Vaginal hygiene products are used by many women, but they likely do more harm than good, according to a new study. The first-ever study found that women who use these products are three times more likely to have some type of vaginal infection. In some cases, women may purchase the product to address an existing vaginal concern.
This study establishes a baseline of what women are doing regarding their vaginal health and identifies correlations that researchers can now look at more closely.
The study surveyed nearly 1,500 women about their vaginal health practices and products, and how often they experience problems encountered. The most commonly used products were anti-itch creams, moisturizers and lubricants, and intimate wipes. The results linked certain products to specific infections.
For example, women who used gel sanitizers were eight times more likely to have a yeast infection and nearly 20 times more likely to have a bacterial infection. Women who used feminine washes or gels were nearly 3½ times more likely to have a bacterial infection and 2½ times more likely to report a urinary tract infection. Participants using intimate wipes were twice as likely to have a urinary tract infection, and those using lubricants or moisturizers were 2½ times more likely to have a yeast infection.
