How to take better care of your v-agina.
Because it deserves love, you know? Sponsored by YARLAP.
Hey babe,
When it comes to taking care of your vagina, the first thing you should know is that “vagina” only refers to the vaginal canal. The lips, mons pubis, clitoris etc. are all a part of the vulva. If you’re going to have a healthy, happy vulva and vagina, you should know the proper names.
When it comes to vaginal health, there are myths sprouted left to right. There are promises of vaginal tightening through surgery (*Gag*), scented soaps, washes, and tampons aimed to “freshen” your nether regions. All of this is nonsense.
Here is what you need to know about cleaning and taking care of your vagina and vulva.
Do your kegels
This is not some shame-y diatribe (lookin’ at you “vaginal rejuvenation”) wherein we tell you your vagina will get loose and no one will love you. What is true is that like all muscles in your body, your vaginal muscles need to be exercised in order to maintain optimal resilience.
It isn’t just about vaginal tightness; Working your kegels (aka: PC muscles) helps you avoid urinary incontinence (you know, when you sneeze-pee) and can even make your orgasms stronger.
Get something that will do your pelvic floor exercises for you. I’m obsessed with the Yarlap. It literally DOES DO them for you. It’s an actual medical device that is designed for this purpose. Sure, there are kegel balls and all that, but why do that when you can get a smart device to do your kegels for you. A serious game changer, y’all.
Never use soap on your vulva or vagina
Soap is the enemy. When it comes to soap, it shouldn’t be anywhere near your vulva, let alone up inside your vagina. The vagina is self-cleaning. It doesn’t need to be soaped. Rinse the entire vulva with warm water and you should be good to go. Remember, it’s a vagina. It smells like a vagina. If it smelled like a rose, it would be a rose. OK?
And to that end, douching is also big, old NOPE. Douching will throw off your pH balance and:
Cause a yeast infection.
Make your vagina even smellier.
Both.
If you must soap your pubes, use Dove original, and only on the very outside of the vulva. If you feel like your vagina smells fishy or just plain, uncontrollably dank, you might have an infection. You should book an appointment with your OB-GYN over shoving a bunch of water up there and saying a prayer.
Wear cotton underwear
Wearing the wrong kind of underwear is likely the number one culprit for a stinky moof. Your vulva has a delicate ecosystem that needs constant aeration to remain healthy. Cotton underwear are your safety net.
The lacy thongs might look cute, but if your smell is ripe (and not in the good, normal way) as a result, it kind of takes the sexy back, right? Plus, lace, latex, nylon etc. can irritate your delicate vulva skin. And no one wants their vulva to be mad at them.
When you workout, be sure to strip out of your sweaty gym clothes ASAP. The moisture gathering around your vulva and the non-breathable nature of your latex workout pants is a yeast infection waiting to happen.
Consider stopping shaving (or waxing) off all your pubic hair
As fun as those Brazilian waxes can be (*shivers*), they are not great for your vulva. We know, ripping the hair violently from your mons pubis and labia isn’t great for you. SHOCKING.
Waxing (and shaving!) all your pubic hair makes you more prone to infection. Your pubic hair was designed by nature to project your vagina from bacteria and other irritants. You don’t have to go full bush )if you don’t want to), but a landing strip (at least) is best for a healthy vaginal ecosystem.
Pee after sex
Always, always, always pee after sex. When you have penetrative intercourse, bacteria can build up in your urethra. Your vaginal canal and urethra are very close together. Once you’re finished having sex, go pee to clear out any lingering bacteria.
You don’t want to wind up with a UTI. That is not fun for anyone. You don’t have to run to the bathroom the minute you’re finished getting down. You can snuggle for a bit. Just be sure you do so within the hour.
Be nice to yourself and your vulva
This is the most froo-froo of them all, but it is VERY important. Your vulva is very prone to your mood. Many valvular disorders such as vaginismus and vulvodynia are believed to be rooted in the psychological. Trauma, shame, and self-effacement can contribute to pain during sex, a lack of orgasm, and lower self-esteem.
Be kind to your vulva. Take a hand mirror and check her out in all her glory. Much of our confidence is rooted in the body. Take some time to connect with your vulva rather than expending energy to change it.
This week’s mantras:
I will take care of myself because I deserve care and love.
I will do my damn kegels.
I will love myself.
I love you. Have a great week!
XOXO Auntie Gigi
That’s it for me this week, pals. I love you. You are looking so cute today. You deserve an orgasm.
