Female intimate hygiene: a differentiated approach in an age-specific perspective

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Abstract

Female intimate hygiene is a prerequisite for a healthy lifestyle and it serves to maintain the physiological condition of the vulva and perineum.

The article presents a comprehensive analysis of the literature data on age-related characteristics of the epithelium, microbiota, and pH of the vulva in women. The study demonstrates the differences in the state of the epithelium, its hydrolipid mantle and stratum corneum in girls and women of reproductive and postmenopausal age. The microbiota and pH of the vulva in women change significantly over the course of life, therefore it is necessary to differentiate the choice of intimate hygiene products (IHPs). The analysis of the chemical safety of IHP properties showed that it is preferable to use surfactants with low irritation potential and moderate foaming. Differentiated selection of IHP components is recommended for women of different ages. IHPs with emollients, no allergens, and pH of 6.0–7.0 are advised to girls before the onset of puberty. Soothing additives in IHPs and pH of 5.0–6.0 are necessary for pre-pubertal girls. IHPs for reproductive-aged women should include prebiotics and have a pH value of 4.5–5.0. Late postmenopausal women are recommended to use IHPs containing emollients and having a neutral pH of 6.0–7.0, which protects against the drying effect of surfactants.

Conclusion: It is necessary to differentiate the selection of IHPs for women taking into account their age, the state of the epithelium and microbiota of the vulva.

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About the authors

Natalya N. Stenyaeva

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical Research Centre for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: nataliasten@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6495-3367

Dr. Med. Sci., Senior Researcher at the Department of Andrology and Urology

Russian Federation, Moscow

Valeria V. Sattarova

Biorhythm Laboratory LLC

Email: SVV73@yahoo.com

Chief Specialist

Russian Federation, Yekaterinburg

Kazimir I. Pashkevich

Biorhythm Laboratory LLC

Email: info@bior.ru

Dr. Sci. (Chemistry), Professor, Director

Russian Federation, Yekaterinburg

Khristina I. Streltsova

Biorhythm Laboratory LLC

Email: formulator@bior.ru

Technologist

Russian Federation, Yekaterinburg

Dmitry F. Khritinin

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)

Email: nataliasten@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9107-2357

Corresponding Member of RAS, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Faculty of Medicine

Russian Federation, Moscow

Evgeny Yu. Stenyaev

Belarusian State Medical University

Email: nataliasten@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0009-0001-9301-7535

6th-Year Student of the Medical Faculty of Foreign Students

Belarus, Minsk

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