OBJECTIVE: To determine whether four (4) feminine hygiene wash products maintain normal vaginal pH and are acceptable among reproductive and menopausal age women.

METHODS: A randomized, double blind, three-period, three-way crossover trial on 90 reproductive age women and 30 menopausal women measuring external and internal vaginal pH levels and product acceptability after using different feminine wash for 3 weeks.

RESULTS: There were significant differences in mean change in internal vaginal pH values among the three feminine wash products (p=0.0392) in the reproductive age group. Majority of the subjects expressed 'extreme satisfaction' on the different features of the products. In the menopausal age group, there was a statistically significant difference in mean pH change in the external genitalia (p=0.0279). Feminine Wash 4 appeared to be most acceptable.

CONCLUSION: Using feminine wash may help maintain vaginal pH levels within the physiologic range thus prevents vaginal infections. Good acceptability of use among the subjects implies good compliance and therefore, a practice that can be adopted on a long-term basis as part of a woman's good hygienic practice.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to estimate the effects of Inclear, a feminine cleanser, on sperm motility. METHODS: Semen samples were obtained from infertile male patients. Following liquefaction, the raw semen samples were diluted with Ham's F-10 nutrient mixture medium containing 0.4% human serum albumin solution at a ratio of 1:3. The semen samples were subsequently centrifuged to separate the seminal plasma from the serum. The supernatant was discarded, and the pellet was resuspended. The sample was again centrifuged to remove cell debris, and the supernatant was removed. The final pellet was gently loosened by resuspension and incubated in medium alone as a control, and in a 10% solution of the medium plus Inclear. A sampling time of 30 minutes was selected on the basis of sperm transport studies. Sperm motility was evaluated with computer-assisted sperm analysis. RESULTS: A total of 20 samples were analyzed. The mean age of patients was 34.40+/-2.96 years. There was no difference in sperm concentration and motility in the two samples at 0 minute and 30 minutes of incubation. In both semen samples, the sperm concentration and motility decreased after an incubation period of 30 minutes. However, there was no statistical difference between the samples. Sperm concentration and motility were not significantly different between the control and Inclear samples after 0 minute and 30 minutes of incubation. CONCLUSION: Inclear has no negative effects on sperm motility. This product can be recommended to pregnancy planners for vaginal hygiene and as a vaginal lubricant.
Feminine Hygiene Products ; Humans ; Hygiene ; Lubricants ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies* ; Semen ; Serum Albumin ; Sperm Motility* ; Sperm Transport ; Spermatozoa

Inflammation; Genital Diseases, Female ;Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies; drugs; CTK vaginal tablet’s antibacterial effect was evaluated in vitro through the determination of minimal inhibition effect of this tablet in various strains of E.coli and S.aureus subchronical toxicity and effect of this medicament on the tissue were investigated. Results showed that CTK in 1/150 solution is capable to inhibite completely the growth of S.aureus, and in 1/100 solution to E.coli. In applying into rabbit vagina CTK made vaginal pH decreased. CTK dose of 0.05-0.06 g/kg did not influence on blood white cell counts, red cell counts, platelet counts and Hb level in rabbit. CTK did not influence on SGOT, SGPT enzyme activity, improving the content of albumin and of cholesterol of the rabbit
Inflammation ; Genital Diseases, Female ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies ; drugs

OBJECTIVE: To compsre the efficiency, success rate, and abortion time of applications of intravaginal misoprostol versus prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablet for mid-trimester pregnancy termination Subjects and methods: Eighty four patients between 17-29 weeks of gestation with medical, obstetric, or genetic reasons far termination were randomized to receive either 50 ug tablets of misoprostol placed in the posterior vaginal fornix or prostaglandin E2 3mg in tables placed into the endocervix. RESULTS: Among eighty four patients recruited, fourty five patients received misoprostol and thirty nine patients received prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets. The average interval hom start of induction to vaginal delivery was 13.35 +/- 3.34 hours in misoprostol poup and 19.14 +/- 10.64 hours in the prostaglandin E2 group. The success rate of complete termination within 12 and 24 hours in misopr-ostol group were 57.7%, 93.3%, respectively, while in prostaglandin E2 group were 20.5%, 82.1% repectively. Oxytocin augumentation was 6.7% in misoprostol group and 17.9% in the prostaglardin E2 group. No serious complication occumd. CONCLUSION: Intracervicovaginal misoprostol appears to be acceptably safe and effective agents for second trimester pregnancy termination. The abortion time is less in misoprostol group than those in the prostaglandin E2 group. Misoprostol has the advantage of being expensive, easily stored and readily available. We used 50 ug tablets of misoprostol every four hours. But, we suspect that the regimen of 100ug misopostol inserted intracervico-vaginally every eight hours will beis the proper and optimal method for pregnancy termination.
Dinoprostone* ; Female ; Humans ; Misoprostol* ; Oxytocin ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnancy* ; Tablets ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies*

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess atrophic symptoms, the vaginal maturation index (VMI), and vaginal pH in postmenopausal women after use of estriol vaginal tablets for the treatment of vaginal atrophy. METHODS: In a randomized prospective study, 67 postmenopausal women were treated with 500microg estriol tablets 3 times a week for 1 week in the 1-week treatment group (n = 40) and for 2 weeks in the 2-week treatment group (n = 27). The primary endpoints were changes in the VMI, vaginal pH, and improvement in participant-reported most bothersome symptom (MBS; vaginal dryness, irritation/itching, or dyspareunia). We compared three endpoints before and after treatment in each group and between the two treatment groups. The correlation between the vaginal pH and maturation value (MV) was assessed. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in the MV, decrease in pH, and improvement in the MBS occurred for women treated with estriol vaginal tablets in the 1- (P = 0.000, P = 0.002, and P = 0.000, respectively) and 2-week treatment groups (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, and P = 0.000, respectively). There were no significant differences between the 1- and 2-week treatment groups with respect to improvement in the VMI, vaginal pH, or MBS. The correlation between the vaginal pH and MV showed a negative linear correlation at 0, 1, and 2 weeks (P = 0.000, P = 0.000, and P = 0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION: Treatment with 500microg estriol vaginal tablets thrice-weekly for 1 week was effective in improving. It is thought that the three primary endpoints (VMI, vaginal pH, and MBS) improved at the same time during treatment.
Estriol ; Estrogens ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Prospective Studies ; Tablets ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies

Our purpose was to compare the safety and efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol versus dinoprostone vaginal tablet for induction of labor at term pregnancies. Two hundred three patients with indications for induction of labor at term were randomly assigned to receive either intravaginal misoprostol or dinoprostone vaginal tablet. Fifty micrograms of misoprostol was placed in the posterior vaginal fornix every six hours, with a potential maximum of four doses. 3 milligrams of dinoprostone vaginal tablet was placed in the posterior vaginal fornix every eight hours, with a potential maximum of three doses. Further medication was withheld with the occurrence of spontaneous rupture of membrane, entry into adequate contraction pattern(twenty second sustained with two or more frequent uterine contraction in 10 minutes), nonreassuring FHR tracing, or delivery. Artificial membrane rupture with both study protocol was done at the discretion of the attending physician. After membrane rupture, in the cases of failure of active labor or arrest of dilation, oxytocin was administerated. Among those evaluated, 100 received misoprostol and 102 received dinoprostone. The average interval from start of induction to vaginal delivery was shorter in the misoprostol group(784.7 +/- 389.3 min) than in the dinoprostone group(988.3 +/- 369.5 min)(p<0.01). There was no significant difference in change of Bishop score between the two groups. No statistically significant differences were noted between two groups in case of need for oxytocin and oxytocin total dose, but significant difference was noted between two groups in case of indication for oxytocin augmentation. There were no significant differences in the routes of delivery. Intravaginal administration of misoprostol appears to be as effective as dinoprostone vaginal tablet for labor induction at full term pregnancies. Complications associated with prostaglndin administration were not statistically different between the two treatment groups.
Administration, Intravaginal ; Dinoprostone* ; Humans ; Membranes ; Membranes, Artificial ; Misoprostol* ; Oxytocin ; Pregnancy* ; Rupture ; Rupture, Spontaneous ; Uterine Contraction ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies*

OBJECTIVES: Atrophic vaginitis (AV), which is common in postmenopausal women, is characterized by vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and discomfort. There are a variety of therapeutic agents for the treatment of AV, besides hormone replacement therapy. We performed this systematic review to compare the effectiveness of various therapies for symptom improvement in AV patients. METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and other literature (Google Scholar, Web of Science, and hand search) for studies published between January 2010 and March 2015. AV was evaluated by the following outcomes: vaginal pH, dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, or cytological change (endometrial thickness, percentages of superficial cells and parabasal cells). They measured treatment efficacy with various outcomes pertaining to AV symptoms. RESULTS: Meta-analysis suggested that ospemifene was effective against dyspareunia, vaginal dryness, endometrial thickness, and percentage changes in superficial and parabasal cells. Vaginal pH was most affected by soy isoflavone vaginal gel. Ospemifene was effective for AV symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review compared the effects of several therapeutic agents on symptoms of AV through a network meta-analysis. This study provides objective evidence for clinical treatment and efficacy management in AV.
Atrophic Vaginitis ; Dyspareunia ; Female ; Hand ; Hormone Replacement Therapy ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Postmenopause ; Treatment Outcome ; Vagina ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies

OBJECTIVES: Although vaginal estrogen is highly effective in alleviating genitourinary symptoms of menopause (GSM), some women are reluctant to use hormonal treatment. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of a zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel on GSM. METHODS: Women with GSM were enrolled. Patients were asked to use the vaginal gel daily for 2 weeks. Vaginal Health Index (VHI) was calculated. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was obtained on vaginal pain, dryness, burning, itching, dyspareunia and dysuria before and 2 weeks after the completion of treatment. Vaginal cytology was obtained. Vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire (VSQ-21) was used to assess subjective symptoms. RESULTS: Thirty-seven women with GSM participated in the study. The VHI improved significantly (mean ± standard deviation, 13 ± 4 before vs. 17 ± 4 after treatment, P < 0.01). The patient reported VAS combined score was significantly lower after the treatment (18 ± 14 before vs. 7 ± 12 after treatment, P < 0.01). The largest improvement occurred in vaginal dryness. The maturation value did not change significantly. There were no signs of inflammation on vaginal cytology. VSQ-21 combined scores also improved significantly (7.9 ± 5.5 before vs. 2.7 ± 3.6 after the intervention, P < 0.01). Side effects were rare and minor. CONCLUSIONS: Novel zinc-containing vaginal moisturizer gel significantly improves postmenopausal vulvovaginal symptoms without serious side effects.
Burns ; Dyspareunia ; Dysuria ; Estrogens ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Menopause ; Pilot Projects ; Pruritus ; Vagina ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies ; Zinc

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, there has been no any report on the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Gardnerella vaginalis, determined in domestic area by the agar dilution method. Therefore, we studied on 49 strains of G. vaginalis by the agar dilution method. METHODS: One standard strain (ATCC 14018) and Forty-eight strains isolated from patients with increased vaginal discharge were included in this study. Columbia agar base containing 1% proteose peptone No. 3 was supplemented with horse serum (5%) and human erythrocyte lysate (5%) which was prepared by a new method, and this medium was used for the antibiotic susceptibility test. RESULTS: The MICs90 of clindamycin and ciprofloxacin were 0.3 g/mL and 0.6 g/mL, respectively. Amoxicillin, cefazolin, doxycycline, and erythromycin were hardly effective against most strains of G. vaginalis (NCCLS, U.S.A., 2001). Especially, MICs90 of both metronidazole and tinidazole were 80 g/ mL under micro-aerobic condition of 5% O2. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of Bacterial vaginosis, it is suggested that clindamycin or ciprofloxacin should be combined with vaginal tablet or gel of metronidazole rather than single administration of metrondazole or tinidazole.
Agar* ; Amoxicillin ; Cefazolin ; Ciprofloxacin ; Clindamycin ; Doxycycline ; Drug Resistance ; Erythrocytes* ; Erythromycin ; Gardnerella vaginalis* ; Gardnerella* ; Horses* ; Humans* ; Metronidazole ; Peptones ; Tinidazole ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies ; Vaginal Discharge ; Vaginosis, Bacterial

BACKGROUND: To the best of our knowledge, there has been no any report on the antibiotic susceptibility profile of Gardnerella vaginalis, determined in domestic area by the agar dilution method. Therefore, we studied on 49 strains of G. vaginalis by the agar dilution method. METHODS: One standard strain (ATCC 14018) and Forty-eight strains isolated from patients with increased vaginal discharge were included in this study. Columbia agar base containing 1% proteose peptone No. 3 was supplemented with horse serum (5%) and human erythrocyte lysate (5%) which was prepared by a new method, and this medium was used for the antibiotic susceptibility test. RESULTS: The MICs90 of clindamycin and ciprofloxacin were 0.3 g/mL and 0.6 g/mL, respectively. Amoxicillin, cefazolin, doxycycline, and erythromycin were hardly effective against most strains of G. vaginalis (NCCLS, U.S.A., 2001). Especially, MICs90 of both metronidazole and tinidazole were 80 g/ mL under micro-aerobic condition of 5% O2. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of Bacterial vaginosis, it is suggested that clindamycin or ciprofloxacin should be combined with vaginal tablet or gel of metronidazole rather than single administration of metrondazole or tinidazole.
Agar* ; Amoxicillin ; Cefazolin ; Ciprofloxacin ; Clindamycin ; Doxycycline ; Drug Resistance ; Erythrocytes* ; Erythromycin ; Gardnerella vaginalis* ; Gardnerella* ; Horses* ; Humans* ; Metronidazole ; Peptones ; Tinidazole ; Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies ; Vaginal Discharge ; Vaginosis, Bacterial