Association of sanitary pads and clothing with vulvovaginitis

Abstract

Introduction: Vulvar occlusion and moisture buildup resulting from the use of sanitary pads, synthetic underwear and/or tight pants are considered risk factors for the development of vulvovaginitis (VV). However, this association is still poorly elucidated. Objective: To associate the use of sanitary pads and clothing with the presence of bacterial vaginitis (BV) and vaginal candidiasis (VC). Methods: Cross-sectional study aimed at analyzing the use of sanitary pads and clothing in 307 volunteers from 18 to 45 years old, with and without BV and/or VC. A questionnaire comprehending six domains was applied individually to the volunteers, in an outpatient gynecology clinic at a university hospital (University of Campinas, Brazil). This study analyzed three of six domains. Vaginal material was collected for microbiologic diagnosis of BV (Nugent criteria) and VC (Gram stain and culture of the fungus in Saboureaud). Exclusion criteria were: use of antibiotics within 15 days, history of cancer, positive HIV and/or syphilis and immunosuppressive disease. Statistical analysis were made with Fischer and chi-square tests, using the software EPI INFO 0.5. Significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: In total, 141 (46%) women were diagnosed with VV. The mean age was 32 (±6.8) years and most women were Caucasian (52%), had a steady partner (83%) and were using hormonal contraceptives (64.5%). Women with presence of VV used more panties made of synthetic fabric (10.6% x zero), had more menstrual cycles (72.3 x 55.4%) than those without VV (p<0.005 and p<0.0001) and showed patterns of sanitary pads similar to those without VV. Conclusion: Habits of usage of sanitary pads is not associated with the presence of VV. Presence of menstrual cycle and use of synthetic underwear have been related with greater frequency of VV.

study of personal practices of women as risk factors of vaginitis in Baghdad City, Iraq

“…The study found that the participants women who did not wear damp clothing are less likely for vaginitis than those who wear it (B= -1.186-; P. value=0.047; OR= 3.273; 95% C.I = 1.018-10.523). These results are consistent with the study findings done by (13) which found that the usage of synthetic underwear has been linked to an increased risk of vaginitis. Janković et al, (2010) (14) discovered that women who used cotton-lined underwear had a greater incidence of vaginitis than those who did not (p=0.0001).…”

<p>Evaluation of Vulvovaginitis and Hygiene Habits of Women Attended in Primary Health Care Units of the Family</p>

“…Although depilation products are used to facilitate genital and aesthetic hygiene, the aggression caused by the blades or other products used to remove hair from the genitalia may cause skin dryness, traumatize, and irritate the area. 29 A Brazilian study by Bardin et al 39 showed that 94.1% of participants used to have hair removed from their genital area, and most used a razor blade to do so. De Maria et al 40 stated in her their study that 60% of the participants presented at least one health complication due to the removal of pubic hair, the most common being epidermal abrasion and ingrown hairs.…”

Menstrual hygiene access and practices in Latin America: scoping review

“…The scope of scientific production on access and practices of menstrual hygiene was analyzed and organized by observation of recurrence, that is, by similarity of content, emerging three categories: 1) Access to dignified conditions for MHM ( 26 , 28 - 30 , 38 ) ; 2) Need for access to information ( 14 , 28 - 33 , 36 - 37 , 39 ) ; and 3) Practices for MHM ( 27 , 31 , 34 - 35 ) . The summary of the results identified by the studies in this review is presented in Figure 3 .…”