Feminine Hygiene Practices Research Articles

Bridging the GAP: Probiotic Douches Redefining the Feminine Hygiene.

Vaginal douching is a centuries-old practice which is still in use, especially among adolescents. "Probiotic douches" are the vaginal douches that are formulated with probiotics and are intended to restore or maintain the vaginal microbiome balance. Probiotic douches are a new type of feminine hygiene product that claims to promote a balanced vaginal microbiome and improve overall well-being. However, the evidence supporting the use of probiotics for vaginal health is limited because of the variability in probiotic strains and dosages studied, and the lack of more comprehensive, long-term clinical trials. Most of the existing scientific literature on probiotics focuses on oral probiotic supplements and vaginal probiotic suppositories. Some potential benefits of probiotic douches include restoring a balanced vaginal microbiota, preventing, or managing infections, supporting local immune function, reducing odor and discharge, and enhancing overall vaginal comfort. However, it is important to note that these benefits have not been definitively proven and remain a subject of ongoing research. There are also potential risks associated with their use including disruption of the natural vaginal ecosystem by introducing foreign substances, risk of infection, and stability issues with the formulation that may lead to negative consequences. This review attempts to comprehend the critical need for robust scientific research to guide the safe and effective incorporation of probiotic douches into modern feminine hygiene practices, revolutionizing women's health, and well-being.

Vaginal douching and health risks among young women.

Vaginal douching is practiced by women for various reasons. Studies have shown that this practice can upset the normal vaginal flora, increasing susceptibility to certain sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). This study aimed to assess the health risks associated with this practice among women aged 15-54 years in a densely populated community in Kumasi, the second capital city of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to gather data on the prevalence of vaginal douching among young women and their beliefs, motivations, and knowledge about the practice. A structured questionnaire was used in recruiting participants. One-hundred and fifteenstructured questionnaires were administered to women aged between 15 and 54 after their consent was sought. The study established that more than half of the participants (69.6%) engaged in douching with a midpoint of 19.5. The study indicated no significant difference between the age of participants and douching (p < 0.93). However, there was an indication of a significant association between educational status, marital status, and perception in relation to douching (p < 0.003, 0.0015, and 0.00, respectively), which also influenced the frequency of douching and contraction of STIs. Most women in the study community recruited, regardless of their educational and marital status, believed that douching is necessary and considered part of feminine hygiene practices. Practicing douching may lead to most health complications including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility which must be given serious attention by researchers, health personnel, and various women's groups.

Maintaining vulvar, vaginal and perineal health: Clinical considerations.

Knowledge of female genital anatomy and physiology is often inadequate or incorrect among women. Precise patient-physician conversations can be inhibited by a reluctance or inability to speak accurately about the vulva and vagina, with the terms often being used interchangeably. There is a paucity of scientific evidence and clinical guidelines to support women and physicians in ensuring best practices in feminine hygiene. In this review, the unmet needs in the field are highlighted. Evidence is provided for the complex array of physiological and pathological systems, mechanisms and behaviours that either protect or, if inappropriate, predispose the vulva and vagina to infections, irritation or other conditions. The need for attention to perineal health is recommended, given the interdependence of perineal and vulvar microbiota and the risk of colonic pathogens reaching the vulva and the vagina. Differences in feminine hygiene practices can vary widely across the world and among varying age groups, and suboptimal habits (such as vaginal douching or the use of certain cleansers) can be associated with increased risks of vulvar and vaginal conditions. Critical areas for discussion when advising women on their intimate health include: advice surrounding aesthetic vulvar cosmetic trends (such as depilation and genital cosmetic surgery), bowel health and habits, and protection against sexually transmitted infections. Routine, once-daily (maximum twice-daily) washing of the vulva with a pH-balanced, mild cleanser is optimal, ideally soon after bowel voiding, when feasible. Due to the finely balanced ecosystems of the vulva, the vagina and the perineal area, a scientific and clinical perspective is essential when determining the most appropriate vulvar cleansers based on their components. Correct intimate care may contribute to improved genital and sexual health and overall well-being. An increased awareness of correct practices will empower women to be the advocates of their own intimate health.

Characterization of female intimate hygiene practices and vulvar health: A randomized double-blind controlled trial.

Inappropriate feminine hygiene practices are related to vulvar unpleasant symptoms (such as skin changes, lesions, burning, pruritus, fissures, and dyspareunia). We assessed the daily use effects of intimate cleansers on vulvar skin by comparing two specific products for intimate care: Saugella Hydraserum (SIS), based on natural extracts, and a standard product based on lactic acid, such as Lactacyd Feminine Hygiene (LTC). Forty healthy women were enrolled in this double-blind controlled study. After randomization, the cleansers were used twice daily for 30days. The hydration level was determined using the Corneometer® CM 825, the pH using the Skin-pH-Meter PH 905® and the sebum level using the Sebumeter SM815® . Measurements were performed at baseline and on day 30 on the labia majora and labia minora. Both cleansers showed a reduction in the hydration level, but this was much less evident in the SIS group (-6.3% SIS vs -23,7% LTC). The pH values of the SIS group were lower than those of the LTC group, especially on the labia minora (5.27±0.08 and 5.6±0.1, respectively, P=.025). The sebum increased in both groups, but in the LTC group, it was higher on the labia majora (+96.2% vs +46.8%, respectively, P=.003), while on the labia minora, it was higher in the SIS group (+24.7% vs +17.1%, respectively P=NS). Both cleansers tested showed high performance for safety and tolerability on vulvar skin, but SIS showed better efficacy than LTC on some parameters.

Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Use of Feminine Hygiene Products Among Reproductive-Aged Women in the United States.

Background: Feminine hygiene products (FHPs) are personal care products widely used by women. A few studies have detected some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in FHPs, but no previous epidemiological studies have linked use of these products to human exposure to VOCs using biomarkers. Therefore, we evaluated whether the use of FHPs was associated with VOC exposures among reproductive-aged women in the United States. Materials and Methods: Data on 2432 women aged 20-49 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004 were utilized. Self-reported use of feminine products (tampons, sanitary napkins, vaginal douches, sprays, powders, wipes/towelettes, and other products) was obtained from questionnaires. Survey-weighted linear regression models were used to estimate percent changes in VOC whole blood concentrations and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Black women had significantly more use of vaginal douching and significantly higher whole blood concentrations of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, we observed a dose-response relationship between the frequency of vaginal douching in the past 6 months and 1,4-DCB concentrations. Compared with never users, women with occasional use (≤1 time/month) of vaginal douching had 18% (95% CI: -12% to 59%) higher concentrations, and those with frequent use (≥2 time/month) had 81% (95% CI: 2% to 221%) higher concentrations of 1,4-DCB (p for trend = 0.04). Use of feminine powder in the past month was significantly associated with 36% (95% CI: 0.4% to 83%) higher concentrations of ethylbenzene. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that differences in whole blood VOC concentrations might be explained by feminine hygiene practices. The presence of environmental chemicals in FHPs warrants further examination.

Feminine hygiene practices among female patients and nurses in Lebanon.

BackgroundInappropriate feminine hygiene practices are related to vulvovaginitis. We investigated the prevalence of personal hygiene habits among Lebanese women as well as their awareness of adequate practices.MethodsConsists of a cross-sectional observational study. Female patients and nurses at Hotel-Dieu de France University Hospital in Beirut- Lebanon filled a questionnaire about their intimate hygiene habits and knowledge of proper practices.ResultsThe study included 249 women. 21.3 % of the 136 nurses and 38.9 % of the 113 patients reported a history of vulvovaginitis. The majority of women took an intimate bath at least twice daily. 14 % of nurses and 17 % of patients douched.20. Seven percent of the nurses and 43.4 % of the patients used wet wipes. 1.5 % of nurses and 4.4 % of patients used feminine deodorant sprays. There was a significant lack of awareness mainly among patients about suitable hygiene practices as well for their adverse effects.ConclusionEducation provided by nurses, and other healthcare providers is essential to promote reproductive health among Lebanese women.

Feminine Hygiene and Vaginal Douche Practices in Middle-aged Women.

The study was done to survey feminine hygiene and vaginal douche practices in middle-aged women to obtain basic information for public health education. With a descriptive survey design, 134 middle-aged women who have menstrual period were recruited via convenience sampling. Survey contents were from the study by Czerwinski (2000) regarding feminine hygiene and vaginal douching practices. After obtaining IRB approval, a self-administered structured questionnaire was distributed to study participants. Mean age of middle-aged women was 46.88 years old. Fifty-six percent of the women practiced vaginal douching. Women performed douching with water (68%), commercial products (13%), soap (12%), and vinegar-mixed water (6%) for clean and fresh feeling, removal of unpleasant odor, and removal of vaginal discharge. Vaginal douche practice was significantly related to a history of vaginitis. The study results indicate that most of the women practiced inadequate feminine hygiene especially in douching, suggesting that is important to develop education programs on feminine hygiene practices for women of all ages, especially regarding douching and hand washing before and after changing pads or tampons.

The sociocultural context of gynecological health among Haitian immigrant women in Florida: applying ethnographic methods to public health inquiry

Objective. Twalet deba, a culturally mediated feminine hygiene practice, is widespread in Little Haiti, the predominately Haitian neighborhood in Miami, Florida. This practice may have important implications for susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections, including human papillomavirus, the principal cause of cervical cancer. Previous research has not examined the full context of twalet deba in consideration of cultural beliefs and norms about women's hygiene and sexual health. Design. Ethnographic methods guided two phases of exploratory research. The first phase included observation, participant observation, and semi-structured in-depth interviews, which were conducted with key consultants (n=6) and a subsequent purposive sample of 35 women regarding gynecological health beliefs, hygiene practices, and associated home remedy agents. These data informed the second research phase, which involved observation and informal interviews with owners of botánicas in Little Haiti, Miami, FL, USA, to assess the availability of various ethnomedical remedies, their preparation, and preferred uses. All data were analyzed qualitatively to discern patterns in interview responses and using grounded theory to identify key themes. Results. Cultural constructions of gynecological health and illness were generally incongruent with the biomedical model and emphasized the control of self-defined non-specific vaginal infections through routine hygienic practices using ethnobotanical and commercial agents to avert illness, including cancer. Such practices also encourage vaginal tightness and dryness, characteristics desired by male sexual partners, on whom women were frequently economically dependent. Data from the second phase of research reinforced these findings and revealed a wide variety of feminine hygiene agents available for purchase in local botánicas. Conclusion. The results suggest that cultural beliefs about gynecological health and dependence on male partners influence women's routine feminine hygiene practices. Botánicas are culturally salient sites for health information. Ethnographic methods were critical for collecting personal sensitive data that are necessary to inform future intervention.

Douching Behavior in High-Risk Adolescents: What Do They Use, When and Why Do They Douche?

Objectives: To describe feminine hygiene practices and douching behavior in adolescent women. Design: A cross-sectional anonymous survey. Subjects: Adolescents (majority rural) admitted to a correctional institution for girls. Main Outcome Measures: Description of feminine hygiene practices, prevalence of vaginal douching, types of substances used, reported reasons for, and timing of douching. Results: In a period of 16 weeks, 104 girls were surveyed within a week of admission. The mean age was 15.4 (SD 1.5; range 12–18) yr, and age at sexual debut 13.1 (SD 1.4) yr. Use of feminine hygiene products was reported by: 9% for feminine suppository, 33% towelettes, 40% spray, 67% feminine wash; only 18% reported no use of those feminine hygiene products listed. A history of ever having douched was reported by 79%; the mean first douching age was 14.0 (SD 1.3; range 11–16). Douching product users were significantly more likely to know someone who douches regularly ( P < .0001) and have watched douche commercials ( P = .0001) than those who did not douche. A majority used store-bought products, vinegar in water and scented solution being the most popular; baking soda, Betadine, Pine-sol, and Lysol were other products used. Commonly cited reasons for douching included to feel good and fresh (60%), and to rid of odor and of blood (47% each). Other reasons cited were to please partner (12%) and to avoid going to a doctor (6%). Timing of douching included: after period (69%), after sex (52%), before sex (16%), before going to a doctor (17%). Among those who douched, 51% douched once a month, and an additional 32% more often than that. Conclusion: This study provides troublesome findings regarding the feminine hygiene practices of mostly rural southern teenagers who have been incarcerated.

Variations in Feminine Hygiene Practices of Military Women in Deployed and Noncombat Environments

There is limited information on how military women manage feminine hygiene practices in combat and noncombat environments. The purpose of this study was to describe feminine hygiene practices of military women in deployed and noncombat (normal) environments. A nonexperimental descriptive research design was used. The study used a survey questionnaire, the Deployed Female Health Practice Questionnaire, which was developed specifically for military women to report their experiences with hygiene issues. Significant differences between deployed and normal environments were found in the areas of types of menses management products used and in douching and handwashing practices. Continuing education about safe feminine hygiene practices will help military women cope better in deployed (field) environments. Recommendations suggest further study on intervention strategies for hygiene management practices.

Variation in Feminine Hygiene Practices as a Function of Age

To examine variation in feminine hygiene practices as a function of increasing age. A nonexperimental, descriptive research design with study sample stratified by age. Women over 18 years of age. Of 713 women who completed and returned the feminine hygiene practices questionnaire, 180 were younger than 41 years, 171 were 41-48 years, 184 were 49-57 years, and 178 were 58 years or older. All participants were members of a California professional home economics organization. A 40-item feminine hygiene practices questionnaire dealing with body cleansing practices, feminine products usage, and both general and specific menses collection and protection practices. Significant age-related differences were found in several areas of body cleansing and feminine products usage, including sponge bathing and use of feminine and deodorant spray, wet wipes, and panty liners. In all age groups, 20-30% of women reported douching, even in the face of continued reports of the dangers in this practice. In addition, reduced numbers of women (n = 245) in all age groups reported washing hands before using tampons or pads, although more (n = 314) reported washing their hands afterward. Continuing education about proper feminine hygiene practices, especially regarding douching and handwashing before and after genitourinary contact, will be important across all age groups.

Adult feminine hygiene practices

Adult feminine hygiene practices are the focus of this exploratory descriptive study. In a sample of 193 women, the typical respondent lived in the Southeast and was a single student who was 23 years of age, and White. Body cleansing, feminine hygiene, and menses management practices were examined. It was found that handwashing varied according to bodily involvement or specific feminine hygiene practices. Assorted menses management products were used for menses management and were used when the woman was not menstruating. The results of this study suggest that it might be possible for health care providers to teach women safe and economical health care practices, such as not douching and handwashing before and after use of menses management products to prevent infections.