Cover How can women better assess feminine hygiene products based on their specific needs or concerns? Consultant gynaecological oncologist Dr Woo Yin Ling weighs in (Photo: Unsplash)
How can women better assess feminine hygiene products based on their specific needs or concerns? Consultant gynaecological oncologist Dr Woo Yin Ling weighs in (Photo: Unsplash)
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University Malaya Medical Centre consultant gynaecological oncologist Prof Dr Woo Yin Ling shares her take on how women can better assess feminine hygiene products
From perimenopause to egg freezing, topics surrounding women’s health are still very much taboo today. Many of us still avoid having conversations both in public spaces and in the confines of our own homes.
This unspoken rule of silence results in a lack of understanding and awareness of dealing with various health challenges, including using discernment and caution with the products we use on our bodies every day.
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Whether it be hair removal creams, skin whitening products, or feminine wash products, the rampant availability of unregulated ‘body care’ products is concerning at best and potentially glaring health risks to women that must be addressed.
Above Consultant gynaecological oncologist at University Malaya Medical, Dr Woo Yin Ling, weighs in on feminine care products (Photo: Daniel Adams/Tatler Malaysia)
Consultant gynaecological oncologist at University Malaya Medical, Dr Woo Yin Ling, weighs in on feminine care products (Photo: Daniel Adams/Tatler Malaysia)
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Professor Dr Woo Yin Ling, consultant gynaecological oncologist at the University Malaya Medical Centre and professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Malaya, weighs in on the topic of feminine care products and aesthetic procedures that could ultimately do more harm than good.
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“From my perspective as a gynaecologist, I often encounter women who use feminine products because they may have symptoms such as dry and itchy skin,” she says.
“They may occasionally have red patches around the vulval area or itchiness associated with what they perceive as excessive discharge. They then wrongly attribute these symptoms as a hygiene issue which it isn’t.”
Above The availability of feminine care products on platforms like Goop and others requires us to be more cautious about what we use on our bodies (Photo: Goop)
The availability of feminine care products on platforms like Goop and others requires us to be more cautious about what we use on our bodies (Photo: Goop)
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There are numerous problems associated with excessive washing, including a worsening of symptoms, Woo says. These include skin conditions around the vulva like eczema, dermatitis, thrush or, in rare cases, other autoimmune skin issues.
“I would suggest that if women have these skin concerns, they should see a dermatologist or gynaecologist who has experience in dealing with these issues,” she says. “It’s understandable that women can be shy and embarrassed, but it can sometimes be solved very easily.”
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From feminine intimate wash products with supposed ‘whitening’ abilities to products that claim to address odour and allergies, the wealth of feminine hygiene products both online and offline should always be approached with discretion.
“All skin products purchased from online platforms should be viewed with some discretion. There are many unapproved ‘whitening’ agents or creams and lotions that may contain harmful elements such as mercury,” says Woo. “Speaking to my dermatological colleagues, they often see cases of severe allergic reactions from products purchased online from unofficial market places.”
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Given that many women generally opt for feminine care products to address symptoms of dryness or itchiness in the vulval skin, the ultimate question is—what should women do when these symptoms arise?
“All of us have different skin constitutions–some have dry skin and some may suffer from eczema,” says Woo. “Some individuals may sweat more. A general rule of thumb is this: Look after your vulval skin as how you would with other skin surfaces. Clean and dry with regular soap and water. Don’t use undergarments that are too tight and ensure that during the monthly menses, sanitary towels are changed regularly.
“In post menopausal women, speak to a gynaecologist who can advice on appropriate management to help dryness (what is known as atrophic changes) or symptoms that may be associated with the changes of menopause.”
Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
