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It's a natural thing
Our bodies smell. There are all sorts of moist places that generate odors because of secretions, bacteria (often friendly), and other bodily functions. Contrary to what you may have heard, those odors aren't such a bad thing. Nobody's going to argue for arriving at a business meeting smelling like you've been in the saddle for a week, but our bodies were made to smell. Regular bathing and reasonable hygiene is all you need to stay healthy. However, if you want to freshen up, vaginal deodorants are here to help.
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Know the Norm
- The normal vaginal discharge is a whitish fluid with a slight scent. As it dries on panties, it turns light yellow. For a few days when you ovulate, it may get heavier, turn clear, and feel slippery. You may also experience an increase in vaginal secretions if you're using birth control pills.
- If your discharge thickens to a white, cottage-cheese-like substance, you probably have a yeast infection. Check with your doctor if this is your first yeast infection. If you've seen a doctor about one before, you may be able to self-medicate with over-the-counter products.
- If your discharge thins to a white or gray milky liquid and the scent turns foul and overwhelmingly fishy, you may have bacterial vaginosis. This can be treated easily enough, but you will need a doctor's prescription.
- If you're using a feminine deodorant spray, powder, pad, or wipe and experience itching, burning, swelling, or redness, irritants in the product may have caused contact vulvitis. Discontinue use right away. Twice daily soaks in a bath of lukewarm water into which you've dissolved four or five tablespoons of baking soda will help soothe the symptoms. But it's best to check with your doctor.
What Are Your Choices?
- Vaginal suppositories contain many of the same ingredients as douches. They are designed to offer cleansing and deodorizing action, but there is not much evidence that they do either more effectively than soap and water.
- Vaginal or feminine hygiene sprays usually contain fragrance, emollients (oily, moisturizing substances), and propellants (used in aerosols). All of these ingredients can be highly irritating.
- Feminine washes promise to clean vaginal areas safely and effectively. While they do their job, they are no more effective than soap and water. Just be careful to use them only externally.
- Feminine powders absorb odors and moisture.
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Absorbents
Absorbents are often a component of deodorant sprays and powders. Their main purpose is to absorb moisture and keep you feeling dry. They can include fragrances.
Antiseptics
Antiseptics inhibit microbial growth or kill microbes outright. They are incorporated into vaginal deodorant products to help prevent odor. However, their effectiveness in preventing vaginal odor have not yet been substantiated.
| Absorbents | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Cornstarch | ? | A long polymer of carbohydrates (a long chain of sugar). It's a very effective drying agent that can hold up to 25 times more moisture than talcum powder. Starch absorbs moisture, urine, oil, and other irritants to help keep your skin dry. Skin rashes and other allergic reactions may occur. | | Talcum powder | ? | Crushed magnesium silicate, a type of naturally occurring mineral. Talc can help you stay dry by absorbing oils, moisture, and irritants. There are studies that raise concern about cancer because talc has been found in some ovarian tumors. | | Antiseptics | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Octoxynol-9 | ? | An antimicrobial agent derived from phenol with surfactant characteristics. Keeps the oil and water portions in a product together. It can be used as a surfactant and detergent. | | Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) | ? | Used as a surfactant in many cosmetic products, but it also has antimicrobial activity. A topical antiseptic with detergent capabilities, its safety is questionable since it is toxic. | | 8-hydroxyquinoline | ? | This antiseptic also has antiperspirant, deodorant, and fungicide properties. |
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Appropriate Uses
Deodorant sprays
Controls and masks unpleasant odors and absorbs moisture.
Feminine powder
Controls and masks unpleasant odors, absorbs moisture, and can soothe itching and irritation.
Suppositories
Controls unpleasant odors. Can be used when you are experiencing your menstrual period.
Common Misconceptions
Deodorant sprays
Cannot be used to treat symptoms of a yeast infection. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing prolonged vaginal irritation.
Feminine powder
Cannot be used to treat symptoms of a yeast infection. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing prolonged vaginal irritation.
Suppositories
Cannot be used to treat symptoms of a yeast infection. Consult a doctor if you are experiencing prolonged vaginal irritation.
Not a Cure-All
While vaginal deodorant products are designed to mask odors, don't use them to cover strong odors. If you're experiencing foul, fishy-smelling vaginal discharge, it's likely you have an infection and should see a doctor.
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Is That Fresh Feeling Worth It?
- One study suggests that women who use genital sprays or powders (cornstarch, talcum, baby, deodorant) may have an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
- Deodorant products may contain chemicals that alter the vagina's normal protective environment, making you more prone to infections.
- Feminine hygiene sprays and wipes contain contact irritants that may cause contact vulvitis, which is characterized by itching, burning, and irritation.
- Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Covington, TR; RR Berardi, LL Young, SC Kendall, MJ Hickey.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, Washington DC, 1996.
- 2. Rinzler, CA.The Women'sHealth Products Handbook. Hunter House Inc. 1997.
- 3. Knodel, LC.Nonprescription Products: Formulations & Features '98-99. Americam Pharmaceutical Association. Washington DC 1998.
- 4. Winter, R.A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Random House, Ince. New York 1994.
- 5. Michalun, N and MV Michalun.Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Milday Pub. Co. Albany, NY 1994.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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