Natural Feminine Hygiene

NATURAL FEMININE HYGIENE

There are many products out there specifically for women’s hygiene; however, they can be ridden with chemicals, perfumes and other less than ideal ingredients that can wreak havoc on the delicate flora of the female anatomy. Maintaining your womanly health should be part of every woman's daily self-care regimen and will help prevent infections and discomfort.

CONVENTIONAL FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used for menstruation, vaginal discharge, and other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. Products may include sanitary napkins, tampons, pantyliners, menstrual sponges, and period panties. Feminine hygiene products also include formulas meant to cleanse the vulva or vagina, such as douches, feminine wipes, and soaps. Did you know; however, that conventional feminine hygiene products can contain a wide array of hazardous chemicals? Indeed, toxic chemicals in feminine care products have been associated with serious health problems, such as the increased risk of breast cancer, infertility, asthma, and a range of allergic reactions. This is unfortunately not surprising when you consider that ingredients used in conventional feminine hygiene products include carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, and allergens. Add to this the fact that vaginal tissue is far more absorptive than other skin, making the presence of hormone-disrupters and toxic chemicals in feminine care products especially concerning.

NATURAL FEMALE HYGIENE PRODUCTS

Fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce your exposure to the chemicals and toxins founds in conventional feminine hygiene products, without compromising on your self-care regimen. There exist an increasing number of natural solutions for feminine hygiene including 100% certified cotton sanitary pads, tampons, and liners, as well as menstrual cups - small, flexible funnel-shaped reusable cups made of rubber or silicone that you insert into your vagina to catch and collect period fluid. Cups can hold more blood than other methods, so constitute an eco-friendly and safe alternative to tampons. Some of the most well-known brands of cups include the Keeper Cup, Moon Cup, Lunette Menstrual Cup, DivaCup, Lena Cup, and Lily Cup. Most cups use no chlorine, dyes, colourings, or additives of any kind, so do not add to your body’s toxic load. Of course, as in all things, make sure to read the product label carefully to make sure whatever products you select are free to synthetics, and super absorbents for instance, that are made from petrochemicals.

LEST WE FORGET PROBIOTICS

No discussion on feminine hygiene and vaginal health is complete without making a mention of probiotics. Indeed, over 50 different species of tiny microbes make up the vaginal microbiome. The majority of these are of the lactobacilli family and are essential to keep the vagina healthy and free of infection. A lack of lactobacilli and an overgrowth of other microbes can cause an imbalance in the vagina, or vaginal dysbiosis – and can result in what is commonly referred to as "bacterial vaginosis" and "vaginal yeast infections" – the most common manifestations of which being itchiness, fishy odour, discharge, milky discharge, pain, and discomfort. There exist several potent probiotic blends that are formulated specifically for the vaginal microbiome – featuring probiotic strains which have been shown to be especially beneficial to the vaginal environment, that you can include in your daily vaginal self-care regimen. Ask your friendly natural health consultant for the formula that best suits your needs.

SOMETIMES A LITTLE ADVICE MAY BE REQUIRED

Women from time-to-time experience uncomfortable, vaginal infections (vaginitis). The vulva can also become irritated. There exist both natural and conventional (OTC) treatments to help alleviate and even prevent vulvar discomfort and vaginal infections. However, it’s important to note that not all vaginal infections are alike and your treatment of choice may, at times, worsen the condition. If you have any concerns about your vulvar or vaginal health, notice unusual changes, or have a condition that is persisting, contact your natural health care practitioner for advice on the best treatment option for you.