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While vaginas are naturally self-cleansing, let’s face it: many women have had times when they’ve noticed itching, an uncomfortable odor, or other discomfort. Sometimes it’s due to a vaginal or urinary tract infection. Other times it’s related to external factors – such as fluctuating hormone levels, wearing tight underwear or pants, or using harsh soaps.
You should always speak with your gynecologist or other healthcare provider about any concerning symptoms. However, there are OTC products available to assist with daily hygiene and the treatment of symptoms associated with yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and more.
This article was written by
Feminine Hygiene & Menstrual Health
Feminine Hygiene & Menstrual Health
Feminine Hygiene & Menstrual Health
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While vaginas are naturally self-cleansing, let’s face it: many women have had times when they’ve noticed itching, an uncomfortable odor, or other discomfort. Sometimes it’s due to a vaginal or urinary tract infection. Other times it’s related to external factors – such as fluctuating hormone levels, wearing tight underwear or pants, or using harsh soaps.
You should always speak with your gynecologist or other healthcare provider about any concerning symptoms. However, there are OTC products available to assist with daily hygiene and the treatment of symptoms associated with yeast infections, urinary tract infections, and more.
Daily Hygiene: Feminine Washes, Anti-Itch & Yeast Infection Treatments, & Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptom Treatments
To maintain vulvar (the external part of the female genitalia) and vaginal health, a woman must ensure pH and bacterial balance. Doing so will help prevent infections and discomfort. While there are several actions you can take to care for your vulva and vagina, such as wearing 100% cotton underwear and using a mild soap for washing underclothes, there are also OTC products available to help.
Feminine Washes
Cleansing the vulva should be a part of your daily hygiene routine. While warm water or unscented and mild soap is all you need to adequately clean the vulva, there are some OTC products available to help with cleansing, moisturizing, or freshening up.
Common OTC feminine wash brands:
- TUCKS®
- Summer’s Eve®
- Vagisil®
Itching or irritation can occur anywhere on our bodies. Yet, when it occurs in an area as sensitive as the vagina or vulva, it can be especially uncomfortable. While most cases of genital itching and irritation aren’t necessarily a major concern, it’s always a good idea to call your healthcare provider as it can be a sign of an infection. There are also OTC products available to help treat certain infections or safely relieve their symptoms.
Anti-Itch & Yeast Infection Treatments
If you are experiencing irritation, burning, or itchiness, along with a thick, often white-colored vaginal discharge, you may have a yeast infection. Nearly three out of every four women will develop a yeast infection at some point in their lives. It occurs when there is an overgrowth of the fungus candida albicans, which can be triggered by certain antibiotics, menstruation, hormonal changes, immune deficiencies, and even wearing wet underwear or bathing suits for too long. Luckily, there are OTC antifungal treatments that can treat and cure the infection.
Common OTC anti-itch & antifungal treatment brands:
- Monistat®, GoodSense®, Vagistat®
Contains the active ingredient Miconazole Nitrate
- Vagisil®
Contains the active ingredient Benzocaine
- Cortizone-10®, Monistat®
Contains active ingredient Hydrocortisone
Urinary Tract Infection Symptom Treatments
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, mainly because of a woman’s anatomy. Harmful bacteria from the anus can enter the urethra, which leads to the bladder. Symptoms include painful burning upon urination, an urge to urinate (but not much comes out), back or pelvic pain, and bloody or cloudy urine, sometimes with a strong smell.
You can reduce your risk of a UTI by staying hydrated, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry pills, wiping from front to back, and emptying your bladder after intercourse. Once you have a UTI, prescribed antibiotics are typically necessary, but some OTC products can help to alleviate the pain and discomfort that accompanies UTIs.
Common OTC UTI symptom relief brands:
- Cystex®
Contains the active ingredient Methenamine
Safe use tips for feminine hygiene products:
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the product, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product. Use feminine washes externally. Wash from front to back when using wipes.
Anti-itch products are for external use only. Do not apply them over large areas of the body. Before using anti-itch products to treat children under 12 years of age, consult a doctor. Before using an OTC yeast infection treatment, talk to your doctor if it is the first time you have had symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection. Also consult your doctor if you have infections often, or before using to treat children under 12 years of age.
OTC urinary tract infection products will treat urinary symptoms but will not cure a urinary tract infection. Take any antibiotic that your doctor prescribes to treat an infection. Those under 18 years of age should only use OTC urinary tract infection products as directed by a doctor. Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
From the onset of menstruation to menopause, a woman’s body experiences a monthly menstrual cycle. During this monthly cycle, which typically lasts 28 days, the lining of a woman’s uterus builds up to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If you do not get pregnant, your hormone levels begin to fall, and very low levels of estrogen and progesterone tell your body to begin menstruating. During menstruation, or your “period,” the blood and tissue lining the uterus (womb) breaks down and leaves the body. For many women, menstrual bleeding can last from four to eight days. There are several OTC products available to make that time of the month less uncomfortable.
Menstrual Personal Care
Blood is a favorable environment for bacteria to grow, which is why it is recommended to rinse the genital area at least twice a day while on your period. There are also sanitary products available that absorb or collect the blood and tissue that comes out of your vagina during your period.
Tampons
No one wants their monthly flow to leak. One way to prevent that is by using a tampon, typically a cotton, organic cotton, or rayon-based plug that a woman inserts into her vagina during her period. Tampons, which come in different absorbency levels, must be changed every four to eight hours.
Common tampon brands:
- Playtex®
- Sustain Natural®
- Tampax®
Menstrual Pad
A menstrual pad is a rectangle of absorbent material that sticks to your underwear to collect menstrual blood. Just like tampons, pads come in different absorbency levels. They should be changed when they are soaked with blood, or every three to four hours.
Common menstrual pad brands:
- Always®
- Poise®
- Sustain Natural®
Menstrual Cups
Unlike tampons or menstrual pads, a menstrual cup collects your flow instead of absorbing it. Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly alternative as they are reusable. It is a bell-shaped rubber, silicone, or soft plastic device you insert into your vagina to collect the blood. Cups come in different sizes and can be used for six to 12 hours, depending on the brand.
Common menstrual cup brands:
- Sustain Natural®
- Tampax®
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience in the lead up or during their period. In fact, more than 90 percent of women report PMS – such as bloating, cramps, headaches, and mood swings. There are OTC products available to relieve some of these symptoms.
Menstrual Cramps
Unfortunately, most women experience painful menstrual cramps in their lower abdomen or back, either before or during menstruation. The cramps are triggered by prostaglandins, a hormone-like substance in the uterine lining. Many OTC medicines can relieve menstrual cramps.
Common OTC menstrual cramp relief brands:
- Midol®
Contains the active ingredients Acetaminophen, Caffeine, and Pyrilamine Maleate
- Pamprin®, Premsyn PMS®
Contains the active ingredients Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, and Pyrilamine Maleate
Safe use tips for feminine hygiene products:
Always read the Drug Facts label carefully. The label tells you everything you need to know about the product, including the ingredients, what you are supposed to use it for, how much you should use, and when you should not use the product. Tampons and menstrual cups are associated with toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but serious disease that may cause death. Never wear a tampon for more than eight hours. Remove the tampon or menstrual cup immediately and call for medical help if you get a sudden fever, or feel faint, have nausea, diarrhea, fever, and a rash that looks like sunburn – all signs of toxic shock.
Never use a tampon or menstrual cup when you don’t have your period. Make sure you wash your hands before and after each use and clean menstrual cups thoroughly after use. Some OTCs used to relieve menstrual cramps contain caffeine. Avoid getting extra caffeine from other sources, such as coffee or soda, when taking these medicines. When taking menstrual cramp relief OTCs that contain an antihistamine, avoid alcoholic beverages and use caution when driving as these medicines can make you drowsy. Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Important Update: Acetaminophen
There’s been a lot of talk recently about misleading claims that taking acetaminophen during pregnancy can cause autism. We’ve pulled together some FAQs and answers to help families.
Learn more and get the facts about acetaminophenHomeopathic Products
Homeopathic feminine health products are derived from plants, minerals, and animal substances that are known for their pharmacological or biological actions. For safety, read all instructions and warnings on the product label before taking any homeopathic product and follow all dosing instructions.
OTC homeopathic feminine health products include:
- Caulophyllum thalictroides
- Cimicifuga racemose
- Folliculinum
- Pulsatilla
- Sabina
- Sepia officinalis
A NOTE ABOUT DYE-FREE PRODUCTS: Dye-free medications and supplements are a great option for individuals who prefer or require products without dyes, such as those with allergies, sensitivities, or personal preferences. Importantly, both dye-containing and dye-free options are held to the same rigorous safety and quality standards. If you’re unsure which is right for you or your family, talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They can help you choose the option that best suits your needs.
References:
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/30/AR2005093001998.html
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285/DSECTION=precautions-
- http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/multivitamin.html
- http://www.naturemade.com/resource-center/articles-and-videos/immune-health/timing-your-vitamins
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/912.html
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/your-breakfast-giving-you-cancer
- http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/yf/foods/fn1607.pdf
- http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/UsingDietarySupplements/ucm110567.htm
Safe Use Tips & Takeaways
Heart Health Takeaways
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a natural mineral found in water, soil, and some foods. It strengthens your enamel, repairs early signs of damage, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugar.
Is fluoride toothpaste still the most effective option, or are fluoride-free formulas just as good?
Fluoride is still the gold standard for cavity protection. Fluoride-free options can clean your teeth, but they don’t offer the same enamel-strengthening power.
Is fluoride safe for daily use?
Yes. When used as directed, fluoride is safe and effective. It’s been trusted and recommended by major health organizations for over 70 years.
How does fluoride actually protect teeth?
It strengthens enamel, repairs early signs of decay, and makes teeth more resistant to acids from bacteria and sugary foods.
Are there any risks to using fluoride long-term?
The main risk—especially for young kids—is swallowing too much, which can lead to mild fluorosis. Using the right amount prevents this. For parents, supervise brushing to ensure kids spit out the toothpaste and don't swallow it.
At what age should kids start using fluoride toothpaste?
As soon as the first tooth appears!
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
* Under 3 years: a tiny rice-sized smear
* Ages 3–6: a pea-size amount
Supervise brushing so they don’t swallow it.
Is fluoride still safe and recommended for kids with all the claims online?
Yes. A lot of online claims can be confusing, but decades of research show fluoride is safe and strongly recommended for cavity prevention when used properly.
How much fluoride should my child get from toothpaste?
Use age-appropriate amounts and brush twice a day. If your water isn’t fluoridated, ask your dentist about additional options.
How do I know which kids’ toothpaste claims are real and not just marketing?
Check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance and choose brands your dentist recommends.
Do fluoride-free or “natural” toothpastes protect kids from cavities?
They can help clean teeth, but they don’t provide the same cavity protection as fluoride toothpastes.
Are fluoride-free toothpastes just as effective for adults?
Not for cavity prevention. Fluoride-free toothpastes can help with cleaning and freshening breath, but they do not protect against cavities the way fluoride does. For adults, or anyone who is prone to cavities, fluoride toothpaste remains the most effective option for preventing tooth decay.
Do fluoride alternatives like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) make a difference?
Yes—nHAp can help with sensitivity and early enamel repair. But it hasn’t matched fluoride’s cavity-prevention strength in studies.
How do I compare fluoride vs. fluoride-free options if I have sensitivity or enamel wear?
Fluoride is best for strengthening enamel. nHAp may help with sensitivity. Some people benefit from using both in a balanced routine.
Are whitening toothpastes safe to use with fluoride or fluoride-free products?
Most are safe but can be abrasive. Choose gentle formulas and avoid using them every single day—especially for kids.
What should I look for when choosing an OTC toothpaste?
Pick products with proven active ingredients (like fluoride), check for the ADA Seal, and avoid unnecessary additives or sweeteners.
Does fluoride affect hormones or the brain?
No credible scientific evidence shows fluoride at levels used in toothpaste or fluoridated water disrupts hormones or causes neurodevelopmental harm.
What should I do if my community stops adding fluoride to the water?
Use fluoridated toothpaste, consider fluoride rinses, and talk to a dentist about fluoride supplements for kids.
Do fluoride supplements have side effects?
They’re safe when used under dental guidance and typically recommended for children in areas without fluoridated water.
What’s the best way to make sure I’m getting enough fluoride?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, drink fluoridated tap water if available, and ask your dentist for personalized advice if you’re cavity-prone.