About 95 percent of Canadian women use vaginal hygiene products. Women who use these products are three times more at risk for developing some type of vaginal infection.
Vaginal Mesh Products Has Exposed Women to Unnecessary Harms
Inadequate regulatory processes for vaginal mesh products used to treat stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse have exposed women to unnecessary harms.
Inadequate regulatory processes for vaginal mesh products used to treat stress incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse have exposed women to unnecessary harms.
‘Vaginal hygiene products prevent the growth of healthy bacteria that help fight infection.’
"This study conducted by the University of Guelph establishes a baseline of what Canadian women do with regard to their vaginal health and identifies concerning correlations that researchers can now look into more closely," said psychology professor Kieran O'Doherty, the study's lead investigator. Published in the journal BMC Women's Health, the study surveyed nearly 1,500 Canadian women about their vaginal health practices and products, and how often they experienced problems.
"While research has shown douching can have negative impacts on vaginal health, little was known about the dozens of other products out there," said O'Doherty.
Vaginal Estrogen Tablets, Moisturizers and Placebo Gel Benefit Postmenopausal Women
Low dose vaginal estrogen tablet, vaginal moisturizer and vaginal gel used as a placebo were able to reduce symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Low dose vaginal estrogen tablet, vaginal moisturizer and vaginal gel used as a placebo were able to reduce symptoms in postmenopausal women.
"The study does not establish whether it is the products causing the infections or whether women are using the products in an attempt to address the infection," said O'Doherty. "However, the results do provide important evidence for strong correlations that need further research."
Novel Method Transfers Mother's Beneficial Vaginal Microbes To C-Section Babies
The microbes are collected on gauze that had been placed in the vagina before birth for one hour. The gauze is then swabbed onto the newborns' mouth, face and body.
The microbes are collected on gauze that had been placed in the vagina before birth for one hour. The gauze is then swabbed onto the newborns' mouth, face and body.
Women using feminine washes or gels were almost 3 ½ times more likely to have a bacterial infection and 2 ½ times more likely to report a urinary tract infection.
Vaginal Microbiome Linked to HIV Susceptibility
For the first time, seven species of vaginal bacteria linked to higher HIV susceptibility.
For the first time, seven species of vaginal bacteria linked to higher HIV susceptibility.
O'Doherty said emerging medical research has linked disruption of vaginal microbial systems with health problems.
"These products may be preventing the growth of the healthy bacteria required to fight off infection."
Pelvic inflammatory disease, cervical cancer, reduced fertility, ectopic and pre-term pregnancies, and bacterial and sexually transmitted infections are among the problems related to an abnormal vaginal microbiome, he said.
Vaginal hygiene products are a $2-billion industry in North America.
In a previous study published recently, O'Doherty and a team of researchers looked at why Canadian women use these products. They found women are unaware of the potential health concerns linked to these products and believe the items will make them feel clean and fresh.
"Our society has constructed female genitalia as unclean, and the marketing of vaginal hygiene products as something women need to attain the ideal is contributing to the problem. These products are viewed as a physical need rather than a choice. But the reality is, there are potential health risks to using these products."
Source-Eurekalert
