Press Release

Release Date: April 2003

Intimate Female Health Summer Q&A

Answers provided by Dr. Annelize Goedbloed, Director of Research at BioClin B.V., manufacturer of Bio-Fem Actigel.

Q. Is it possible that a hot climate or hot weather can cause more intimate feminine complaints?

A. Yes, this is possible because the warmth creates a good environment for the growth of micro-organisms and fungi.

Q. What complaints, in particular, are women more susceptible to in hot weather?

A. Predominantly itching and irritation of the vaginal tissues.

Q. Why is this?

A. These are the first signs of a woman's natural defence mechanism in action working against these micro-organisms and fungi, that are trying to invade the tissue.

Q. What can women do to prevent these problems before going away on holiday?

A. Make sure you pack sufficient changes of underwear and an acid soap. You can also buy special soap for the intimate area as well. However, don't use this, or any acid soap, every time you take a bath because it is not good to remove the naturally protective skin fat all the time.

Q. We often have sexual intercourse more on holiday. Can this cause increased intimate complaints and if so, what?

A. Certainly. Firstly, what is known as a "honeymoon disease" either a bladder infections or vaginal complaint. This is because the immune system has not yet adapted to the microbes of your partner. Also, irritation or friction damage might occur with frequent sexual intercourse. STIs lurk when we have unprotected sex but many of the symptoms will not appear until you get back home. One way to prevent this is to use condoms.

HPV, the human papilloma is transmitted during sexual intercourse. HPV is related to the herpes virus. It lays dormant until it is stimulated to become dangerous. It can be stimulated by bacterial vaginosis, because the coccoid bacteria product substances that cause HPV to become aggressive.

Q. Why is this?

A. Unprotected sexual intercourse is very disturbing for the ecology of the vagina. Semen does not like acidity and brings its own alkalinity which creates an environment for undesirable bacilli to grow. Among these are the ones that create malodour and when they really take over, bacterial vaginosis. This environment will also make women more susceptible to STIs. It is advisable to douche after intercourse and use Bio-Fem Actigel to restore the correct defensive acidity in the vagina.

Also, if you are using condoms on holiday, Bio-Fem Actigel is a good product to take with you as it will soothe any irritations.

Q. We are often wearing new clothes, or clothes that we haven't worn for a while when we go on holiday. What materials in our clothing can trigger intimate complaints?

A. Occlusive materials such as many synthetics may trigger intimate complaints. Also, un-washed new clothes may be impregnated with a substance that you are allergic to, however you will only notice this allergy on holiday. This is because your immune system is already so busy fighting all the new challenges of the unknown holiday environment. Very tight clothes should also be avoided.

Q. Why is this?

A. Occlusive means little air, so little oxygen. Most detrimental bacteria are anaerobic and do not like oxygen so an occlusive creates the perfect environment for these bacteria to thrive.

Q. Are there any other factors that cause intimate problems this time of year and why?

A. Other factors can include exposure to strains of bacteria that your immune system has not adapted to, because of the new environment you are in on holiday. This exposure can also be the result of a new partner as well as by anything else that you come into contact with on your travels - door knobs, toilet handles etc. Wash your hands often and thoroughly.

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