Vaginal infections are the third largest reason why women see a doctor. These often avoidable problems rank right behind the common cold and the flu in the number of doctor visits.

The number one culprit causing vaginal irritations and infections turn out to be inappropriate products used for cleansing of the body and the intimate area.

In fact, data suggest that a full 38% of vaginal irritation or infections diagnosed by doctors result from the use of vaginal douches, sprays, scented soaps or bubble bath containing fragrance, harsh detergents or chemical additives and colors that are irritating and drying to the delicate vaginal tissue and change the natural, internal vaginal environment.

It is recommended that a gentle (low- sudsing), pH balanced Body Wash or cleansing product is used and plenty of lukewarm water. Products that foam a lot are usually high in harsh detergents, products that are blue or pink or green contain chemical dye additives. It is safest to avoid them.

Vaginal Discharge:

Most women, when discovering an unusual vaginal discharge, buy a yeast infection cream to take care of the problem. This often proves to be a poor decision. According to a new study two out of three women who treat themselves for a yeast infection actually don't have one. They have a condition called "BV" or bacterial vaginosis, an infection brought about by overgrowth of bacteria normally present in a woman's vagina.

80% of all women are not able to identify BV correctly. Left untreated, BV can cause serious problems: Inflammatory pelvic disease, even infertility. In pregnant women it can cause pre-term labor.

Are there any symptoms to watch for?

The white-grayish vaginal discharge identified with BV often has a fishy odor. In contrast to yeast infection it is not generally accompanied with vaginal itching. Yeast infections almost always are. Unless you are very sure of what your vaginal problem is, it's advisable to see your doctor.

Vaginal Itching is not necessarily caused by yeast infections. Often it is due to low estrogen levels causing vaginal dryness.

This is especially true for women going through menopause or women who are post-menopausal. Vaginal dryness can also result from chemo or radiation therapy, which more seriously affects the vaginal tissue.

When vaginal tissue is dry it is far more prone to irritation and infection. Harsh soaps or scented body products can make it worse. Even panty hose, tight clothing, biking or aggressive exercising can cause chafing and irritation.

For this reason, it is important to use an intimate moisturizer daily after washing with a pH balanced body wash. It is imperative to avoid using products in the intimate area containing fragrance, chemical dyes (no product is naturally pink, blue or green) and those which are high in detergents ? lots of bubbles.

It is best to use pH balanced soaps and body washes that are hypoallergenic so as not to further irritate tender tissue. Douching is never advisable and sitting in a bubble bath containing fragrance, detergents or artificial color can easily destroy the vaginal pH and leave you more exposed to irritation and infection.

To maintain a happy sexual life you must protect the health of your intimate area on a daily basis just as you take care of the rest of your body.

Jacqui




	Don't let common vaginal problems interfere with sexual intimacy. Vaginal infections are the third largest reason why women see a doctor. These often avoidable problems rank right behind the common cold and the flu in the number of doctor visits. The number one culprit causing vaginal irritations and infections turn out to be inappropriate products used for cleansing of the body and the intimate area. In fact, data suggest that a full 38% of vaginal irritation or infections diagnosed by doctors result from the use of vaginal douches, sprays, scented soaps or bubble bath containing fragrance, harsh detergents or chemical additives and colors that are irritating and drying to the delicate vaginal tissue and change the natural, internal vaginal environment. It is recommended that a gentle (low- sudsing), pH balanced Body Wash or cleansing product is used and plenty of lukewarm water. Products that foam a lot are usually high in harsh detergents, products that are blue or pink or green contain chemical dye additives. It is safest to avoid them. Vaginal Discharge: Most women, when discovering an unusual vaginal discharge, buy a yeast infection cream to take care of the problem. This often proves to be a poor decision. According to a new study two out of three women who treat themselves for a yeast infection actually don't have one. They have a condition called "BV" or bacterial vaginosis, an infection brought about by overgrowth of bacteria normally present in a woman's vagina. 80% of all women are not able to identify BV correctly. Left untreated, BV can cause serious problems: Inflammatory pelvic disease, even infertility. In pregnant women it can cause pre-term labor. Are there any symptoms to watch for? The white-grayish vaginal discharge identified with BV often has a fishy odor. In contrast to yeast infection it is not generally accompanied with vaginal itching. Yeast infections almost always are. Unless you are very sure of what your vaginal problem is, it's advisable to see your doctor. Vaginal Itching is not necessarily caused by yeast infections. Often it is due to low estrogen levels causing vaginal dryness. This is especially true for women going through menopause or women who are post-menopausal. Vaginal dryness can also result from chemo or radiation therapy, which more seriously affects the vaginal tissue. When vaginal tissue is dry it is far more prone to irritation and infection. Harsh soaps or scented body products can make it worse. Even panty hose, tight clothing, biking or aggressive exercising can cause chafing and irritation. For this reason, it is important to use an intimate moisturizer daily after washing with a pH balanced body wash. It is imperative to avoid using products in the intimate area containing fragrance, chemical dyes (no product is naturally pink, blue or green) and those which are high in detergents ? lots of bubbles. It is best to use pH balanced soaps and body washes that are hypoallergenic so as not to further irritate tender tissue. Douching is never advisable and sitting in a bubble bath containing fragrance, detergents or artificial color can easily destroy the vaginal pH and leave you more exposed to irritation and infection. To maintain a happy sexual life you must protect the health of your intimate area on a daily basis just as you take care of the rest of your body. Jacqui Copyright 2000 Brandwynne Corporation. All rights reserved.

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