5 Steps to Vaginal Health

1. Is vaginitis due to tight underwear and laundry detergent?

Fact or fiction?

These long time concerns are not entirely without merit. Vaginitis with irritation, itching and discharge can be caused by several common infections. Wearing cotton under wear rather than a polyester synthetic material that provides less ventilation and change in laundry detergent could help recurrent vaginal infections in some individuals. It probably is not as common as people believe. Use of perfumed soaps, bubble baths, intimate deodorants or fragrances could be source of local irritation to the vulva or inside the vagina. If you have recurrent problems it would be good to avoid all of these items.

If you do not see prompt resolution of the irritating symptoms then you should consult your physician to explore possible yeast or sexually transmitted infections. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is another common condition that can lead to vaginal discharge, irritation or odor.

2. Does sex cause my recurrent yeast infection? Truth or myth?

Research has shown that men do not typically pass a yeast infection to women during intercourse. Yeast infections more commonly are due to some imbalance in the vagina that allows yeast to multiply and overgrow. In larger numbers it can be the cause of vaginal irritation, itching and discharge. Medications especially antibiotics or hormones like birth control pills can alter the normal balance of bacteria and yeast in the vagina allowing one to proliferate to the point of causing irritating symptoms. Stress, exercise, menstrual cycle, and diabetes can also affect the tendency toward recurrent yeast infections.

Although intercourse did not seem to be connected to recurrent yeast infection, women receiving oral sex were more likely to suffer from recurrent yeast infections even if their partners had no signs of oral yeast infections. Use of other sex toys, lubricants, or similar products can also be contributing factors. 80% of all women will have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in a lifetime. It certainly is a nuisance and frustration rather than a problem with serious consequences. When recurrences are an issue other external factors should be considered. There are good treatments available without a prescription but consulting your health care provider for recurrences would be prudent.

3. What can I do about a urine-like odor around my vagina? Help?

The ammonia like odor may not be from urine. There are many sweat glands in the area. If you perspire a lot you may experience a similar odor. Sweat can contain similar compounds especially if you're not drinking enough water thus concentrating the odors. The first thing to try is washing well with mild soap and water as well as drying thoroughly. Using a cornstarch based powder without fragrance or perfume can help with the excess moisture. Again avoiding nylon panties and panty hose, opting for cotton undergarments would help as well. If the odor does not resolve seeing your health care provider to rule out bacterial vaginosis, urinary stress incontinence or other metabolic problem would be a good idea.

4. Is Toxic Shock Syndrome still a risk?

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a serious but uncommon bacterial infection. TSS was originally linked to the use of tampons, but is now also known to be associated with the contraceptive sponge and diaphragm birth control methods. The highly absorbent tampons that were thought to be the key factor are no longer on the market in the U.S. However they are still available in some countries abroad. The prolonged use of the tampon, leaving it in place for more than 8 hours, is also thought to play a role in allowing staph bacteria to proliferate.

There has been a rise in TSS. However this should not be confused with a second type of TSS caused by strep bacteria entering through a cut or injury to the skin. The symptoms of TSS include sudden high fever, a faint feeling, watery diarrhea, headache and muscle aches. Some patients also develop a red rash resembling a sun burn. TSS can progress rapidly to serious complications. If there is a concern about TSS you should be examined promptly by a medical professional.

In general this is all somewhat low risk. If you use tampons at all you should not leave one in place for more than 8 hours without changing to a new one. If you travel abroad take along some of the tampons you normally use.

5. Is it easier to get an STD if you have sex during your period? T or F?

There is some logic about vaginal physiology during menses that might suggest this is possible. However there is little research to confirm the outcome. Normally the pH of the vagina is somewhat acidic making it a hostile environment to infections. Menstrual bleeding does raise the pH somewhat. The more alkaline environment in turn could allow invasive bacteria to thrive.

What we do know is sex during your period is the time you are least likely to get pregnant. If you are not in a monogamous relationship or are not sure about your partner's sexual health, use a latex condom each and every time you have intercourse.