Role

of Feminine Hygiene in Maintaining

Womens Health

Genital Hygiene
The maintenance of the vulvar barrier function,
through hygiene care and appropriate habits,
helps to protect the entire genital tract,
since they are continuous and integrate structures

1 Practical Guide to Clinical procedures:Female Genital Hygiene 2009. Brazilian Federation of

Gynecology and Obstetrics

The Internal Compartment of the Female

Genitalia - Vagina
The vagina is a dynamic
ecosystem:
Lactobacilli
Vaginal epithelium
Glycogen -
Estrogen
Lactic acid
Acidic vaginal pH

vagina

Farage M et al. Dynamics of the vaginal ecosystem hormonal influences. Infectious Diseases: Research and
3
Treatment 2010:3 115

Maintenance of the normal acidic pH

is an important component of
perineal care

3 Common vaginal infections related to altered

vaginal pH

n Bacterial vaginosis
n Candidiasis
n Trichomoniasis

Improper Genital Hygiene

Increase in pH by improper hygiene that is
essential to protect the vulvovaginal surface:
Too frequent genital washing (>2-3 times/day)
Use of overaggressive detergents or cleansers
Use of cleansers with neutral or alkaline pH

35 Guaschino S et al. SOPHY II Minerva Ginecol 2008;30:353-62

Lactic acid
Maintains skin acidity
pH is 5.2
Brings about true physiological antibiosis by
neutralizing pathogenic bacteria

Mechanism of action of Lactic Acid

Restores the normal skin Ph
Prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria
and fungi
Promotes the growth of lactobacilli

Lactic Acid Feminine Hygiene

A moisturizing cleansing product especially formulated
to protect the vulva from irritation and infection.
pH approaches the normal skin pH of 5.2
Dermatologically and gynecologically tested
to be mild and hypoallergenic

Use of lactic acid, lactoserum as adjunct to standard treatment

of BV resulted in relief of symptoms

65*
28.9
8
4.8
D1

88*

*
77.1

*
82.1

59.7

63.5

69.8

71

D4

D5

D6

D7

D1

98.4

100

100

92.9

94.6

94.6

40.2

66.7
57.4

D2

D3

% patients with relief of malodor

96.8
94.6

100
98.2

80.7

89.7

98.6 * 98.6 * 98.6 * 100*

89.7

89.7

91.2

88.2

D2

D2

D3

D4

D5

D6

D7

% patients with relief of pruritus

Lactic acid, lactoserum (n=96)

Control (n=103)

62.5

D1

75.0

91.7

18.6

92.1
79*

*
84.2

90.3 *

D3

D4

D5

D6

% patients with relief of tenderness

D7

Multicenter, randomized, comparative

study of Lactic acid lactoserum +
metronidazole vs metronidazole
alone in patients with BV

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong et al. A c linical trial of the efficacy and tolerability of LFH when used as adjunctive
external wash in BV. Vietnam OB Gyne Association 2005

10

Summary
Feminine hygiene products with pH that approximates
the mildly acidic skin pH is appropriate for both daily
hygiene and as adjunct to standard treatment of vulvo-
vaginal infections.
Lactic acid FH has been shown to be safe and efficacious
as adjunct to standard treatment in the management of
common vulvo-vaginal infection.
Lactic acid FH has shown
high satisfaction and
tolerability as daily external genital wash in healthy
women.
11