Many women rely on vaginal hygiene products, yet emerging research suggests they may cause more harm than good. In the first study of its kind, researchers found that users are three times more likely to develop vaginal infections. Some women even turn to these products to treat pre-existing concerns.
This landmark research establishes a baseline for women's vaginal health practices and pinpoints correlations warranting deeper investigation. Surveying nearly 1,500 women on their routines, product use, and infection frequency, the study identified anti-itch creams, moisturizers, lubricants, and intimate wipes as the most common choices—with specific links to certain infections.
For example, gel sanitizer users faced an eightfold higher risk of yeast infections and nearly 20 times the odds of bacterial infections. Feminine washes or gels were associated with a 3½-fold increase in bacterial infections and 2½ times greater likelihood of urinary tract infections. Intimate wipes doubled UTI risk, while lubricants or moisturizers raised yeast infection chances by 2½ times.
