JUNE 2006

FEMININE HYGIENE HABITS; WOMEN’S USES OF FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS


By Adelaide G. Nardone, MD
Medical Advisor to the Vagisil Women’s Health Center^SM (VWHC)

You may have noticed that the "feminine hygiene" aisle at your drug or grocery store is offering an expanding choice of products that serve a variety of purposes. A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive® for the Vagisil Women’s Health Center^SM (VWHC) revealed that nearly half (47 percent) of U.S. women aged 18 and older use feminine health products, such as cleansing wipes, washes, powders, douches, anti-itch products, yeast infection medications, vaginal lubricants and vaginal moisturizers. Almost one in four women (24 percent) use products to cleanse the feminine area or to absorb excess discharge, and one in six use feminine health products to treat or ease itching.

Indeed, vulvovaginitis is one of the leading reasons for problem visits to the gynecologist office. Its symptoms may include: feminine itching, odor, discharge, irritation, discomfort and even swelling. I see these complaints commonly in my practice and women are often uncertain as to what they have and what they can safely use. Therefore, I offer the following "V-View" on feminine hygiene products.

• Deodorizing Products: The VWHC survey reports that nearly one in four women aged 18 and older (23 percent) say they are "very conscious" of their vaginal odor. This is especially true during moments of intimacy or when they are "perimenstrual," or leading up to their periods. One in ten women use products to combat odor. I recommend that if you are experiencing vaginal odor, it’s advisable to consult with a doctor to rule out potentially more serious problems, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If your healthcare provider gives you a clean bill of health, but you still are conscious of an odor, products such as deodorant powders can be quite helpful, as they absorb excess perspiration and wetness and can help block odor. It is important to use one that is made from cornstarch, since it will absorb better and may be safer than talc. Vagisil® Deodorant Powder uses pure cornstarch, which has been proven safe to use in the genital area. For odor that is accompanied by itching, Vagisil® Anti-Itch Creme also now has more odor-blocking agents, and Vagisil® Anti-Itch Wipes also feature patented odor-blocking technology.
  
  
• Anti-Itch Creams and Wipes: The VWHC survey reports that 43 percent of women 18 and older have experienced vaginal itching, and of those women, more than half (57 percent) will self-treat itch with over-the-counter products. Again, I recommend that women consult with a healthcare provider in the case of itching to rule out infections, STDs or skin conditions. However, anti-itch products, such as Vagisil® Anti-Itch Creme or individually wrapped Vagisil® Anti-Itch Medicated Wipes can help ease the itch until you can get to the doctor’s office, and can be used for relief in conjunction with the medical treatment of your infection. They can also be used to treat non-infectious itch due to constrictive clothing, perspiration, allergic reactions, etc. Please note, these products should be used externally only (never inserted into the vagina), and women should cease use if symptoms do not improve after seven days.
  
  
• Lubricants/Moisturizers: The VWHC survey reveals that one in six women report using vaginal lubricants to treat vaginal dryness (more prominent in married than in single women). Vaginal dryness is a common condition that is usually the result of low estrogen levels. The most common cause of decreased estrogen is menopause; however women can experience this at various stages of their lives such as when breast feeding, undergoing chemotherapy/radiation, using certain non-estrogen contraception, and even taking certain medications. A vaginal lubricant or moisturizer can be used to effectively relieve the discomfort of vaginal dryness and to make intimate moments more pleasurable. I recommend that the lubricant not contain any harsh chemicals or hormones, and that it be water-soluble so as not to damage condoms or tampons. Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant is a light, greaseless water-soluble formula that was developed with a gynecologist to closely mimic a woman’s own natural moisture. If a lubricant alone is not sufficient, speak to your healthcare provider for other solutions, such as topical estrogens in the form of vaginal rings, inserts, creams or perhaps systemic estrogen.
  
  
• Douches: Douching is the act of cleaning out the vagina with water or mixtures of other liquids. Most store-bought douches are a pre-packaged mix of water and vinegar, baking soda or iodine. Women who douche do so in belief that it will clean and deodorize the vagina or will rinse away residual blood after periods. Some even believe that douching will help prevent STDs and pregnancy (not true!). Most doctors and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) do NOT recommend douching. The normal acidity of the vagina controls the amount of bacteria in the vagina. Douching can disrupt this balance and make a woman more susceptible to infections. Also, if an infection exists, douching can push it up into the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. I tell my patients that the best way to "clean" the vagina is to let it clean itself!
  
  
• External Cleansing Products: For most women, effective cleansing of the genital area can usually be accomplished by daily washing using water and a gentle soap. However, many women choose to use specialized cleansing products such as cloths or washes for extra assurance. My recommendation is that if you want to use them, make sure they do not contain ingredients such as alcohol and harsh detergents. If you are using such products to combat odor, be sure you visit a healthcare practitioner to rule out an underlying infection.
  
  
• Over-the-Counter Infection Medications: The availability of over-the-counter yeast infection medications was well-received by women everywhere. However, I always warn my patients that not every infection is a yeast infection (yeast infections are actually not the most common vaginal infection!). If you incorrectly self-treat a vaginal infection with an anti-fungal, you may prolong your symptoms and delay proper treatment of a more serious problem. Therefore, consult with a healthcare practitioner if you are experiencing itching, burning, unusual discharge, unusual odor or swelling.
  
  

So feel free to take advantage of the products that are available to you, but remember my
Top 5 Tips:

1. Vulvovaginitis can present with many symptoms including itching, odor, discharge and irritation. While these are very common complaints, they require a proper clinical assessment.
2. Many over-the-counter ("OTC") products are available today to help relieve and even treat the signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis. It is important to know what products are appropriate and safe for you.
3. Sometimes vulvovaginitis is from an infection (e.g., Yeast, bacterial vaginosis ("BV")). However, it can also be from a skin condition, an allergic reaction, or a chemical dermatitis.
4. Since many vulvovaginal conditions have similar signs and symptoms it is important that women are properly evaluated and diagnosed by a gynecologist before self treating.
5. Remember: "When in doubt, check it out!"