Women's health and wellness are profoundly influenced by the menstrual cycle, a natural process that significantly affects both the physical and emotional state.1 The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, but it can range from 24 to 38 days in adults and from 20 to 45 days in teens.2,3 The cycle is divided into several phases, with the most notable being the menstrual phase (red days) and the follicular and luteal phases (before and after ovulation, respectively).2
Throughout the menstrual cycle, women’s hormones go on a bit of a roller coaster ride that not only affects mood, but skin health and the risk of infection.4,5 Let us find out how feminine hygiene products can help keep women protected from infections and discomfort all month long.
Key takeaways
- Women face changes throughout their menstrual cycle that affect them physically and emotionally1
- Many women have a higher risk of infection on red days and can experience unpleasant changes in the skin in their intimate area at different times of their menstrual cycle4,5
- BETADINE® Feminine Care range of products offers solutions for women’s intimate discomforts6,7
Protective Effects of the Normal Vaginal Flora
Did you know that the vagina has its own ecosystem made up of billions of microorganisms?8 A normal balance of microorganisms is essential for protecting women against vaginal infections, such as yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.8,9 Among these microorganisms, the "good bacteria," mainly Lactobacillus species, play a leading role in this protective process by:8,9
- Making antimicrobial compounds8,9
- Keeping the right pH8,9
- Guarding against infections by keeping the environment acidic8,9
Red Days and Infection Risk
Sadly, during red days, about 72% of women experience changes in their vaginal bacteria, raising their chances of getting an infection.4 Try washing with Povidone-Iodine (BETADINE®) Antiseptic Feminine Wash as it contains povidone-iodine that helps treat vaginitis or vaginal infections when used twice daily during menstruation.6 This povidone-iodine based external wash relieves genital discomfort, such as itching and irritation that are common during menstruation6
The Effects of Fluctuating Hormones on Skin
The changes in hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle have a big say in how skin looks and feels.5 Since there are estrogen receptors found throughout the body and skin, it is no wonder why women may notice changes in how their skin looks and feels throughout their cycle.5
Some women may notice increased skin irritation just before menstruation and/or a brief period of dryness just after menstruation.5 The skin has also been shown to get oilier after ovulation.5 The oils secreted from the skin of your intimate area can release odors, which have been shown to change throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle.10 So, if you are a woman noticing any of these skin changes and finding them rather unpleasant, there is a BETADINE® Daily Feminine Wash that can help:7
- BETADINE® Moisturising Calendula – exclusively designed for women with
- dryness-prone skin; helps provide moisture to the feminine intimate area with regular use.
- BETADINE® Odor Control Witch Hazel – exclusively designed to help support relief from undesirable feminine odors with regular use.
On the other hand, if you are just looking for a little extra freshness as a part of your daily feminine hygiene, try BETADINE® Refreshing Lemon Verbena – it offers a feeling of freshness in the feminine intimate area with regular use.7
Always read the label before use
This article is for educational purposes only. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
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ASC I0247P071625B
