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What the Pharmaceutical
02/13/2023

Ever wonder what the issue is with your vagina? UTI? Yeast Infection? STI? Vaginal Atrophy? Lichen Sclerosus? Sadly, our (amazing) vaginas are also a little temperamental and require a Goldilocks environment to be happy... but, thankfully, there are a lot of options for resolving vaginal discomfort... the real question is... what do all those things do in the women's health section of the pharmacy?!

Boric Acid Suppositories:

These are applied internally, and are typically small capsules. Boric Acid is used to help treat yeast infections (i.e., BV) of the vagina and relieve symptoms such as itching, odor, and burning by helping to balance the proper pH of the vagina. Many women use preventatively after sex.

Monistat:

This is a brand name and there are several options (cream, suppositories); these are antifungal products that contain an active ingredient which fights yeast and is applied inside the vagina to treat and cure a yeast infection. Many of the external creams can provide fast relief from itching.

Key-E Suppositories:

These are solidified vitamin E suppositories that come in foil packets with applicators and are designed to provide internal moisture and relief from internal dryness. The suppositories look like solidified oil. Vitamin E has been shown to provide mild relief from vaginal atrophy symptoms, and some women find these a good option for internal discomfort.

AZO (pills):

Like Monistat, AZO is a brand name, and there are a lot of different options out there, from suppositories to oral supplements (even cranberry gummies), but their main focus is UTI pain relief. The max strength pills contain Phenazopyridine Hydrochloride, which helps relieve pain in the bladder and urethra, but, it does not cure a UTI - you would still need antibiotics! Long term use is also not advised, as the active ingredient is hard on the liver and kidneys if used long term. Most packets recommend using only for 48 hours.

Uqora:

This is a newer brand on the market, which has a three part system to help relieve and defend against UTI's - again, it does not cure a UTI - you would still need antibiotics! However, these contain ingredients like D-Mannose, lactobacillus, curcumin, D3 to help create a healthier environment overall. You can read more about this product here.

Emu-Aid:

This is a cream made from Emu oil, hence the name, but the active ingredient is actually colloidal silver, (which is worth considering, as you can buy colloidal silver spray direct). EmuAid has been found to be very effective for many sufferers of Lichen Sclerosis. According to manufacturers, the cream has transdermal technology, helping the active ingredient to pass through the skin's barrier to relieve painful itching, dryness, and tearing.

Feminine Wipes/Wash:

These products are made by various different companies (Vagisil, Summer's Eve) and are all gentle washes designed to be as minimally disruptive to the vagina as possible. Some are scented, some claim to be pH matching. The bottom line? Gynecologists unilaterally recommend just washing with water and a washcloth, and not using soaps in or near the vagina as they can dry out the skin barrier. If you are concerned, peri bottles with water and witch hazel are a good way to cleanse the area.

Vagisil:

Again, this a brand that sells everything from washes, to wipes, to an own brand anti-fungal anti-itch blend.

Probiotics (pills):

Numerous companies have started selling vaginal probiotics that are taken orally. From Olly to Garden of Life, these are probiotics that are specifically designed to maintain and optimize the 'good' bacteria in the vagina - think lactobacillus - to make sure your vagina is able to help itself. Anecdotally, one of our team members swears by the Garden of Life probiotics!

Antimicrobial Sprays:

Sprays like these can be used after peeing or sex to help reduce bad bacteria and keep the area clean; these can be good if you are experiencing tearing due to vaginal atrophy to ensure bacteria does not get into any of the microtears. Often advised postpartum, these contain Hypochlorous Acid, Ionized Water, Sodium Chloride to remove bacteria.

Silky Peach: (and other lesser estriol creams...)

Estriol creams (and estradiol creams) are often used to help resupply the area with estrogen. Topically applied to the vagina, these creams can contain a variation of ingredients and moisturizers, and their goal is to improve the overall cellular health of the vagina, thus resolving painful vaginal atrophy symptoms. You can learn more about how estriol works here!