Women should take care of themselves and not use gynecological care products on their own

Advertisements for gynecological washes on television are bombarding women more and more frequently, and there are more and more types of gynecological wash products on the market. Faced with a wide variety of products, most women do not know the difference between them, and are even confused about whether it is necessary to use these cleansing and care products.

Focus 1: Is "Fuyanjie" a medicine or a disinfectant?

There have been doubts on the Internet about the efficacy and necessity of using "Fuyanjie". On many e-commerce websites such as No.1 Store and JD.com, the scope of application of "Fuyanjie" reads: "It is used for skin and mucous membrane disinfection of symptoms such as female vaginitis, vulvitis, male balanitis, balanitis, baldness, eczema of the genitals, anus, genital warts, vulvar ulcers, and abnormal leucorrhea in women." This statement can easily be interpreted by inattentive consumers as the treatment of these diseases, and it is difficult to recognize that it is only used for "skin and mucous membrane disinfection." In addition, on the sales page of "Fuyanjie Wash" on JD.com, it is even directly labeled as "antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drug", which is obviously an irresponsible statement by the merchant.

Regarding whether "Fuyanjie" is a medicine or a disinfectant, Renhe Pharmaceutical clarified as follows: Fuyanjie brand herbal antibacterial wash is a sanitary product among health-related products. After testing by relevant government departments, the product has antibacterial effects on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, and can be used for female vaginal washing, vulva cleaning and daily hygiene care for men and women.

Regardless of these right and wrong debates, our attitude towards the role of Fuyangjie is the same as our attitude towards hand sanitizer. We will not use hand sanitizer to treat hand injuries or infections, so women cannot rely on "Weixiaozhengzi" products such as Fuyanjie to achieve the effect of treating bacterial, Trichomonas, and fungal vaginitis.

The key point is that the vulva and vagina are more sensitive and fragile parts than the hands. The vagina is rich in lactobacilli, which makes the vagina acidic. PH≤4.5 (3.8-4.4) can prevent bacteria from multiplying or invading the uterus. This is called the "self-cleaning function" of the vagina. Candida albicans or other yeasts are common parasites in the vagina of healthy women. The normal physiological environment of the vagina can effectively prevent infection. If the ecological balance of bacteria that normally parasitize in the vagina is disturbed, or the number of lactobacilli in the vagina decreases, while other bacteria such as anaerobic bacteria and mycoplasma multiply in large numbers, vaginitis may occur.

Therefore, there is no need for ordinary women to use this kind of disinfectant wash on a daily basis. Not only can it not prevent gynecological inflammation, but it can easily destroy the vagina's own natural defense function, destroy the acid-base balance of the vaginal environment, cause vaginal flora imbalance, and cause vaginitis or even more serious inflammations such as pelvic inflammatory disease.

Vaginal douching should only be used occasionally under the guidance of a professional doctor and should never be used as a daily cleaning method. However, the vaginal cleansers sold on the market are not necessarily designed reasonably and safely. Improper vaginal douching may easily bring pathogens into the uterine cavity and pelvic cavity through the fallopian tubes, causing acute and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease.

Therefore, follow the doctor's advice and do not make blind choices.

Women who have symptoms of vaginitis should not use wash solutions directly on their own. They should go to the hospital in time to determine the specific type of pathogenic bacteria that causes the infection. The doctor will use regular targeted embolic drugs accordingly to provide targeted treatment.

1. When inflammation occurs, treatment must be carried out for 7-10 days.

Depending on the severity of the disease, topical products alone or topical and oral medications can be used for treatment. Usually the symptoms will be significantly improved or disappear within 2-3 days. Due to the complexity of the vaginal structure (vaults and folds), medication must be continued for 7-10 days for thorough treatment. Negative results for the pathogen in three consecutive months are considered clinically cured.

2. Sitz baths are not recommended

Sitz bath is a very old method, which was practiced in the past when there were few topical medications and even no douches. Due to the water pressure and temperature, it is easy for bacteria to pass through the slightly open cervix and cause ascending infection. Use external wash products for rinsing instead of sitting baths. Disposable external wash products are the most hygienic and convenient choice.

3. Advocate active protection during the susceptible period for patients with recurrent attacks

For patients who have just completed a course of treatment, in the following 2-3 months, emphasis should be placed on using vaginal antiseptic products for protection during the susceptible period to control recurrence. For women without vaginal inflammation, the use of intravaginal antibacterial products is not recommended. For people who are prone to recurrent attacks, active protection during the susceptible period is recommended to reduce recurrences and the trouble of further treatments, giving vaginal lactobacilli a chance to recuperate and rest, which can help restore a healthy microenvironment as soon as possible, enhance their own resistance, and restore health.

1. Underwear should be soft, loose and wide, preferably made of cotton. Avoid wearing down, nylon and woolen clothes close to the body. Do not wash underwear and socks together.

2. Avoid using large amounts of antibiotics, which can cause an imbalance in the normal vaginal flora;

3. Keep your vulva clean and dry at ordinary times; especially during menstruation, do not wear synthetic underwear or jeans;

4. Avoid excessive scratching, rubbing, washing with hot water, etc. for itchy areas. Do not use strong alkaline soaps for bathing. Do not use bath agents to repeatedly clean the vulva or rinse the vagina, which may cause changes in vaginal pH and lead to an imbalance in the normal vaginal flora, thereby destroying the vagina's acidic antibacterial barrier. Do not abuse highly irritating hormonal topical medications.