Study: Vagisil kills your good bacteria after 24 hours
A study was done to evaluate the effects of over-the-counter vaginal (feminine) ‘hygiene’ products on healthy vaginal bacteria. Vagisil is marketed as a vaginal moisturiser, though they have a range of poorly named and confusing ‘feminine’ products.
In a study, Vagisil was found to suppress L. crispatus after two hours, and killed all bacteria after 24 hours. Lactobacillus crispatus is one of the main microbes in a healthy vagina, keeping the walls of your vagina healthy and protecting you against STIs, cancer and reproductive anomalies.
Douching results in a greater risk of sexually transmitted diseases, BV and yeast infections. If you have a vaginal odour problem, using Vagisil is not the answer.
References
Fashemi B, Delaney ML, Onderdonk AB, Fichorova RN. Effects of feminine hygiene products on the vaginal mucosal biome. Microb Ecol Health Dis. 2013;24:10.3402/mehd.v24i0.19703. Published 2013 Feb 25. doi:10.3402/mehd.v24i0.19703
Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.
Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
- International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
- National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
- New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
- Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)