Your v@gina is BEGGING you to drink water so you can have better s*x.
PLEASE DO IT, you thirty bitch!
[This newsletter will always be free to read, but it’s also how I supplement bills and such - which allows me the flexibility to bring you the best possible sex education every week. So, if you like what you read, please consider a paid subscription.]
Hey babe,
With everything from “winter vagina” to “summer vagina” to “gym vagina,” there are no shortage of attempts to pathologize the vagina (and vulva). It’s like people are trying their best to make the vagina a problem or to find problems with it. There are no limits to the ways we try to make women feel badly about their bodies and genitals. Why not start using all these weird vagina terms to sell everything from tampons to “personal” washes.
Well I do not condone this ideology, but in this case, hydration is a thing when it comes to vaginal health.
Dehydrated vagina. Yes. I am saying it.
Your vagina can absolutely get dehydrated. Just like your BODY can get dehydrated. See? Dehydrated you, dehydrated vagina. Your Queen V does not need to smell like roses or to be wiped with stupid, gross “feminine hygiene” washes and wipes. What it does need is water … as in you need to DRINK WATER. (Not to be confused with douching. Never, ever douche).
Now, don’t get us wrong -- the vagina is quite good at taking care of itself, but if you’re not taking care of your body and drinking enough liquid, your vag will suffer.
I spoke with a doctor to get you all the information you need to know. You’re welcome, you thirsty bitch
Vaginal dryness: It’s a thing
One of the most common sexual concerns amongst women is vaginal dryness. The most notable solution is to use more lube. This is totally legitimate advice. You should use more lube. Use all the lube.
But, it’s not just lube you need. Are you drinking enough water? Because if you’re not, you’re in trouble. “Vaginal tissue is made up of a mucous membrane that functions off of moisture and vaginal secretions. Dehydration can cause vaginal dryness,” says Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, MD, OB-GYN. The vagina needs water to create moisture. Have you ever had dry mouth? This is basically like that only it’s dry cooter. The worst, right?
If you don’t have enough liquid in your body, you won’t have enough to send towards your vagina to get wet. It’s pretty basic when you think about it. “Dehydration decreases the amount of natural vaginal lubrication due to the lack of essential fluids necessary for making vaginal secretions,” Richardson adds. No water, no wetness. Simple as that.
How do you know if your vaginal dryness is linked to dehydration?
Now you might be wondering how you can actually know if your vaginal dryness is linked to dehydration. There are so many reasons for vaginal dryness, after all. Pay attention to your daily habits. Look out for the signs so you know if you’re drinking enough water and staying balanced.
“Signs of dehydration include dry skin, concentrated (dark) urine, dry mouth, and decreased urine output,” says Richardson. “If a woman is suffering from any of those symptoms and having vaginal issues they are likely related to dehydration.”
If drinking more water doesn’t help, always consult your OB-GYN. And more lube. Always more lube!
If your vagina and vulva are dry, you won’t be having much pleasure
All of this is going to mess up your sex life and no one wants that, right?
Vaginal dryness can cause many, many issues. You might experience tearing, pain, and discomfort during sex. Wetter is better. Always. “Vaginal dryness can make it difficult to have an orgasm [due to] secondary to pain, irritation, vaginal abrasions, and possible bleeding,” Richardson says. Ouch!
Richardson suggests always using a silicone lubricant if you’re experiencing pain. Vaginal wetness is essential for comfort during sexual play. Do not ignore pain, ever. Always consult a doctor if you’re experiencing discomfort of any kind.
Women are often told to just “get through it” and not complain. That is ridiculous thinking. You have every right to not only comfort during sex, but pleasure. So, so much pleasure. The idea that pain is something women need to expect and deal with during sex is outdated and ridiculous.
Take care of yourself, babe.
Drink your water!
Lastly: DRINK WATER. DRINK IT!
“It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day as a basis to prevent dehydrated, “Richardson says. “However, in extreme weather I recommend women increase their water intake as much as possible.”
A nice trick? Try adding Pedialyte powder to your water. The sodium mixture helps you absorb and retain water so you can stay hydrated. Pedialyte does it all. It even helps with hangovers!
This week’s mantras:
DRINK WATER!
DRINK MORE WATER!
I will love myself.
I love you. Have a great week!
XOXO Auntie Gigi
~Good ReadsSsSssSsSs~
I loved this awesome, positive personal essay about dating after transitioning. It made my heart smile. Because dating after transition really is great, actually! Read more. — COSMO
I really liked this measured, well-reported piece about age verification laws for porn sites … and why they actually won’t work, nor protect people. Read more. — MASHABLE
Vaginal health is vaginal weather, as we know. So, here is an expert approved list of things that you can stick in there safely. Read more. — SHEKNOWS
Weekly LOL
I’m buying 50 of these. 10/10 Hallmark. No notes.
That’s it for me this week, pals. I love you.