LONDON, September 23 /PRNewswire/ --

- Vagisil and the Wellbeing of Women aim to Provide Education for Women's Health

Results of a recent survey reveal symptoms of vaginal discomfort are being ignored by women. Nearly 50% of women suffer from vaginal discomfort and yet around half ignore it, whether it is caused by a burning itch, discharge or odour.(1)

Largely due to misconceptions or simply the lack of public information about intimate care, many women don't know how to identify and treat or even prevent vaginal discomfort properly and are unwilling to consult a doctor about their condition. Whilst sexual education seems easily accessible, information on aspects of gynaecological health is rarely provided for women and 50% are 'too embarrassed' to seek medical assistance or advice(2), with only 8% contacting a doctor for bacterial vaginosis.(3) Mr Ronnie Lamont, Reader in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Imperial College, London and Northwick Park Institute of Medical Research comments, "Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an imbalance of vaginal bacteria which is the commonest cause of vaginal discharge in the developed world yet the significance is poorly appreciated by women, their GPs and even some gynaecologists. BV is twice as common as thrush yet most women and many GPs assume that vaginal discharge is thrush until proven otherwise which leads to self-diagnosis and unsuccessful self-treatment. Women and healthcare providers need to appreciate the long term adverse effects associated with this bacterial imbalance and screening for bacterial vaginosis should be part of Well Woman screening in the same way as Pap smears and breast examination."

This lack of education, coupled with reticence to seek medical advice, leaves women simply putting up with their discomfort. According to the survey nearly 40% ignore vaginal irritation and do not use anything to treat it.(4) Alternatively women resort to treating themselves but tend to do so inappropriately due to incorrect self-diagnosis and self-medication. Jackie Davies, a 38 year old mother, has suffered from re-occurring vaginal infections for years leaving her unable to wear the clothes she wanted and to socialise as she pleased. She says, "I have always felt there is a lack of information about vaginal health and it can be difficult to discuss with a pharmacist or doctor. I put up with vaginal discomfort for years unnecessarily, as I tried to ignore symptoms and later tried to treat them myself. Since being advised to use Vagisil(R) Medicated Creme I have experienced symptom relief and can now wear what I want and go out where I want whilst feeling fresh and clean - I wish I had sought medical advice earlier."

Vagisil and the Wellbeing of Women (WoW) have joined hands to inspire and provide women with the knowledge necessary to proactively monitor and improve their health. Vagisil is proudly supporting the Healthy Women campaign for WoW which aims to empower women across the UK through education in gynaecological health. Liz Campbell, Director of Wellbeing of Women, comments, "Wellbeing of Women is dedicated to solving the health problems that only affect women. We are pleased that our Healthy Women campaign is supported by Vagisil who strive to give women more confidence in facing feminine health issues."

By working with Wellbeing of Women to provide accurate education and a greater appreciation of intimate care, Vagisil aims to enable women to tackle intimate health problems. Vagisil offers women a range of products to avoid and soothe external vaginal discomfort so that they feel like themselves again fast.

Notes to Editors:

Vagisil products are available nationwide. To learn more about Vagisil, as well as feminine intimate care and wellbeing you can access the website at http://www.vagisil.co.uk

Vagisil

Vagisil(R) Medicated Creme contains the active ingredient lidocaine to stop feminine itching, burning and irritation.

Vagisil(R) Deodorant Mist is a compact, light mist for long-lasting intimate freshness with Odour Control Technology to help eliminate odour instead of masking it.

Vagisil(R) Feminine Powder Talc-free absorbs uncomfortable wetness which can lead to chafing and has a natural deodorant that instantly eliminates odour.

Vagisil(R) Feminine Wash is 100% soap free and pH balanced for intimate cleansing without irritation. Gently deodorises with its unique Odour Control Formula.

Vagisil(R) Medicated Wipes with soothing calendula and chamomile can help stop itching and soothe irritation. They are individually wrapped and sized to fit in a handbag for convenience.

Combe International

Combe International is a manufacturer of health and beauty care products, including Just For Men(R), and Grecian 2000(R) hair colour products, Lanacane(R) skin care products, OdorEaters(R) foot care products, Vagisil(R) feminine care products and Seabond(R) denture products. Combe, a privately held multinational company founded in 1949, with its UK base in Croydon.

Wellbeing of Women (WoW)

Wellbeing of Women is the only UK charity dedicated to solving health problems that only affect women. WoW invests in medical research and training to find real solutions to these problems. Since the charity was founded over forty years ago, millions have been donated to fund the very best research. It is true to say that every woman born since 1964 will have benefited from the advances in health made possible by WoW. Every day in hospitals and laboratories all over Britain, WoW funded doctors and researchers are working hard to find the answers that will save the lives of women and their babies. WoW works in partnership with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to improve women's health.

Healthy Women Campaign

Throughout September WoW run their 'Healthy Women Campaign' to encourage women to listen to their bodies more closely and give them the confidence to seek help when they think something is wrong.

September 20th was The WoW Show, this brings together the worlds of health and fitness and offers women top quality information from some of the top medical experts. The event takes place at The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London.

Visit http://www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk for more information.

Product Information:

Vagisil(R) Medicated Creme: for adults and children 12 years of age and older. Apply Vagisil(R) Creme to the affected area. Usually a 3-5cm strip of Vagisil(R) Creme is sufficient. Repeat as needed three or four times daily. Do not use Vagisil(R) Creme for more than one week. Do not use Vagisil(R) Creme on large body areas. Do not use Vagisil(R) Creme on the eyes. Stop use of Vagisil(R) Creme and consult a doctor if genital itching or other symptoms persist for more than one week. May rarely cause sensitivity. If this or any other side effect occurs, report details, stop use of Vagisil(R) Creme and consult a doctor. Do not use Vagisil(R) Creme on children under 12 years of age. As with all medicines, keep Vagisil(R) Creme out of reach of children. Do not use Vagisil(R) Creme in pregnancy without first consulting a doctor. Do not use after expiry date shown. For external use only. Active Ingredient: lidocaine Ph.Eur. 2% w/w. Also contains: Stearic Acid, Glycerol Monostearate, Glycerol, Triethanolomine, Zinc Oxide, Sulfonated Castor Oil, Isopropyl Alcohol, Chlorothymol, Perfume, Docusate Sodium, Diethylene Glycolmonoethyl Ether,Water. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Combe International Ltd, Croydon, CR9 2AU, UK. UK PL 3157/0013. Legal category GSL. Recommended retail price is GBP3.99 (incl VAT) for 30g

--------------------------------- (1) Vagisil market research: Commissioned by Combe International Ltd, April 2008 (2) Wellbeing of Women On-Line Health Survey 2008 (n = 1,000 respondents) (3) Vagisil market research: Vagisil market research: Commissioned by Combe International Ltd, April 2008 (4) Vagisil market research: Vagisil market research: Commissioned by Combe International Ltd, April 2008

For further information, including case study information, please contact: Claire Leggott: +44(0)207-397-7075, claire.leggott@resolutecommunications.com; When including contact information in trade magazines please print the Combe switchboard telephone number: +44(0)20-7680-2711