In recent years, the market has been flooded with vaginal products and treatments promising to improve women’s health and wellness. However, not all of these products and treatments are necessary or even safe. In this guide, we will debunk five vaginal products and treatments that you just don’t need.
- Scented lubricants
Elaborate marketing can make you may fall prey to the use of scented lubricants. This is why the come in attractive colors and composition.
But all these moisturizers that have blended components are harmful to your vagina. Some lubricants with artificial substances are thought to cause allergy and discomfort down there.
If you want a safe and affective lubricant, go for the ones with natural ingredients. Coconut oil, olive oil, and palm oil are great. To some extent, lubs that contain avocado and Shea butter are also ideal.
According to Healthline Media’s report, when seeking safe lubrication without artificial substances, natural options like coconut oil, olive oil, and palm oil are highly recommended. These natural oils are free from harmful additives and can serve as excellent alternatives for lubrication during intimate activities. Lubricants containing artificial colors and various flavors can potentially increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Your vagina can soak up these natural extracts without any side effects. Better still, when using condoms, these natural contents don’t brittle the latex. Thus you can enjoy sex knowing that you are well protected.
But this can’t be said about lubricants featuring artificial flavors and scents. They itch your cavity and destroy condoms. As such, they expose you to sexually transmitted infections and or unwanted pregnancies.
- Vitamin E
Many women and celebrities have gone public to claim that vitamin E oil supports robust vagina through strengthening the wall and increasing moisture down there.
However, there is inadequate clinical trials to support this theory. Still, vitamin E vaginal suppositories are effective in this area.
Two studies have found that this vaginal insertion improves the atmosphere in the vagina. The first report states that vitamin E vaginal oil reduces dryness in postmenopausal women.
The second test done on 52 women was published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. It mentions that intrauterine application of vitamin E reduced incidences of vaginal atrophy like itching and burning.
As such, we could state that vitamin E, when used with vitamin A and estrogen supplementation, could help resolve dryness in older women.
This being the case, it’s not necessary for younger women to use this vitamin vaginally. After all, the vagina has a natural mechanism to remain taut and moist.
- Prepackaged wipes and washes
Many online portal tout array of new vagina wipes and washes. They claim that these cleansers have special ingredients designed to maintain a healthy pH level. Further, these wipes can ward of infections.
As reported by WebMD, numerous online advertisements promote new vagina wipes and washes. However, it is essential to be cautious as these products may lead to infections and itching. Using such products without proper medical guidance can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal environment and potentially result in discomfort and health issues
But they just do the opposite. Instead of disinfecting your vag, these prepackaged wipes cause itchiness and infection.
The douching substances marketed here usually contain harsh chemicals and scents that irritate the mild balance of the vaginal atmosphere. Most of these products that claim to make you feel or smell cleaner aren’t that safe, after all.
They have abrasive compounds found in many detergents. Besides, you may have a sensitive skin. And the vagina, with all its sensitivity, doesn’t need external cleaning appliances.
Anything other than mild unscented soap is suffice to exterminate helpful bacteria. This process exposes your delicate cavity to harmful bacterial infection. If you must use them, restrict these products to the outer labia.
- Marijuana treatment
Science has confirmed medicinal benefits of using the weed, especially in pain management. And women who experience painful periods are lining up to harness the calming powers of cannabis saliva.
So you shouldn’t act surprised when you see “weed tampons” in your reproductive health store. But you need to pause and assess these products.
Do weed-infused vaginal towels bring a greater relief? How safe are they for use, and what potential effects do they contend to your body?
Most probably, these THC products simply use marijuana’s potency as a marketing gimmick. A study found that smoking cannabis thrice a week reduced chronic pain.
Yet another one done on CBD by the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology established that five out of six research on the weed reduced pain than placebo, but are unsafe.
Still, experiencing body ache and vagina pain are two different symptoms. Besides, there is no study that has been conducted on periods-pain reduction using vaginally-administered weed.
- Steam treatment
Most women usually undergo the loosening of the pelvis muscles due to child bearing and age.
This situation may have profound negative effect on their self-esteem and sexuality.
Some orthodox spas have noticed this frustration, and others have gone a step further to take advantage of these unfortunate women. These spas claim that they can tack a loose vagina using steam therapy.
According to Health line‘s report, when seeking safe lubrication without artificial substances, natural options like coconut oil, olive oil, and palm oil are highly recommended. These natural oils are free from harmful additives and can serve as excellent alternatives for lubrication during intimate activities. Lubricants containing artificial colors and various flavors can potentially increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
And these unproven treatments don’t come cheap. Several facilities change rates ranging from $50 to $100 for a 30-minute vaginal steam.
These outfits claim that steam of essential oils cleanse the uterus when soaked up by the vagina. All you have you do is sit down naked above the steaming bowl to infuse this benefit.
But several obstetricians/gynecologists have expressed reservations about this aroma therapy. They claim that the steam can cause chemical burns to the sensitive internal cavity. Besides, steaming can cause itch, hive and chaffs in your groin.
To conclude, five vaginal products and treatments were discussed that are used by people but are not for you. Countless useless medicines and vaginal products can be found online, but you can decide what you want.
5 Medications That Can Lead To Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness is a common condition that affects women of all ages. It is characterized by a lack of moisture and lubrication in the vaginal area, which can lead to discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse. While there are various factors that can contribute to vaginal dryness, one often overlooked cause is the use of certain medications. In this paper, we will explore five medications that can lead to vaginal dryness and discuss their potential side effects.
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergies and cold symptoms. While they can be effective in relieving symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, they can also cause vaginal dryness. This is because antihistamines have a drying effect on the body, which can affect the mucous membranes in the vagina. As a result, women taking antihistamines may experience a decrease in natural lubrication, leading to vaginal dryness.
2. Antidepressants
Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, some types of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, can cause vaginal dryness as a side effect. These medications work by altering the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can also affect the body’s ability to produce moisture in the vaginal area.
3. Birth control pills
Birth control pills are a popular form of contraception among women. However, some women may experience vaginal dryness as a side effect of taking birth control pills. This is because birth control pills can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, which can affect vaginal lubrication. Additionally, estrogen-containing birth control pills can also cause a decrease in estrogen levels, which is essential for maintaining vaginal health and moisture.
4. Chemotherapy drugs
Chemotherapy is a common treatment for various types of cancer. While it can be an effective treatment, it can also have significant side effects, including vaginal dryness. Chemotherapy drugs work by attacking rapidly dividing cells, which can also affect the cells in the vaginal lining. This can lead to a decrease in vaginal lubrication, making sexual intercourse painful and uncomfortable.
5. Antihypertensive drugs
Antihypertensive drugs, also known as blood pressure medications, are used to treat high blood pressure. These medications work by relaxing the blood vessels, which can cause a decrease in blood flow to the vaginal area. As a result, the vaginal tissues may not receive enough blood supply, leading to vaginal dryness.
What can be done to alleviate vaginal dryness caused by medications?
If you are experiencing vaginal dryness as a side effect of any medication, it is essential to talk to your doctor. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that does not cause this side effect. Additionally, there are some measures you can take to alleviate vaginal dryness, such as using a water-based lubricant during sexual intercourse or using a vaginal moisturizer on a regular basis.
Moreover, incorporating foods that are rich in phytoestrogens, such as soy, flaxseeds, and chickpeas, into your diet may help increase estrogen levels in the body and improve vaginal dryness. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding harsh soaps and perfumed products in the vaginal area can also help maintain moisture and prevent further irritation.
In conclusion, vaginal dryness can be caused by various factors, including medication use. It is essential to be aware of the potential side effects of any medication you are taking and to communicate any concerns with your doctor. With proper management and treatment, vaginal dryness caused by medications can be effectively alleviated, allowing women to maintain their sexual health and overall well-being.
