A study in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology found that the bacteria that cause bacterial vaginosis (BV) disappeared in 77 percent of women after they inserted vaginal vitamin C tablets nightly for 16 days. "It basically works by acidifying the vagina," says Dr. Renee Blumenfeld, a family practitioner in Toronto. "It changes the pH level to where it should be: between 3.8 and 4.2."
BV isn't an infection; it's a change in the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina. The resulting symptoms are a foul, fishy odour - especially after intercourse - and greyish discharge. There's no danger, except during pregnancy or before an intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted, but it can be embarrassing. "Hormonal changes are a big trigger," says Blumenfeld, "so birth control pills, your menstrual cycle and pregnancy can bring it on, as can sexual activity, swimming and physical activity." Traditional treatment for BV is antibiotics, taken either orally or vaginally, but there's no guarantee that they will chase it away for good.
"If a woman has never been diagnosed with BV and has discharge, she should see a doctor to make sure it's not a sexually transmitted infection," says Blumenfeld. "But if a woman has had BV, is in a monogamous relationship and has classic symptoms, it is safe to self-treat with vitamin C." Be careful, though, to use vitamin C tablets specifically made for vaginal use.
FYI: We tried Today Balance Restore tablets and some of our testers experienced vaginal itch as a side effect. According to The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the incidence of chlamydia infections has risen 70 percent in Canada since 1997. And syphilis rates have increased by a whopping 908 percent.
SUMMER LOVIN' Forget bug bites and sunburn - some of the season's biggest irritants occur below the belt. Summer is usually the time when we feel our most beautiful, sexy and healthy. Keep it that way by avoiding these three pitfalls.
VAGINAL IRRITATION Sure, wearing a thong will keep you looking sleek, but the solution to dreaded panty lines may do more harm than good. Thongs can cause tiny cracks in the skin between the anus and the vagina (called perineal fissures), resulting in irritation. And that string of fabric can also bring on a urinary tract infection, as it offers bacteria a direct route from the anus to the urethra.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Alternate thong-worthy occasions with sexy, cotton boy-cut undies.
YEAST INFECTIONS There's nothing better than lounging on a dock after a quick dip, but sitting around in a damp bathing suit is one of the fastest ways to get a yeast infection. Yeast multiplies quickly in a warm, damp environment, and the next thing you know you're flinging on your flip-flops and cruising the drugstore aisles for a cure. the bottom line: If you're going to be in and out of the water all day, bring two suit bottoms and switch back and forth. Or go au naturel under a sarong.
FOLLICULITIS When it comes to bikini waxing, there's a risk of folliculitis, an inflammation or infection of hair follicles, says Dr. Iris Greenwald, a general practitioner and director of The Centre for Women's Health in Toronto. There's also a risk of burns and ingrown hairs, so it's best not to try this at home.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Do your research and make sure you see a reputable esthetician.