Aim: The first part of the Study on pH and Hygiene (SOPHY) evidenced some interesting correlations between clothing and the frequency of candidosis and bacterial vaginosis, between vaginal pH and satisfactory sexual activity, and between education and sexuality. SOPHY second part explored the effect of intimate hygiene, appropriately chosen within natural plant extracts, according to the women's different ages and conditions, on vaginal pH, candidosis, bacterial vaginosis, and satisfactory sexual activity.
Methods: The second part of the study enrolled 2 641 women randomized into different subgroups (prepubertal, fertile, pregnancy, breastfeeding, premenopause and menopause). The most appropriate detergent for the woman's intimate hygiene was recommended by 264 gynecologists on the basis of age and physio-pathological status of the patients: extract of Salvia officinalis for adolescents, child-bearing age and pre-menopause; extract of Camomilla recutita in menopause; extract of Thymus vulgaris during pregnancy and lactation, and in the presence or risk of vaginal infections. Each product had to be used once or twice a day for four weeks.
Results: The natural plant extracts used for intimate hygiene showed a positive clinical effect favouring the reduction of vaginal pH, the improvement of symptoms and the quality of sexual activity in all age/conditions observed.
Conclusion: SOPHY evidenced that an appropriate intimate hygiene can be an important tool in women's everyday life.