Okay so I have posted about this before and its slowly getting more 'normal' to have periods. One thing that was driving me nuts though was that like 2 weeks before the external vaginal area would get super sore (like dry feeling I guess) to the touch. So I decided to try this stuff at my pharmacy. It is for people with autoimmune issues that may effect vaginal lubrication. It has jojoba oil and cranberry extract. It definately helps. Just thought I'd share if this would maybe help someone else too.

My Obs-gyn made me buy a special liquid soap to wash down there, it is for all sorts of 'itis's...basically it is a soapless soap that does not dry you out and prevents mycosa, yeast etc....they say that soap is responsible for lots of problems down there...so it is non prescription and a bottle goes a very long way...use it on my stoma too especially when it is sore and red...Works great...haven't had any real problems since then (10+yrs).
Sharon

Both of you! Can I ask what the name of the products that you're using? I've had a similar problem with the external vaginal area occasionally getting quite sore or itchy a few days before my period. It doesn't happen every month but there is a definite pattern with my periods. I did mention this to my GYN and she suggested an external antifungal cream because it's not uncommon for women to have external yeast overgrowth due to regular hormonal changes before their period, and she thinks the pouch might exacerbate things for me. I've tried the cream, but I don't really think yeast overgrowth is the problem as the cream seemed to make little difference. My GYN didn't really have any other suggestions other than to keep the area clean and dry, especially because I do have the pouch. It's more that the area just becomes sore for a few days, then improves when my period starts. I do think it's hormonal but I'm thinking a product that soothes the area would definitely help.

Thanks!

Spooky,
The product that I use is French and I always laughed at the name...Hydralin Gyn... because it is the same as an anti-cough med in the States...it is made by the Bayer group so you should be able to find it over there under another name..
As for the driness and irritation, I also noticed that when I used public washrooms that had that crunchy, non absorbant toilet paper or the recycled Pink tp I always got irritations afterwards...I figure that my delicates are allergic to certain dyes in the tp or the chemicals used to make it...so I now carry kleenex or other types of wipes when I go out.
Sharon

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for the recommendation! Unfortunately I haven't been able to find an equivalent to Hydralin Gyn in Canada. The only thing I could find here is Vagisil Wash, which doesn't really seem to be the same thing. It's possible that an equivalent product is not sold here, or at least not without a prescription. Anyway, I will have to ask my Gyn if there is something else I can use.

Thanks!

Spooky,
Talk to your pharmacist...if all else fails as for pure glycerin soap for your privates...highly un-allergic and you can give it boost with certain natural oil extracts if you don't like the smell (I like it)...I used to use Pear's soap when I lived back home and only ever washed down there with that (brought home suitcases full whenever I was back there)...this is just a liquid version with no chemical additives or fragrance....beware of colored toilet paper and the recycled kind...it is nasty to the delicate flower ...they use tons of chemicals to recycle it all...
The other no-nos are No synthetic unddies, only cotton (or at least cotton lined), breathable pantyhose (or use stockings) and no tight jeans..they do not let your flower breath...also sleep without any bottoms of just really loose ones at night....the poor baby needs to be aired out (French expression!)
Sharon

Thanks again, Sharon! I will ask the pharmacist, and in the meantime pick up some Pear's soap. Love the smell. I also don't touch coloured TP, and since having the pouch, I've always travel with Kleenex since I find most public washroom TP irritating back and front.

I actually don't sleep with bottoms, so we're good there! The problem I have is always around my period, that is why I'm sure it's hormonal, and as my Gyn said, perhaps exacerbated by the pouch--it's not every month either, but things can get quite uncomfortable when it does occur. I will do my best to keep my delicates happy.

what was this stuff called? our PH changes with our period also that can cause irritation. I use products like replense but it is kind of an odd product. I would be interested to know the name of this product u use.

Plus it is important to know that long term use of perednison causes hormonal problems long term. Also using antihistomines causes dryness. Tylonol PM also causes dryness. I venture that lomotil is pretty drying too and most of us take that. Try also the vagisil lubrication. that is great stuff or everyday use.

Spooky,
I used to say that I was 'allergic' to my own period blood...(sorry, too gross?)...which is why I had to wear tampons...anything else would irritate me terribly and I would suffer for days...so that might just be an answer...(not that that blood is any different than any other blood, really!)...so staying 'clean' was a must...Back to the bidet! Never use any perfumed products 'down there' and you may choose to wash your underthings in baby shampoo and not use laundry detergent (hand wash and not machine please...never use any shampoo in a washing machine...oh, the bubbles, the bubbles... )
Been doing it for years or I machine wash with special 'wool' shampoo which rinces out very well...here we also have something called 'Savon de Marseille' which is an all natural soap that you find in cake or liquid form and can wash your body, hair, clothes and whole house with...Extra mild & has a nice almost babyish smell to it...I use the liquid one to hand wash delicates and even in a pinch use it on 'me' when out of the special body wash.
Sharon

luvena is what its called

Sharon, I don't think we have to worry about being too gross on this site. I always wear tampons so there is little contact from the blood, but I think taking everything together: i.e. hormones, changes in PH during our periods, dampness, sensitive skin, the j-pouch, etc, etc, would all factor into the equation. I've always had very sensitive skin prone to irritation from certain skin care products and types of jewelry, and "down there" is no exception. After I got UC, my skin became even more sensitive. I'm sure it's the same reason that I still experience butt burn and irritation even almost 4 years out from takedown.

Anyway, I do appreciate all the suggestions and I will definitely try them! Magic, I'll also look for luvena.

Thanks again!

A little P.S
Never, ever use anything scented down there, especially minipads...The perfumes can be irritants...
Sharon