Feminine Hygiene Products PDF

** Feminine Hygiene Products** Introduction: -The female genital tract is divided into the external genitalia and the internal genitalia. The external genitalia (or vulva) consist of the outlying structures mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, hymen, Bartholin's glands, exte...

** Feminine Hygiene Products** Introduction: -The female genital tract is divided into the external genitalia and the internal genitalia. The external genitalia (or vulva) consist of the outlying structures mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, hymen, Bartholin's glands, external urethra meatus, and Skene's gland. The internal genital tract, including the female reproductive system, consists of the vagina, the uterus, the two fallopian tubes, and the two ovaries. External Genitalia/ Vulva The main function of the external genitalia is to protect the internal genital tract from infection, to act as sensory tissues during sexual intercourse, and assist in micturition Vulva The vulva is the global term that describes all of the structures that make the female external genitalia. Mons Pubis The mons pubis is made up of fat located directly anterior to the pubic bones. This mound of tissue is prominent in females and is usually covered in pubic hair. The mons pubis also contains sebaceous glands that secrete pheromones to induce sexual attraction. Labia Majora The word "labia majora" is defined as the larger lips. The labia majora are a prominent pair of cutaneous skin, The labia majora forms the folds that cover the labia minora, clitoris, vulva vestibule, vestibular bulbs, Bartholin's glands, Skene's glands, urethra, and the vaginal opening. Labia Minora The "labia minora" is defined as the smaller lips. The labia minor are a pair of small cutaneous folds that begins at the clitoris and extends downward. Clitoris The clitoris (which is homologous to the glans penis in males) is a sex organ in females that functions as a sensory organ. Bartholin's Glands The Bartholin's glands also known as the greater vestibular glands (homologous to the bulbourethral glands in males) are two pea-sized glands. These two glands function to secrete a mucus-like substance into the vagina. This mucus functions as a lubricant to decrease friction during intercourse and a moisturizer for the vulva. Urethra The urethra is an extension of a tube from the bladder to the outside of the body. The purpose of the urethra is for the excretion of urine. Vagina The vagina is an elastic, muscular tube ,The function of the vagina is for sexual intercourse and childbirth. During sexual intercourse, the vagina acts as a reservoir for semen to collect before the sperm ascending into the cervix to travel towards the uterus and fallopian tubes. Also, the vagina also acts as an outflow tract for menses. Normal vaginal bacterial flora. The term “normal” vaginal bacterial flora is used to describe all bacterial species that are commonly found in the vaginal biotope of healthy women.. The constituents of the flora and their quantities are influenced by many factors such as age, hormonal fluctuations, menstruation, douching, hygiene, pregnancy, and sexual practices. normal vaginal flora is dominated by various species of Lactobacillus. Thus, a predominance of typical Gram-positive rods.. dominated by one or two species of Lactobacillus; the most common are L. crispatus, L. jensenii,. Lactobacillus spp.. protect the vaginal ecosystem through the production of antimicrobial molecules that exclude and inhibit the growth and expansion of other microorganisms. Lactic acid, that maintains vaginal pH between 3.5 and 4.5, and hydrogen peroxide, an antimicrobial product that protects against harmful microbes. Lactic acid can reduce the vaginal pH value, regulate the H2O2 content and immune factor content, and improve the imbalance of the vaginal microecological environment Purpose of feminine care products: to cleanse the vulva (vagina) reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal infections Supporting Menstrual Hygiene Moisturizers&Lubricant whitening agents Types Of Feminine Hygiene Products:  1. Cleansing & Deodorizing products 2. Absorbents products 3. Moisturizers &Lubricants 4. Topical anti-itch antifungal products 5. spermicides 1.Cleansing & Deodorizing products: used externally to maintain the genital area clean and balanced. ▪ reduce the bacterial and fungal infections ▪ Prevents Odor. ▪ Soothes Irritation. ▪ After Menstruation. such as feminine washes, douches, sprays, personal wipes and powders. 1- washes Such as : -carefree duo effect , octe macro. - beesline , kolagra , tetra glow whitening washes.. HOW TO USE ? - Apply 1-2 pumps directly for 1 min, then rinse with water. 2-DOUCHES: -Gold plus ,Revarest Plus Cleanser.. How To Use ? - Fill 1-2 of the provided measure with gold plus cleanser, and dilute it with one liter of water.. Powders: 1 - Clean the vagina after the end of the period. 2- Perfuming the sensitive area 3 - Get rid of the increase in vaginal discharge and offensive smell. 4 - Alleviate infections, whether fungal or bacterial infections. 5 - Get rid of the symptoms that accompany infections such as itching and burning.. How to use: -Dissolve the contents of 1 sachet in one liter of warm water, and use as a vaginal douche. Repeat once or twice daily.. Disadvantages of cleansers: Cleansers can strip away natural moisture ,disrupt the vulvar ecosystem. dryness and irritation cleansers contain fragrances can cause inflammation (known as vulvitis), urinary tract infection. Douching can disrupt your vaginal microbiome, increased risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) ,pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) DEODORIZING PRODUCTS: These are used to mask odors and to provide a fresh scent pH balanced, scented with natural essential oils Soothing effect. Such as : norforms suppository provide effective, refreshing protection that lasts for hours. For best results, use before shower, bath or bedtime. Remove applicator from wrapper and pull end of applicator to open barrel. Gently insert the suppository-filled end of the applicator into the vagina as deeply as it will comfortably go. Holding the applicator in place with the thumb and middle finger, press the plunger until it stops. Remove applicator and cleanse thoroughly. You may wish to wear a panty liner in case there is slight leakage Protection Duration: 3-6 Days ABSORBENTS: -Feminine hygiene products are personal care products used for women's hygiene during menstruation, vaginal discharge, or other bodily functions related to the vulva and vagina. -Products that are used during menstruation may also be called menstrual hygiene products, including menstrual pads, tampons, pantyliners, menstrual cups, menstrual sponges and period panties. -Feminine hygiene products are either disposable or reusable. Sanitary napkins, tampons, and pantyliners are disposable feminine hygiene products. Menstrual cups, cloth menstrual pads, period panties, and sponges are reusable feminine hygiene Menstrual pad: -Made of absorbent material that is worn on the inside of underwear to absorb a heavier menstrual flow. They are made of cellulose and are available in many different absorbencies and lengths. They may have wings and/or an adhesive backing to hold the pad in place Pantyliner: - Similar to a menstrual pad, they are smaller, thinner and used for lighter periods, intermittent bleeding and vaginal discharge Tampon: Inserted inside the vagina to absorb menstrual blood, can also be used while swimming. Available in different levels of absorbency. Reusable: Menstrual cup: Made of silicone, natural rubber, or plastic; is inserted inside the vagina to catch blood. Most are reusable: they are emptied when full and can be washed or boiled. Cloth menstrual pad: -Cloth menstrual pads are cloth pads worn in the underwear to collect menstrual fluid -They are a type of reusable menstrual hygiene product -they are made from layers of absorbent fabrics (such as cotton or flannel or terry cloth) which are worn during menstruation, post-birth bleeding Period underwear : -also known as menstrual underwear or period panties -absorbent underwear that can take the place of tampons and pads. -should be changed every 8-12 hours to avoid leakage and infection. what are disadvantages of feminine menstrual pads? 1-few ongoing studies have reported the incidence of genital cancer with the usage of sanitary pads that use absorptive agents like dioxin. 2- Sanitary pads contain some ingredients that may be harmful to the body. - Dioxin: is a chemical that is used to bleach sanitary pads - Pesticides: The cotton used for making sanitary pads often contains some pesticides which would have been sprayed on it by the farmers during cultivation. - Artificial Perfumes: can cause Rashes and Vaginal allergies. what are disadvantages of Tampons ? ❑ Tampons have fatal effects because There’s a risk of toxic shock syndrome. (TSS) ❑ (TSS) is rare and is caused by a toxic substance that is produced by certain kinds of bacteria which can cause organ damage (including kidney, heart, and liver failure), shock, and even death. ❑ Symptoms and signs of TSS may include: - a sudden fever (usually 102°F or more), vomiting, diarrhea, fainting or feeling like you are going to faint when standing up, dizziness, or a rash that looks like a sunburn. Lubricants: -Lubricants are intended to moisturize and lubricate the area and reduce friction. -Lubricants assist with high-friction sexual activity and can make less pain or discomfort. moisturizers: -Vaginal moisturizers are products designed to help add moisture to the vagina and relieve the discomfort of vaginal dryness. Types Of Lubricants: Water based lubricants containing glycerin are popular. However, glycerin free options may be more suitable for people who get frequent yeast infections. Silicone based lubricants last longer than water based lubricants, making them a good option for people with severe vaginal dryness or a history of pain during sex. Oil based lubricants include many readily available products, such as kitchen oils. They are usually edible and are safe for the vagina, Synthetic oil based lubricants, such as mineral oil and petroleum jelly, can work well but may also irritate the vulva. Antifungal Products: -A vaginal yeast infection (also called vaginal candidiasis) happens when too many candida yeast cells grow in the vagina. These cells are always there, but factors such as pregnancy, taking antibiotics, having too much stress, or wearing a wet swimsuit for too long can cause an overgrowth of bad bacteria and yeast, making them outgrow the good ones. -Yeast infections typically cause symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling of the vagina and vulva; vaginal pain or a burning sensation; a vaginal rash; and/or a thick, odorless, white, cottage cheese-like discharge. -There are many over-the-counter (OTC) yeast infection treatments. If those don't work for you, or your yeast infections keep returning, talk to your doctor to see if you need a longer course of treatment. -affecting about 75% of women -Many yeast infection treatments come in 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day strengths. OTC vaginal creams and other antifungal products have the same ingredients to fight a yeast infection as the medication your doctor might prescribe but in less-concentrated doses. Such as: Clotrimazole (Candistan and Canesten) MIconazole (Gyno-Daktarin and Gynozol) Tioconazole (Gyno premazole and Gyno-Trosyd) Spermicides: -Vaginal spermicides are a type of contraceptive (birth control). - These products are inserted into the vagina before any genital contact occurs or sexual intercourse begins. -They work by damaging and killing sperm in the vagina. Therefore, the sperm are not able to travel from the vagina into the uterus and fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place. -Vaginal spermicides, when used alone, are much less effective in preventing pregnancy than birth control pills, an intrauterine device (IUD), or spermicides used together with another form of birth control, such as cervical caps, condoms, or diaphragms. -Studies have shown that when spermicides are used alone, pregnancy usually occurs in 21 of each 100 women during the first year of spermicide use. The number of pregnancies is reduced when spermicides are used with another method, especially the condom. Discuss with your doctor what your options are for birth control and the risks and benefits of each method. -Vaginal spermicides are available without a prescription. -This product is available in the following dosage forms: Foam, Suppository, Film, Gel.