Louise's Replens trial is over

Submitted by louiseds on July 6, 2008 - 9:11am
Body: 

Hi All

Just reporting that the Replens trial is over, and what a relief. No more mucking around with wasteful applicators. Measurng it out into jelly bean sized portions was a nightmare. I did find that Replens worked reasonably well for a couple of days then needed reapplying, but left me with damp knickers on day 1. However, it didn't help my dry vulva, which is more of a concern for me than the dry vagina. I still needed Bliss Balm for my vulva, or vulva balm, so there is little point of going to the extra expense of buying and inserting Replens as well, when I can just use Bliss Balm in my vagina.

Somebody has a question about an applicator for Bliss Balm. I haven't found I have needed one, as it sits on my finger in a solid piece at room temperature, and then melts to liquid quickly when it hits body temperature high in my vagina. Except at the height of summer when you can store it in the fridge to keep it cool and solid.

The only reservation I have about WW Balms would be using them with rubber toys or latex condoms. Oils are not good for rubber. You can get silicone condoms anyway, for people who are allergic to rubber.

I haven't found the balms to be a problem with the oiliness going through knickers and marking outer clothing or furniture. You do get a bit on your knickers if you overdo it, but you only need a tiny bit anyway, so there is little point in using excessive amounts.

The only rider I would put on that is that I very rarely feel bulges these days, so my labia stay pretty well closed rather than separating when I sit. Three years ago it was a different story, but three years ago my vulva and vagina didn't get dry, so I wouldn't have needed them like I do now. Everyone is different.

Cheers

Louise

Clonmacnoise

July 6, 2008 - 3:00pm

Louise,

Glad it's over and glad you didn't get the nasty little termite bites I got with Replens. After applying the Replens, it felt as if I had shot pure grain alcohol up there and was a bit on fire.

I am looking forward to trying Bliss Balm. I notice today at Mass that I was uncomfortably dry and what you describe would have gone a long way.

As Crazypause continues, you'll find using Bliss Balm your best friend.

As I re-read your post and realize all the things that are available, I'm still in favor of going natural and getting away from using anything at all ever. It's so nice to just get up in the morning, wash my face, braid my hair, brush my teeth and fly. The idea of spending more than 5 minutes in the bathroom makes me claustrophobic.

Lately, the posture has been much easier lately, and I found myself unable to comfortably lean back in the pew this morning. So much better to use your own spine.

Hope your winter is as lovely as our summer. It's been amazingly cool here.

Judy

MeMyselfAndI

July 7, 2008 - 3:20am

YOu have done your scientific trials and all for a great cause:-)

I am pretty sure Bliss Balm is not good with latex condoms (unfortunately)

Will go check on my pot in a mo....

Lucky I did that - My ones lid wasn't on straight...

It doesn't say on the pot - But I am pretty sure it is not good with Condoms.

(For others here are the ingreedients)
Coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax, shatavari root, vidari kanda root, passion flower herb, licorice root, kapi kacchu seed, geranium rose oil. (all organic)

Hopefully Christine will be able to pop in and clarify.

Thank you for doing the trial Louise...

Sometimes you are holding someone else's heart whithin your hands. You can drop that heart & bruise it. You can squash that heart & hurt it. Or you can stomp on it & totally annihalate it. You stomp on that heart or bruise it. It can forever be changed.

Mae

July 24, 2008 - 1:28pm

Hi Louise,

I just got back from a two week vacation and am trying to get caught up around here. I just read about the end of your Replens trial! I am sure you are glad it's over since you seemed to find it a not so pleasant experience from the get go. I have to give you credit for sticking (no pun intended) with it!

I am still using it, although I would prefer using something with more natural ingredients. I ordered the Yes product that Kit told us about, but it arrived the day before I left for vacation so I haven't had a chance to try it yet. So, I guess this will be Mae's Yes Trial! LOL!

Warm regards,

Mae

louiseds

July 24, 2008 - 8:37pm

Hi Mae

Yes, it felt OK as a product, but I could never remember which day to reapply it, and I think the applicator was very wasteful. It may be marketed with different types of applicators in different countries. The cheesey thing was also a bit of a puzzle. I only got it sometimes.

I have gone back to Christine's balms, that work just great for me, and I know have safe ingredients. It also gives me great pleasure to know that I am supporting a small, growing, worthy cause with this purchase, rather than a big anonymous company. The price of them looks a bit offputting, but a jar lasts for soooooo long.

If the oil/wax basis of them is a problem with condoms or diaphragms made of rubber, there are silicon condoms and other materials you can use. I think it is important to work with the limitations and possibilities that you have, and decide how important it is to you that your vagina and vulva are comfortable and can slide around properly, and personally balance that with your preferences for condoms etc. That's apart from the safety of the ingredients.

I'm glad Replens is working for you. Have you tried any of the WW balms??

Cheers

Louise

Mae

July 24, 2008 - 9:27pm

Hi Louise,

Yes, I have been using Christine's Bliss Balm and I absolutely love it. It is perfect for lower irritation and dryness, but I find I need that and more. I feel best when I can get moisture up high. My prolapse responds well to this and stays up high (well, maybe not high, but certainly higher than normal) for 2 and sometimes 3 or more days!

I had to chuckle when I read about the wetness you experienced the first day after using Replens. That is a mess and I wear a mini pad on that day. After that I am good, no wetness and I wait until I feel uncomfortable again before using the Replens.

I am concerned though about Christine's findings about the ingredients in Replens and I am trying to hold off longer before using it again. I am hoping this "Yes" product, with natural ingredients, will work well for me. It is very pricey...makes Replens look like a bargain, but might be worth it if it works. I'll let you know.

Thanks Louise, once again, for your wisdom and your caring. I, like so many others, am thankful that you are here for us.

Warmest regards,

Mae