Unmentionables worth mentioning

Some young women, possibly even some in their 30s, may not want ask for certain feminine hygiene products that they consider embarrassing, such as products for their monthly menstrual cycle, constipation, overactive bladder, feminine odors, and lubrication. However, a number of new products in these categories are worth mentioning and stocking on your store shelves.

The menstrual cycle

Women who want 12 hours of leak-free protection during their menstrual cycle may want to consider the DivaCup by Diva International Inc. The reusable silicone cup is bell-shaped and placed internally in the vaginal canal for the collection of the menstrual flow. The DivaCup provides comfort and durability and is free of latex, plastic, PVC, acrylic, and colors and dyes. The product also features extra grip ridges for easy removal. DivaWash, made of plant-based ingredients, can be used to clean the DivaCup. (sales@divacup.com / 866-444-3482). (Image courtesy of Diva International)

The Lunette menstrual cup, developed in Finland by Lune Group Oy Ltd and available in the United States, comes in sizes 1 and 2. The smaller one, Lunette size 1, is recommended for younger women who have not given birth, have a short vagina, and are active in sports. The larger Lunette size 2 is recommended for younger women who have given birth, adult women who have or have not given birth, and for individuals with heavy menstrual flow. The Lunette menstrual cup is made of medical-grade silicone and is latex-free. The cup should be emptied two to four times daily and can be used at night. Individuals can monitor the menstrual flow with the measuring lines on the inside of the cup. (www.lunette.com)

For women who still like to use tampons, Proctor & Gamble offers the Tampax Radiant tampon product line, which includes Tampax Radiant Regular for regular menstrual flow, Tampax Radiant Super for heavy-flow, Tampax Radiant Super Plus for heavier flow, and Tampax Radiant Duopack for regular and heavy flow. These products offer leak protection and a resealable wrapper for disposal. (http://m.tampax.com/en-US/products)

Playtex Products LLC also has developed tampons for leak protection, including its Playtex Gentle Glide 360° Protection line, which includes Playtex Gentle Glide Regular Absorbency, Playtex Gentle Glide Super Absorbency, Playtex Gentle Glide Super Plus Absorbency, and Playtex Gentle Glide Ultra Absorbency tampons. This product line offers three layers of production, with a unique design made to custom fit the product to a woman’s body. The applicator has a contoured tip for easy insertion and a small tube plunger for fast and easy insertion. (www.playtexplayon.com/gentle-glide).

Constipation relief

For fast, reliable constipation relief, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals has developed Dulcolax Laxative Suppositories with New DulcoGlide Applicators. Recommended for the temporary relief of occasional constipation, these bisacodyl suppositories provide relief in 15 minutes to one hour. According to the company, the applicators offer a mess-free option for suppository placement. Each suppository comes individually wrapped for easy disposal of the applicator. This product can be used once daily for one week, if needed, by adults and children 12 years of age and older. (www.dulcolaxusa.com/dulcoglide-applicators.html) (Image courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals)

Adding fiber to one’s diet can help prevent constipation. It is now made easy, according to Procter & Gamble, with its Metamucil Fiber MultiGrain Wafers, which come in two flavors - apple crisp and cinnamon spice. Just two wafers provide 5 g of dietary fiber, or 20% of the daily fiber needed, and only 4.5 g of fat per serving - 7% of the daily total fat content in a 2,000-calorie diet, according to the manufacturer. Adults and children 12 years of age and older can consume up to three servings daily. (www.metamucil.com/metamucil-fiber-wafers.php)

Overactive bladder

Now there is an OTC treatment available for women with symptoms of overactive bladder. In the beginning of the year, FDA approved Oxytrol for Women, the first OTC product for overactive bladder in women 18 years of age and older. The OTC Oxytrol product is not available for men with the condition. Women with two or more symptoms of urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and urge incontinence for three months are candidates for Oxytrol for Women. Oxytrol for Women is a patch that contains oxybutynin to help relax the bladder muscle. The patch is applied to the skin and delivers 3.9 mg of oxybutynin per day. It should be removed and a new patch applied every four days. Oxytrol for Women is available in 16- and 32-day supplies. (www.oxytrolforwomen.com) (Image courtesy of Merck Consumer Care)

Odor elimination

The Poise feminine hygiene offerings from Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc. have received the stamp of approval from consumers, winning in the feminine wellness category of Product of the Year, according to an annual consumer survey of more than 50,000 individuals, compiled by TNS, a custom research agency that is part of Kantar. The Poise FreshCare Femme Wash helps remove vaginal odor with its pH-balanced formula. For women who need a gentle wash, Poise GentleCare Femme Wash was developed without glycerin, parabens, or dyes. For women who are on the go, Poise Intimate Cleansing Cloths provide a “shower-fresh feeling.” These hypoallergenic cloths contain noalcohol, glycerin, parabens, or dyes, and are said to be safe for daily use. (http://www.poise.com/products)

Another convenient feminine product is Poise Panty Fresheners, which are individual use fresheners that can be affixed to the outside of an undergarment. They provide up to 4 hours of a clean, fresh scent. (www.poise.com)

Fleet Laboratories also offers a variety of cleansing washes for the vaginal area. Formulated to clean the vaginal area and remove odor-causing bacteria, Summer’s Eve Cleansing Wash products include Simply Sensitive, Delicate Blossom, Morning Paradise, Island Splash, and Naturally Normal. All are available in the 9-oz and 15-oz sizes, except for Naturally Normal, which is available only in the 15-oz size. The company also offers the convenient Summer’s Eve Cleansing Cloths, which can fit into a purse or gym bag when women don’t have the time to take a shower. (http://www.summerseve.com)

Hot flashes

For women who experience hot flashes, Poise Upper Body Cooling Towelettes were developed to quickly and conveniently ameliorate the discomfort. The towelettes offer the comfort of a cold washcloth in a resealable package of 20. Women can apply them to their faces, necks, or chests for an instantly cool sensation. (www.poise.com)

It’s 2 Cool, LTD, offers Cool Off, natural herbal towelettes for fast heat relief. The towelettes can be applied to the neck, the inner arms, or the back of the knees to help relieve hot flashes. They can also be used after exercise. (www.allstarhealth.com)