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Many over-the-counter (OTC) products are promoted for “feminine hygiene” or relief of vulvovaginal symptoms, which are experienced by as many as 44% of postmenopausal women. Some products contain contact irritants (e.g., benzocaine, fragrances), promote possibly harmful practices (e.g., douching), or may be associated with gynecologic malignancies (talc). How commonly do women use such products? Investigators distributed questionnaires to postmenopausal women who sought routine gynecologic care at two U.S. clinics. Women with chronic or recurrent vulvar dermatoses, such as lichen sclerosus or genital herpes simplex virus, were excluded.
In all, 114 women (mean age, 66; 94% white) completed the questionnaires. About half reported using at lea…