Theodor Stern

Efficacy of a novel pH‐buffering tampon in preserving the acidic vaginal pH during menstruation

The vagina of a reproductive-age woman has a pH between 4 and 5. During menstruation, the vagina becomes less acidic due to the presence of menstrual fluid and diminished population of lactobacilli w1x. If the vagina becomes less acidic, the protective barrier provided by the normal acidic condition of the vagina becomes less effective and colonization by pathogenic microorganisms tends to appearw2x. The antimicrobial activity of the vaginal fluids is correlated with low pH and high lactic acid contentw3x. This clinical trial, the first in humans, was designed to test the ability of a unique new bifunctional tampon(Rostam Ltd. Caesarea, Israel ) to preserve the acidic pH of the vagina during menstruation. The tampon contains a polymeric delivery system (strips) that upon absorption of menstrual fluid gradually releases lactic acid and citric acid. The safety of the formulated novel tampon has