Archive for January, 2009
TriNessa Review
Thursday, January 29th, 2009 | Uncategorized | 8 Comments
TriNessa is the generic form of Ortho Tri-Cyclen birth control. It has a combination of female hormones, and these hormones prevent the release of an egg from an ovary. It also makes it more difficult for sperm to reach the uterus because it causes changes in your uterine lining and cervical mucus. TriNessa can also be used to treat severe acne. It should not be used while pregnant or breast feeding, and like with most birth control pills TriNessa increases your risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. You shouldn’t smoke while taking TriNessa. The 28-day pack of pills contains 7 reminder pills (pills that contain no medicine). The reminder pills in my pack are green. You don’t have to take the reminder pills. Depending on the instructions from your doctor, you will either take your first pill of the pack on the first day of your period or on the first Sunday after your period begins. The pills must be taken every day until you reach the green pills. Once the days on the green pills are up, start a new pack. The birth control is more effective if you take it at the same time every day. I would advise to take these pills with food to help prevent or at least ease stomach upset.
For years I was on Ortho Tri-Cyclen because at the time I did not have insurance and was getting my birth control from a clinic. Ortho Tri-Cyclen was the only type of pill they had available. I seemed to do fine on Ortho. I was switched from Ortho Tri-Cyclen to TriNessa once I got insurance because TriNessa is what my insurance company covers. At first, I thought the pharmacy had given me the wrong birth control but they assured me TriNessa was the generic form of Ortho and there was really no difference. I’ve been taking Tri-Nessa for about a year and a half. I didn’t match the side effects to TriNessa until recently. I’ve been researching all the various pills I take and came across comments of people taking Tri-Nessa that had very similar problems. I always assumed it couldn’t possibly be the birth control because generic is supposed to be the exact same as the non-generic–or so I thought.
Now that I trace back in my mind the beginning of these little problems I’ve been having, they all seem to have started when I began taking TriNessa. For starters, I often feel dizzy and nauseous. Especially nauseous with-in an hour of taking the pill. At times I thought I was going to get sick. The dizziness happens off and on throughout the day. I sort of feel like I’m walking around in some sort of fog. I also get very strong headaches, which I never experience on Ortho. The lingering spotting after my period lasts on average about two days longer, and my vagina has become dryer. Birth control in general seems to make my vagina dry, no matter what kind I’m on–Depo Provera, Ortho Tri-Cyclen etc. However, it seems to be even dryer on TriNessa. I use lots of lube during sex, especially since I am so prone to urinary tract infections and yeast infections. The added friction can cause damage to the vagina walls and urethra making you more susceptible to infection. I would advise anyone who experiences dryness because of TriNessa and is also prone to infections, to definitely use some sort of vaginal moisturizer and/or lubrication during sex (Astroglide, and Rephresh are my favorites). I am going to have a talk with my Gynecologist about switching to a different birth control. Any recommendations are appreciated. The only upside to taking TriNessa is that it prevented me from getting pregnant. If you don’t have a problem taking TriNessa, then your pocket book is in luck because TriNessa is about as cheap as it gets. It costs me about $10 a pack. I believe it’s $20 without insurance. Other birth control pills can run as high as $50.
(Rated 2/5 Stars)
Astroglide Personal Lubricant Review
Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Astroglide Personal Lubricant is designed to mimic natural body fluids. It helps prevent unwanted friction during sex due to vaginal dryness. Sometimes the female mind may be aroused and ready for sex, but the vagina is not quite there yet. Astroglide lube can be used even if vaginal dryness is not a problem. You may just want the extra lubrication to increase sensitivity for both partners. Extra lubrication during sex not only increases the pleasure and sensitivity for both partners, it also helps reduce the woman’s risk for infection. Having sex without enough lubrication causes friction on the urethra, which can make a female more susceptible to urinary tract infections. It can also cause friction on the vaginal walls, which can lead to tearing or rawness. Trauma to the vaginal walls can put a female at risk for vaginal infections, such as yeast and bacterial. Astroglide is a water-based, water-soluble, and petroleum free formula, which is great, because some people have an allergic reaction to petroleum based lubricants.
I have been using Astroglide for almost 3 years now. My husband puts some on just prior to sex, and I apply some to the opening of my vagina as well. It provides the extra lubrication I need during sex. I find that Astroglide lube feels very natural and slippery. Other personal lubricants sometimes feel artificial and thick. The lubrication also lasts longer than other personal lubricants. With Astroglide I reach my orgasm much faster than I do without lubrication, and it also makes it easier for me to have multiple orgasms during sex. Penetration is much more pleasant as well. It is also compatible with condoms. I will mention that Astroglide becomes sticky after sex, and it usually takes a little bit of effort and lots of water to rinse it off. Also, Astroglide does contain glycerin in the ingrediets. Glycerin is made from sugar (this contributes to the stickiness after sex). Some people who are prone to yeast infections cannot use lube containing glycerin because the yeast can feed off of it. I don’t seem to have a problem using Astroglide, and I am prone to yeast infections. Every one is different. If you find you’re getting yeast infection flare ups while using this product, then you should try switching to a glycerin free lubrication. Astroglide costs about $9 to $10 for a 5oz bottle. A little goes a long way, so the bottle doesn’t run out quickly. It can be purchased online, at most drugstores, grocery stores, and super stores.
(Rated 4/5 Stars)
Monistat 1 Day Ovule Review
Thursday, January 15th, 2009 | Uncategorized | 11 Comments
Yeast infections are an inconvenience in many ways. First there are the symptoms and then there is the unpleasant treatment. The treatment is usually very messy and worst of all, you typically have 7 days worth of treatment. That means 7 days of having clumps of cream coming out of you. Monistat attempts to put an end to this with their 1 day ovule. All you have to do is put small egg looking thing, which they call an ovule, into the applicator. Then lie on your back or squat standing up and insert once. That’s it. Just one time. Granted, it may still take a week for the yeast infection to completely clear up, but you only have to do it one time. The ovule itself, is a great idea, it’s much less messy. You don’t have to fumble with inserting tubes of cream into the applicator. Also, it feels better to have the tiny ovule inserted as apposed to a couple of inches worth of cream.
I very much wanted to like Monistat 1 Day Ovule. If only treating my yeast infections could be that simple. I inserted the ovule in the evening before bed. I woke up a few hours later from an intense burning sensation. I went to the bathroom and grabbed a hand held mirror to take a peak at what was going on down there. My entire vulva area was swollen. My clitoris was so swollen it was sticking out well beyond the lips of my vagina. I freaked out. I was in so much pain I first ran cool water over it and then resulted to using a towel wrapped in ice. I didn’t go to work the next day because it hurt too bad to put underwear or pants on and it was still incredibly swollen. Sitting in a chair was even uncomfortable. It also burned and itched like crazy. After about a day, I decided to go for a natural treatment of yogurt. That seemed to calm things down.
I’m not the only one who has had an experience like this using the 1 day ovule. My gynecologist told me some people just can’t handle the high dose of medicine and therefore it produces an allergic reaction. I’ve read several reviews online from people who experienced the exact same reaction to Monistat 1 Day Ovule as I did. I have also read a couple of reviews from people who loved it and had no reaction to it. The only problem is, there is no way to know whether or not your vagina can handle it unless you try it. If you have ever had any kind of reaction before from using products in or around your vagina, I would steer clear of this product. I’m OK using the 7 day Monistat treatment and even the 3 day Monistat treatment with no signs of irritation. If you are one of the lucky ones who can do the one day treatment, it can be purchased at drugstores, grocery stores, super stores, and online. It is a little more expensive than the 3 or 7 day treatments. It costs between $16 and $18.
(Rated 1/5 Stars)
Macrodantin Review
Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Macrodantin (also known as Nitrofurantoin, macrobid macrodantin, or macrobid) is prescribed to patients with urinary tract infections. It can be used to treat an existing urinary tract infection, or it can be used as a preventative measure for those with recurring urinary tract infections. It is usually prescribed for 6 months or longer to those with recurring infections. It is best to take this medicine with food because stomach upset often occurs. Typically, Macrodantin will be taken twice daily–once in the morning and once in the evening. The medicine does not interfere with birth control. During the first few days, it is common to experience side effects such as upset stomach, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and nausea. These symptoms should disappear once your body adjusts to the medicine. Contact your doctor if these symptoms worsen or do not clear up after a few days. If you experience any of the following, inform your doctor: yellowing of eyes/skin, cough, chills, muscle aches, tingling of hands or feet, unusual weakness. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience the following: rash, trouble breathing, fever, swelling.
Macrodantin was prescribed to me by my urologist as a preventative measure because I was suffering from chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs). It was to be taken for 6 months, twice daily. I took the medicine as instructed. For the first few days I did experience headache, dizziness, and nausea. Over the course of treatment I also experienced some short term hair loss. I didn’t have bald spots or anything, but my hair became thinner. The thickness of my hair returned to normal with in a few months after going off the medicine. Macrodantin seemed to make the chronic urinary tract infection problem better, but it didn’t completely fix the problem because I had about 3 flare ups while on the medicine. Those flare ups didn’t turn into a full blown UTI because my doctor had given me a stronger medicine to take in the case of flare ups. Also, my urologist said Macrodantin would not cause yeast infections. I found this to be false. After being on the medicine for about 3 months, I developed a yeast infection problem where I would get them every month and sometimes more. My gynecologist, after exhausting all other possible causes for these recurring yeast infections, concluded it could be the Macrodantin. I insisted my urologist said it wouldn’t cause them, but after doing some research online, I found that it is possible. It wasn’t listed as one of the side effects in the pamphlet that came with the pills, but several sites online with information about the medicine said prolonged use or repeated periods of using Macrodantin may result in a secondary infection such as, oral, bladder, or vaginal yeast infection. This is a very unpleasant side effect, and a difficult condition to clear up. I wish this had been listed as a side effect on the pamphlet.
My urologist suggested I stay on Macrodantin for an additional 6 months, since I had so many flare ups (one was towards the end of the 6 months). I made the decision to stop taking the medicine and opt for a natural prevention method of diet and supplements because I didn’t want to worsen my yeast infection condition. I was not very pleased with the results of Macrodantin–not just because of the side effects, but because it wasn’t as effective at preventing UTIs as I had hoped it would be. If your doctor prescribed this medicine to you for an extended period of time, please make sure you are fully aware of all the possible side effects. Being on any type of antibiotic for a long period of time puts a person at risk for throwing off the good bacteria balance in the body. Definitely do your research online.
(Rated 2/5 Stars)
Summer’s Eve Feminine Cleansing Cloths Review
Monday, January 12th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Summer’s Eve Feminine Cleansing Clothes are flushable wipes that can be used during your period, after exercising, or in the place of toilet paper. They are gentle enough for sensitive skin and are alcohol free. You can buy them in individually wrapped packages or in a large soft pack dispenser. The individually wrapped packages are perfect for traveling or tucking in your purse while out during the day. I no longer use the wipes, but when I did, I used them during my period as well as once in a while when I felt the need to freshen up. They are also great to wipe with if your anal or vaginal area becomes sore from too much wiping with toilet paper.
Although this product is gentle enough to not cause irritation on the skin, it is not gentle enough for people who are prone to vaginal infections. After using the cloths for a few months, they began to upset the pH in my vagina. I am very prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) as well as yeast infections, and the cleansing cloths seemed to cause another cycle of infections. I stopped using the Cleansing cloths and began using unscented baby wipes. This seemed to drastically help reduce the infections. I would not recommend Summer’s Eve Feminine Cleansing Cloths to those prone to yeast infections, bacterial infections , or UTIs. If you are not prone to these types of infections, they may work fine for you. Summer’s Eve products can be purchased at drugstores, grocery stores, super stores, and online. For about $2.99, you can get a box of 16 individually wrapped cloths.
(Rated 2/5 Stars)
Summer’s Eve Feminine Deodorant Spray
Monday, January 12th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Summer’s Eve Feminine Deodorant Spray neutralizes odor and absorbs moisture. It can be sprayed on undergarments, pantyhose, and pads/pantyliners as well. The spray comes in a couple of different scents, tropical rain, island splash, baby powder, and ultra extra strength. I began using this spray because I remembered my mother using it during her period when I was a child. No matter what scent you buy, Summer’s Eve has a very distinct smell. It sort of lingers in the air after you’ve sprayed it. I used it only during my period to spray a light mist on my pads and pantyliners each time I put a new one on. I wanted to smell as fresh as I possibly could during my period. I didn’t seem to have much of a problem using the spray in my teens. It did the trick as far as keeping me fresh down there.
Once I got older and into my 20s, I found I could no longer use the spray because it always seemed to cause a yeast infection. If you are prone to yeast infections, I would not recommend using this product. The spray can encourage your pH balance to be off. The vagina is a delicate part of your body as it is, and those who have an extra sensitive vagina should not use this. For those who are able to use it, Summer’s Eve products can be purchased at drugstores, grocery stores, and super stores. You can also find it online. It costs about $4-$5 for a 1.5 oz spray bottle and that will last a while.
(Rated 2/5 Stars)
Vagisil Anti-Itch Medicated Wipes Review
Sunday, January 11th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Vagisil Anti-Itch Medicated Wipes are medicated individually wrapped wipes. They help relieve exterior vaginal itching and burning. The wipes have an odor blocking formula and are flush-able. These wipes are useful for vaginal itching associated with yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, as well as itching caused by clothing or chafing. The wipes do not cure or treat a vaginal infection and should never be inserted into the vagina. They are however very helpful during treatment for yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Vagisil Anti-Itch Wipes can be used in conjunction with yeast infection suppositories/creams. Check with your doctor first before using them with treatment for bacterial vaginosis.
I began using Vagisil Anti-Itch Wipes when I started getting yeast infections after my period ended every month. I used them in conjunction with the 7 day suppository treatment. They are also great for anal itching. Some women experience itching around the anus during a yeast infection in addition to vaginal itching. Just be sure to either use separate wipes for the anus and vagina area or wipe from front to back with the wipe. My doctor later prescribed Diflucan to be taken once a month at the end of my period. Although this seemed to help keep the infections away, I still experienced an itching sensation for a few days at the end of my period. I continued to use the wipes because of this and they provided much relief. They are discrete and easy to carry. I found they soothed the itching and burning sensation immediately, and I never experienced any irritation. Usually towards the end of my period the odor down there is stronger and the wipes also helped with that. Once I stopped having yeast infections, I didn’t use the wipes for a while. Then one day I was experiencing some chafing in the vaginal area due to sex, and I bought the wipes again. I wasn’t sure if they’d work on this type of iritation, but they did. This is a wonderful product. You don’t have to deal with the mess of an external anti-itch cream.
I’ve heard of some people using these every day, but I would be hesitant to do this simply because I don’t like the idea of using something medicated on my vaginal area every day. The active ingredient is Pramoxine Hydrochloride, which is a topical anesthetic. My only concern would be that it might become less affective, if used every day. Experiencing vaginal itching on a daily basis is a sign of an underlying condition. It’s best to seek the advice of a doctor if this is the case.
Vagisil Anti-Itch Medicated Wipes cost between $6 and $7 for a box of 12 individually wrapped wipes. I consider that reasonably priced, considering they’re medicated and provide such great relief. You can purchase these wipes online or in the feminine hygiene section of most drugstores, grocery stores, and superstores.
(Rated 5/5 Stars)
Vagisil Screening Kit Review
Friday, January 9th, 2009 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment
The Vagisil Screening Kit helps you determine whether or not you have a yeast infection or something else. It says on the box that it is not to be used for diagnosis but may be helpful when discussing your symptoms and pH with your doctor. Although it says this, most people, including myself, use this product and don’t visit the doctor unless the results say it could be something other than a yeast infection. The kit comes with 2 pH wands along with a guide to match your color to a pH which then matches what type of infection you may have. Only touch the wand by the thick end. Do not touch the end where the circles are because this end will be inserted into the vagina to get your pH reading. If you touch it, it may interfere with your results.
Next, insert the thin end of the wand into the vagina and press against the vaginal wall for 5 seconds. Then take the wand out and compare the circle to the colors on the pH sheet. pH levels vary from 4.5 to 7.5. A reading higher than 5.0 may be a sign of a trichomonosis or bacterial vaginosis infection and you need to make an appointment with your Gynecologist. These types of vaginal infections must be treated with a prescription. A pH level of 4.5 indicates you may have a yeast infection, if you have symptoms of itching, burning, and cottage cheese like discharge. If you have had a yeast infection before, then you may proceed with over the counter treatment. The wand should not be used during your period or just after having sex. Wait at least 5 days after your period, and 48 hours after sex. A new wand must be used every time you test.
I purchased this product because the previous month I had been treated for a bacterial infection, and I wanted to make sure the symptoms I was experiencing were caused by a yeast infection and not another bacterial infection. The test strips were easy to use and reassured me it was a yeast infection. I proceeded with a yeast treatment, which was successful. I have not purchased this product again because I haven’t had symptoms of an infection. It can be purchased at most U.S. Food, Drug, and Mass Merchandise stores in the feminine hygiene section and costs about $15-$20. Vagisil Screening Kits are a little pricey, but I would use it to save myself an unneeded trip to the Gyno just to find out I have a yeast infection I can treat myself.
(Rated 4/5 Stars)
Ciprofloxacin Review
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 | Uncategorized | No Comments
Ciprofloxacin (also referred to as Cipro) is classified as an antibiotic. It treats various types of bacterial infections and can also be used to slow/prevent anthrax after exposure. It can be taken with or without food but should not be taken with dairy products such as milk, yogurt, or calcium fortified juice. The reason for this is because it can make the medicine less effective. Dairy products can be eaten during the day, just not at the same time you take the medicine. Ciprofloxacin was prescribed to me by my Urologist. I had been suffering from recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) and was put on Macrodantin for 6 months. Ciprofloxacin was to be used in case of an emergency where the Macrodantin was not doing its job of keeping the UTIs away. I was also instructed to use Ciprofloxacin for UTI flare ups once my six months on Macrodantin were up. Some side effects of Ciprofloxacin are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, restlessness, headache, rash and abdominal pain.
The only side effects I experienced while on this medicine were restlessness and nausea. It was always necessary for me to take Ciprofloxacin with food. The medicine was extremely effective in treating UTIs. I had several flare ups during the six months I was on Macrodantin and one or two, once the six months were up. Ciprofloxacin took care of them right away. I usually only had to use the pills for a day or two and then I was symptom free. The instructions my Urologist gave me were to take a pill at the first sign of a flare up and continue taking the pills until the symptoms were gone and then stop. Others who are prescribed Ciprofloxac for a one time UTI may be instructed to continue taking the pills until the bottle is finished. Be sure to take the medicine just as your doctor prescribed. Without insurance, Ciprofloxacin costs about $26 for thirty 250mg pills. With insurance, it costs about $5.
(Rated 5/5 Stars)
Flagyl Review
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009 | Uncategorized | 1 Comment
Flagyl, also known as Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat certain parasites and anaerobic bacteria. It was prescribed to me by my gynecologist to treat what they thought was bacterial vaginosis (BV), also referred to as a bacterial infection. Side effects of Flagyl can include, nausea, headaches, loss of appetite, a metallic taste, and rash. It should be stored at room temperature and away from light. Do not drink alcohol while taking Flagyl or for 3 days after taking it. It can cause severe vomiting, nausea, cramps, flushing, headaches, vaginal itching and discharge.
I was given the extended release Flagyl. For the extended release form of medicine, it should be taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating a meal. The pills should not be broken or crushed. Breaking the pill will make too much of the drug release at one time. I took the pills as directed, although it was a little bit of a challenge to take the pills 1 hour before and 2 hours after eating. I experienced a metallic taste in my mouth. About 2 days into my medicine I developed a really bad yeast infection. I’m not talking about just a regular yeast infection. I’m taking about the yeast infection of all yeast infections–red, raw, swollen. I was directed to finish my medicine and then they put me on more medicine for the yeast infection.
A lot of people have reported getting a yeast infection from taking Flagyl. My doctor did not warn me about this, nor was there a label on the medicine stating this. With some antibiotics, such as penicillin, there is a warning stating it may cause a yeast infection. It took several doses of yeast infection medicine for me to get some relief. Flagyl was not a pleasant experience for me.
(Rated 1/5 Stars)
