Vaginal hygiene products like sprays, wipes, creams linked to infections: study
TORONTO — Doctors have long advised women to avoid vaginal douching because of the risk of infection and other adverse effects, but a new study suggests other feminine hygiene products may be just as harmful.
The University of Guelph-led study found that 95 per cent of almost 1,500 Canadian women surveyed about their use of over-the-counter sanitizing gels, anti-itch creams, moisturizers, sprays and wipes had used such products at least once in their lifetime.
But the study also found that women who use feminine hygiene products are three times more likely to experience some type of vaginal infection. In some cases, women purchased a product to address an existing vaginal issue.
“The study does not establish whether it is the products causing the infections or whether women are using the products in an attempt to address the infection,” said principal researcher Kieran O’Doherty, a social psychologist at the Ontario university.