Women's experiences, preferences and perceptions regarding vaginal products: Results from a cross-sectional web-based survey in Portugal

• Tipo: Artigo em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2015

Autores

Palmeira De Oliveira, R (Autor) Outra; Duarte, P (Autor) Outra; Palmeira De Oliveira, A (Autor) Outra; Das Neves, J (Autor) Outra; Amaral, MH (Autor) FFUP; Breitenfeld, L (Autor) Outra; Martinez De Oliveira, J (Autor) Outra

Revista

Título: European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care

Vol. 20

Páginas: 259-271

ISSN: 1362-5187

Editora: Taylor & Francis

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 25 Citações

Scopus - 30 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00G-CRY

DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2014.980501

Abstract (EN): Objective We aimed to identify Portuguese women's experiences, preferences and perceptions regarding vaginal products. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted (February May 2013) among Portuguese women (aged 18 to 65 years) using an online questionnaire. Descriptive and chi-squared statistics were applied. Results Among 2529 women, 85.4% had used vaginal products, mostly to manage vulvovaginal infections (75.3%). Gels, creams and ointments (semi-solids) were the most frequently used (82%), followed by vaginal suppositories (56.5%) and tablets/capsules (41.8%), while vaginal rings were used by 10% of women. Semi-solids were preferred as an intravaginal medication both by women who had previously used them and by women who had never used an intravaginal product, while preference for vaginal rings was higher only among women who had previously used them. Even though 87.1% of all women considered vaginal drug delivery to be advantageous, the majority preferred to use oral products. Leakage (84.8%) and insertion difficulties (58.4%) were the main problems reported for vaginal products. Conclusions Overall, semi-solids were the most used and preferred vaginal products, while vaginal rings were highly acceptable for women who had previously used them. Although they considered the vaginal route to be more efficient and safe, many women felt it to be less appealing than the oral route, particularly due to comfort issues.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 13