The role and place of proper female intimate hygiene in preventing vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis
Teterina T.A., Apolikhina I.A., Suleimanova Zh.Zh.
The issue of female intimate hygiene is a delicate matter that is frequently neglected in the communication between patients and primary care physicians. From a pragmatic perspective, there is an extensive range of feminine hygiene products available that women can use as part of their daily hygiene routine. However, there is a lack of research and recommendations related to the care of the female genitalia. Consequently, the present review concentrates on the issue of female hygiene, as it has been the subject of comparatively little research.
This article considers the role and place of proper intimate hygiene in the prevention of vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis in women. The authors analyze the basic principles and rules of intimate hygiene that help maintain vaginal health and prevent the development of these diseases.
The relevance of the issue is due to the high prevalence of vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis among women of different age groups. The authors also consider factors that contribute to vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis, such as improper use of hygiene products, wearing synthetic underwear, frequent spaying, etc.
The vaginal microflora has a unique balanced environment during the reproductive period of a healthy woman’s life. This environment may change under the influence of external factors, but it returns to normal due to the mechanism of self-purification. The acid-base balance of the vaginal environment varies between 3.8 and 4.5. It can vary during the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and it depends on the sexual activity of the woman.
During the reproductive years, the vaginal microbiota of healthy women is characterized by the presence of various microorganisms, including aerobic and anaerobic, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Lactobacillus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. predominate over other bacteria such as Streptococcus spp., Bacteroides spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Peptostreptococcus spp. The bacteria of the Lactobacillus spp. and Corynebacterium spp. produce lactic and acetic acid from glycogen, maintaining an acidic environment (low pH) in the vagina. This results in colonization resistance and inhibition of the multiplication of pathogenic flora in the vagina. If colonization resistance is compromised, opportunistic bacteria can cause vulvovaginitis.
The article presents the findings of the analytical study of several clinical cases on the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis and modification of intimate hygiene with the use of the Saforelle product for intimate hygiene.
Conclusion: The results showed that the use of a comprehensive approach, including antibacterial therapy and the Saforelle product for intimate hygiene, contributes to the rapid and effective elimination of symptoms of bacterial vaginosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Authors’ contributions: Teterina T.A., Suleymanova Zh.Zh. – collection of publications, processing and analysis of materials, writing the text, translation of the articles; Apolikhina I.A. – editing the article.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
Funding: The study was conducted without sponsorship.
Patient Consent for Publication: The patients participating in the study provided an informed consent for the publication of their data and associated images.
For citation: Teterina T.A., Apolikhina I.A., Suleimanova Zh.Zh. The role and place of
proper female intimate hygiene in preventing vulvovaginitis and bacterial vaginosis.
Akusherstvo i Ginekologiya/Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2024; (12): 195-206 (in Russian)
https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/aig.2024.333
Keywords
vaginitis
candida vulvovaginitis
vaginal dysbiosis
bacterial vaginosis
burdock
burdock extract
intimate hygiene
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Received 25.12.2024
Accepted 29.12.2024
About the Authors
Tatiana A. Teterina, PhD, Obstetrician-Gynecologist, USD, Department of Aesthetic Gynecology and Rehabilitation, V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 4, Ac. Oparin str., Moscow, Russia, 117997, +7(963)961-67-44, palpebra@inbox.ru,https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0990-2302
Inna A. Apolikhina, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor, Head of the Department of Aesthetic gynecology and Rehabilitation, V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 4, Ac. Oparin str., Moscow, Russia, 117997; Professor at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatology, and Reproductology, Institute of Professional Education, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University), i_apolikhina@oparina4.ru, https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4581-6295
Zhasmina Zh. Suleimanova, Оbstetrician-Gynecologist, Department of Aesthetic gynecology and Rehabilitation, V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia, 4, Ac. Oparin str., Moscow, Russia, 117997, zhasmin020@mail.ru
Corresponding author: Tatiana A. Teterina, palpebra@inbox.ru
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