I use FemFresh occasionally (pH balanced 'ladywash') but am very careful to use it ONLY on external areas. I think the best advice I was ever given was to only do a thorough wash with water so's to avoid thrush/BV/general vaginal problems.

Actually, I might get a t-shirt printed that says VAGINAS CLEAN THEMSELVES. It's awful if you google anything about washing ladybits you get pages and page of poor teenagers saying "I soap my foofoo every day and it just itches and smells worse and worse!" - it makes me wince in sympathy and then facepalm in despair.

I've never tried the gels or washes.

But I agree with Violette about the saline wash.  When I had my coil inserted the nurse told me add a tablespoon of salt to the bath water and just sit in it for 15-30 mins.  She said it was something to consider doing regularly.   

Jas.

uh... uh...

*runs to bathroom clutching stomach*

...Why?

Hi

Has anyone tried products like rephresh or bio fem active gel? Or any of the other wash gels that help keep the PH balanced?

thanks

PLAIN WATER. And DO NOT DOUCHE.

Vaginas are self-cleansing, and the vulva (the skin folds of the pussy) only need plain water and a gentle *wipe*.

This is why I like baths better than showers. You can sit and wash and sit some more. In plain water, of course

I used to get thrush every single month until I stopped using bubble bath and any kind of soap (even if just using to wash underarm etc) in my bathwater.

Not saying you don't already do the following, but just saying these also help: clean knickers every day, no knickers at night/when sleeping, cotton/natural undies, loose fitting clothes/undies, no talc/perfume/spray down there, wash undies in unperfumed powder/conditioner (rinse thoroughly). If you're suffering from thrush too regularly, look at your diet and cut out sugar, breads, yeasts (and research the net for other possible triggers).

And I used to get BV all too often until I stopped using tampons. So try using pads, unless/until you really really HAVE to use tampons.

Hmm. Well, 1 tablespoon of salt in a bath of water will be so dilute it will be less than saline, and the water won't get to the cervix if you sit in the bath anyway, so not sure this would be of any help at all?

I have had 3 coils now (totalling 15 years so far), and never been told to put salt in my water...

Sorry, not a full bath, just enough to cover your bits.   She was a family planning clinic nurse, a rather lovely older lady.  To tell the truth I only did it a few times,  I just never got into the habit and I didn't like the thought of what the  salt would do to my skin!  I had the coil removed after about a year, it was awful I really did not like it.

Oh and it wasn't to treat thrush or anything, just something she said would help with the discomfort and the general health.

I used to get thrush when I was in the pill, every month without fail, but I have no problems with mini-pill.

Thanks everyone

Cassie - I have low blood sugar & was told that it could make me more prone to BV.  I might try the gel, do you just use it before and after sex?