raine.