Menopause Matters Forum

Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: JennyP on April 30, 2025, 08:09:46 AM

Title: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: JennyP on April 30, 2025, 08:09:46 AM
I posted a while back about extreme burning in my vulva and vagina. I was prescribed estriol thanks to the advice of MM members which has certainly helped.

I have since discovered that I am highly allergic to phenyoxyethanol which is a preservative widely used in detergents. I’d used Surecare for years without a problem as I have generally sensitive skin so I didn’t consider this to be the root of the problem - how naive! Whether they had changed the formula or i had just developed an allergy is another matter.

Turns out the substance was exasperating the start of peri dryness. Since switching to another product I still have soreness after sex but nowhere near as bad the rest of the time with the symptoms being constant itching on my vulva and unpleasant smelling discharge.

Just wanted to share this in case it might help someone else.
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: CLKD on April 30, 2025, 08:56:05 PM
Tnx.  Was the smelly discharge investigated?

Continue with the atrophy treatment every night.  Use extra lubricant prior to being intimate. It all helps to keep the vagina as healthy as possible. 
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: Pippa52 on May 02, 2025, 10:56:22 AM
I am  also very allergic to anything with phenyoxythenaol in be it shampoos or anything so I feel for you.  I have to read all labels now before buying things
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: JennyP on May 02, 2025, 03:46:06 PM
Tnx.  Was the smelly discharge investigated?

Continue with the atrophy treatment every night.  Use extra lubricant prior to being intimate. It all helps to keep the vagina as healthy as possible.

Yes I had every test under the sun including privately paid for tests.
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: JennyP on May 02, 2025, 03:49:55 PM
I am  also very allergic to anything with phenyoxythenaol in be it shampoos or anything so I feel for you.  I have to read all labels now before buying things

Thank you. It’s in loads of products including cosmetics. I read a post on here about MooGoo products which I’m trialling and so far great. The body wash is lovely.
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: CLKD on May 02, 2025, 05:34:05 PM
I saw MooGoo products in Lloyds recently, let us know how you get on. 
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: bombsh3ll on May 02, 2025, 06:55:37 PM
Thanks for sharing this, you are probably not the only one.

Moral of the story = if you can't spell it, don't let it touch your privates ;)
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: JennyP on May 03, 2025, 03:21:22 PM
Thanks for sharing this, you are probably not the only one.

Moral of the story = if you can't spell it, don't let it touch your privates ;)

Thanks for pointing this out but is there any real need? I think most people can tell what I meant.
Title: Re: Phenyoxyethanol contributing to intimate burning
Post by: Minusminnie on May 03, 2025, 04:36:43 PM
A pity that you have gone Jenny as I believe Bombshe3ll’s comment was not a personal attack but meant in general.

Keep things simple around the vagina & vulva !