Vaginal douching is thought by some to increase ectopic pregnancies. Vaginal douching may also increase the risk. Douching after sexual intercourse is not an effective form of birth control. Douching may also wash bacteria into the uterus and Fallopian tubes, causing fertility problems. Bleeding after douching or after a pelvic exam is a common symptom of cervical cancer. Avoiding douching and scented hygiene products is also recommended. Unclean douching equipment may introduce foreign bodies into the vagina. Washing, douching, or urinating cannot prevent the transmission of a sexually transmitted disease in general. Most people who use rectal douching do so with plain water. Douching after intercourse is estimated to reduce the chances of conception by only about 30%. Post-coital douching was often recommended in conjunction with its use. Another popular way is with a handheld bulb and syringe designed for rectal douching. Clinicians generally discourage the practice of douching for maintaining vulvovaginal health. Douching has been touted as having a number of supposed but unproven benefits.