For women, their monthly period usually means pain, discomfort, and the hassle of wearing sanitary pads or tampons for a number of days. It’s also a time when one is more prone to bacterial infection “down there.”
Because of the presence of blood, the vagina’s pH—a solution’s acidity or alkalinity, measured on a scale of 0-14—is thrown out of whack. Normal vaginal pH is 3.8-4.2, which is more on the acidic level.
When a woman has her period, vaginal pH level goes up because blood is highly alkaline in nature, exposing that area to higher risk of infection.
To prevent this, proper feminine hygiene should be diligently observed—with the help of a feminine wash formulated specifically for those “red” days. Betadine Feminine Wash, which was recently relaunched in its brand-new, 100-ml lavender bottle, offers the ideal hygienic solution to its clients.
Unlike other feminine wash brands which commonly use lactic acid, Betadine has povidone iodine as its active ingredient, which acts more as an antiseptic to help protect women against vaginal infection.
“Lactic acid tries to simulate the normal vaginal pH level, whereas povidone iodine, which is also used for wounds, is more for anti-infection,” said Edwin Albert T. Valles, Mundipharma consumer marketing manager. “That’s why we’ve focused on providing women with a product that’s really for their ‘red’ days.”
Women’s concerns
The feminine wash was relaunched in a short program hosted by Boy Abunda in a “special edition” of his TV show “Bottomline.” Abunda asked four women of different ages their feminine hygiene concerns, which were answered by Dr. Leila Reyes, obstetrician, gynecologist and consultant at FEU-NRMF Medical Center. Abunda also introduced Betadine Feminine Wash’s new brand ambassador, TV host and model Bianca Gonzalez.
Gonzalez likened washing with Betadine Feminine Wash to using sanitary pads during one’s period. “On ‘normal’ days, we use the ordinary panty liners. But on ‘red’ days, we need something more to protect us. That’s why we have sanitary napkins. It’s the same with our feminine wash,” said Gonzalez.
During one’s period, it’s best to wash with Betadine twice a day—once in the morning, and again at night before going to bed. It’s not meant for everyday use, so if you plan to use it as your regular wash, use only twice a week.
The feminine wash has 7.5-percent povidone iodine concentration, which is lower compared to Betadine’s wound solution (10 percent), since the vagina doesn’t require that high a dosage. It also has a soapier formulation.
Betadine Feminine Wash has been around since 1997, although initially it was only accessible through doctors who would prescribe it as post-pregnancy wash or for those with existing infections. It was only in the early 2000s, said Valles, that the product was advertised commercially.