Always Infinity and Info on Vaginal Yeast Infections

For Amy and interested readers…. here’s the Always Infinity Heavy Flow Pads released August of last year in Canada.

Always Infinity Heavy Flow Pads (Box)

This is the box I got with S for the first time… actually, this one is the 32 edition, we only got the (smaller) 18 box since we didn’t know how good it’d be.

Always Infinity Heavy Flow Pads (Package)

The thinness of the pad is quite shocking…. like seriously, even I was impressed and that doesn’t happen easily, LOL!

Always Infinity Heavy Flow Pads (Opened with wings sticker)

One thing different about this particular pad is that there is a definitive difference of “front” and “back” – therefore, it is necessary to have the direction you should place the pad down on your panties on the sticker, otherwise the features of the pad might not be utilized properly.

Always Infinity Heavy Flow Pads (Opened with wings extended)

The wings are interesting with the appearance of  “2 flaps per wing” … the adhesives are extremely sticky, so you don’t want to make a mistake when placing it. Also, try not to get anything else stuck to the wings (owie?) or any sticky area of the pad unless you enjoy pain. The pad design is interesting, not like the usual symmetrical designs of other pads. The wetness is well distributed throughout the pad as you flow onto it. It does absorb quite fast, although if you have a sudden gush (like most pad failures), it tends to “pool at the top” giving a very gross feeling for a moment, but thereafter it goes back to being dry again (I know, wow eh). The amount of flow Infinity pads are able to absorb is deceiving by the thinness, lightness (feels like feathers… seriously) and the appearance that it won’t absorb much. The only gripe I have about the pad is probably the unusual smell of it, probably the infinicel technology (proprietary Always tech that makes it “Infinity”) they use. Also, once the pad has been saturated, the feeling of it changes to be a very “spongey and bouncy” feeling. I remember Poh Ching warned about using pads with gel in them (which absorbing gels were made by Always a while ago but quickly disappeared off the market… I guess now I know why) as they caused health issues. Nevertheless, although it feels like gel, apparently that it is not. The fast-acting properties of the infinicel is amazing such that when you look through the bottom of the pad after saturation, you can clearly see the saturation and how much it really absorbs while keeping the top layer against the skin dry.

All the point-to-point features of Always Infinity pads

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Thought I’d also write something about vaginal yeast infections because apparently one of my readers think that might be the case for her 😛 Eep! I’ll simplify it for the guys anyways, so it doesn’t overload their brains (or grossness factor) of it!

Yeast is a fungus scientifically referred to as Candida. Yeast is generally present on normal human skin and in areas of moisture, such as the mouth and vagina. Between 20%-50% of healthy women normally carry yeast in the vaginal area. Vaginal yeast infections, the most common form of vaginitis, is medically referred to as Vaginal Candidiasis. Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina and this infection occurs when new yeast is introduced into the vaginal area, or when there is a more-than-normal amount of yeast present in the vagina. A woman’s immunity level plays a large role in whether she is more resistant or susceptible to vaginal yeast infections. If a woman’s health is already in a compromised state or she is taking specific medication, it might kill off protective bacteria, thus allowing yeast to multiply and spread until vaginal tissue and lining are inflammed. As a note to the guys, although vaginal yeast infections are not considered a form of STD, if you engage in penile intercourse with an infected woman, it is possible you will encounter symptoms of skin irritation.

Since I’m not a doctor, I’m just going to quote some symptoms of vaginal yeast infections:

• vaginal itching
• vaginal burning
• vaginal irritation
• painful urination
• painful sexual intercourse
• odorless vaginal discharge (may be thick whitish-gray and cottage-cheese-like or may be watery in consistency)

As gross or as funny as some of those symptoms may sound, they are not as funny as one would imagine as it can cause mental distress, physical discomfort and possibly health complications if left untreated.

Tips to Prevent Yeast Infections

Always wear white cotton panties; avoid nylon and lycra as much as possible; never wear panty hose without wearing cotton panties underneath.

Post menopausal women and women who use oral contraceptives may find using a vaginal lubricant during sexual intercourse helpful in preventing vaginal discomfort and irritation.

Yeast is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract; always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent transferring yeast to the vaginal area; care must be taken during sexual intercourse to prevent vaginal infections from occurring due to contamination with organisms from the bowel or rectum.

Some women find eating one cup of yogurt a day when taking antibiotics is helpful to prevent the yeast infections that often follow antibiotic treatment; however yogurt alone will not cure vaginal yeast infections.

Avoid perfumed bath additives, as well as powders in the vaginal area. Douching is never a good idea since it washes away the natural protective mucous of the vagina and leaves women susceptible to vaginal infections.

Suffice to say a lot of variations in a woman’s life or changes in regular practices may make her susceptible to a yeast infection. However, these can easily be cured using over-the-counter medications or through the referral of a medical practitioner. It is quite common for a woman to have a vaginal yeast infection at least once in her life, so it is nothing to be ashamed of and most pharmacies, drug stores or even supermarkets will have products such as Monistat or Vagistat which can help reduce/remove the effects of a vaginal yeast infection. For the guys, think of a really bad jock-itch but for the girls and you will understand. Be a great boyfriend, husband or even just a great friend and help her pick-up a yeast infection curing kit – she will love you for it!