Vagisil - FAQ

Vagisil Feminine Care - Developed by Gynaecologists, Trusted by Women

Itch questions

Q1: I get itchy sometimes right before my period. Is that normal?

A: Many women complain of this symptom. More than likely it happens because there is more blood flow into the vaginal area before your period. If the itchiness goes away once your period is over, it is probably nothing to worry about. If the itching is uncomfortable, Vagisil Creme can help relieve it. If the itching does not go away, you may have an infection, which will need to be treated by a doctor.

Q2: I have been experiencing vaginal irritation but show no signs of a yeast infection. What could be causing this?

A: This condition is very common and can be caused by:

tight clothing, perspiration
antibiotics
monthly hormonal fluctuations
allergic reaction, dermatological causes
vaginal dryness, sexual activity

If you experience irritation and itching, try Original Strength Vagisil Creme. For painful, burning itch try Maximum Strength Vagisil Creme. If symptoms don't improve within 7 days, check with your doctor.

Q3: How can I tell if I have a yeast infection?

A: Symptoms of a yeast infection are a thick, curd-like discharge (similar to cottage cheese) with intense itching and irritation. If you have never had a yeast infection and think you have one, see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you are not sure about any discharge, see your doctor or gynecologist.

Yeast infections are treated with an antifungal medication available over-the-counter or through your doctor by prescription. However, antifungals need time to work. In fact, it can take several days before the burning itch is gone. If you are using an internal antifungal product, Maximum Strength Vagisil Creme can be used externally to relieve the itching instantly.

Q4: Can a yeast infection be passed back and forth between partners?

A: Although a yeast infection is not sexually transmitted from woman to man, it is still advisable to clear up the infection before resuming sexual intercourse. Reasons are:

a yeast infection can leave the vaginal area inflamed and susceptible to trauma.
a yeast infection can cause sex to be painful or irritating to both partners.

If you have doubts as to whether or not you have a yeast infection, see your doctor.

Q5: Can a man get a yeast infection in his mouth if he performs oral sex on a woman who has one?

A: It is unlikely, but it is possible. Therefore, oral sex is not recommended when you have a yeast infection.

Q6: I shave my bikini area and get bumps and irritation from it. What is the best way to deal with it?

A: Try Gynecort Creme, from the makers of Vagisil. You will find it in the feminine care aisle. It contains hydrocortisone, an anti-inflammatory, which should help reduce the irritation (redness) as well as help lessen razor bumps.

Vaginal wetness & odor questions

Q1: Is it normal for women who are not sexually active to experience vaginal discharge?

A: Yes, all women will experience some degree of vaginal discharge due to the normal rise and fall of hormones. Normal discharge is our body's own way of cleansing itself. If a discharge has an unusually foul, fish-like odor, abnormal color or thick curd-like consistency, you should see your doctor since it could be an infection.

Q2: What is the best way to get rid of odor not associated with any STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) or infection?

A: Every woman has some degree of vaginal discharge, which may have a distinct odor. If you think the odor is related to a vaginal infection such as bacterial vaginosis (BV), then you should see your doctor immediately. BV can have a fish-like odor.

To feel fresher and drier from normal discharge and odor take these steps:

Practice good hygiene with daily showering and washing the genital area.
Wear cotton underwear and make sure pantyhose have a cotton crotch.
Between showers, use Vagisil™ Foaming Wash to cleanse away wetness and odor. Simply apply to toilet tissue, cleanse and flush. You'll feel clean and fresh.
Sprinkle Vagisil® Deodorant Powder in panties, on pantiliners or pads to help absorb wetness and eliminate odor.

Q3: When discharge is present, does that mean I can expect my period?

A: Most women who get their periods, or teens who are expecting their periods for the first time, will experience some degree of vaginal discharge. It is usually clear or milky-white in color and does not have a foul odor. It is due to the rising levels of hormones. Vagisil Deodorant Powder can help you feel fresher and drier. However, you should see a doctor if your discharge is thick and curd like, or has a foul or fish-like odor or has an unusual odor since it may be a sign that you have an infection.

Q4: I experience urine leakage. What can I do to feel clean and get rid of odor?

A: Urine leakage is a common problem among pregnant women, after childbearing and during the peri and postmenopausal years. It can occur with a laugh, cough or sneeze.

You should be evaluated by a gynecologist or an urologist to make sure there is nothing serious causing the problem. There are a couple of things you can do to feel clean and fresh:

Vagisil™ Foaming Wash: This gentle foam cleanses away wetness and odor. Ideal to use between showers, when you're away from home. It fits in your purse. Apply to toilet tissue, cleanse and flush.
Vagisil® Deodorant Powder: It absorbs irritating wetness and deodorizes so you feel dry and fresh.

Vaginal dryness questions

Q1: How do I know if I am experiencing vaginal dryness?

A: Discomfort may be felt internally, externally or both. Many women first notice vaginal dryness when intercourse becomes uncomfortable. Vaginal dryness can also affect your mood and attitude, which can interfere with normal activities. Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant can be used to help relieve vaginal dryness and make intimate moments more pleasurable.

Q2: I am a new mother and I am taking an antidepressant for postpartum depression prescribed by my doctor. However, I am experiencing vaginal dryness and a lack of sexual drive. What can be causing this?

A: If you are breastfeeding and not getting your period, it is very common to have vaginal dryness from lack of estrogen. Certain antidepressants can diminish sexual drive and therefore lubrication can decrease as well causing vaginal dryness. Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant can be used daily to relieve this dryness. It is important to remember that it does take time to adjust to a new baby, sleepless nights, and the many aspects of parenthood. All of these can put a strain on intimacy between partners. It is important to communicate with each other about these concerns and seek help if necessary.

Q3: Why am I experiencing vaginal dryness? No one told me it was a possible after-effect of chemotherapy/hysterectomy.

A: Both chemotherapy and hysterectomy (with the removal of both ovaries) are procedures that can put a woman into menopause, lowering her estrogen level. Lower estrogen results in vaginal dryness. The tissues in the vaginal and genital areas have estrogen receptors and estrogen keeps them healthy, supple and able to lubricate. If the estrogen is unavailable, then the tissues become thin, atrophic and dry. Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant relieves vaginal dryness and can be used daily on the external genital area to help lubricate and replenish some of this lost moisture.

Q4: Does it mean there is something wrong if a woman can not produce enough lubrication when having intercourse? What would cause this and is there anything that can be done to help the situation?

A: Assuming you are not in menopause, you will lubricate more readily if you are aroused and also comfortable mentally and physically both before and while you are having sex. At certain times of the month you will be "drier" than other times. Certain drugs, such as antihistamines, some cough/cold medications and some oral contraceptives can also cause vaginal dryness. Regular use of Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant can help to keep the external tissues in the area more supple and less dry in general, as well as during sexual relations.

Menopause and the resulting decrease in estrogen is also responsible for vaginal dryness. It can also be helped with Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant.

Vaginal product questions

Q1: Where can I purchase Vagisil products?

A: Vagisil products are available in the feminine hygiene section of most food, drug, mass merchants, and on-line.

Q2: How do you apply Vagisil® Creme?

A: Vagisil Creme is applied externally -- outside the vagina. Using your fingertip, apply a fingertip amount (approximately 1 inch strip) to the affected area at the labia/vulva. Products that are applied internally, like some yeast infection products, come with an applicator.

Q3: Is it safe to use Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant if you have oral sex?

A: Yes, Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant is fine to use even if you have oral sex. It has no harmful ingredients or hormones and has no taste. However, it is not recommended that one ingest it deliberately since it is not a food product.

Q4: How do you apply Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant? Is it used inside or outside the vagina?

A: Vagisil® Intimate Lubricant can be applied with your fingertip to the outside of the vagina or labia -- the lips of the vagina. It is meant for external use only. It is not like the products used internally. Those come with an applicator you insert inside the vagina.

Q4: Does Vagisil® Deodorant Powder have talc in it? I've heard that talc-based powders are linked to ovarian cancer. Is there any truth to this?

A: Vagisil® Deodorant Powder does not contain talc and never has. It is made with pure pharmaceutical grade cornstarch and baking soda to absorb wetness and odor so you feel fresher and drier.

Q4: Are Vagisil® products safe to use during pregnancy or when breastfeeding?

A: All Vagisil® products, when used as directed, are safe to use during pregnancy. However, as with all feminine hygiene products, a woman should consult with her doctor or health care provider before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Q4: Is it safe to use Vagisil® products when trying to conceive?

A: It may be advisable to consult with your own ob/gyn regarding his or her feelings on this.