Vaginas, all women have one but yet we know so little about them. For centuries, women have been taught to restrict the power of the “V.” Some women don’t even like the term vagina but has this restriction hindered our ability to know how to maintain it? It’s time to educate ourselves on our most important organ: The Vagina.
1) Vulva VS. Vagina
Many people think that the vagina is the vulva the vagina is the most misused term when it comes to the description of female reproductive organs. So, let’s get this straight. The vulva is external; it’s what we see everyday and the vagina is internal. It’s where all the action happens it’s “behind the scenes.”
2) No douching like EVER!
Contrary to popular belief douching actually does NOT keep you cleaner. Douching actually upsets the vagina’s PH levels. The vagina’s normal pH levels range from 3.8-4.5 (for those of you who aren’t science aficionados this means it’s acidic). Douching actually makes us more prone to infections and inflammation and has also been linked to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.
3) Where does the pee really come from?
If you’ve never taken a mirror to explore your “lady parts,” you may not know that we actually do not urinate out of our vagina it comes from the urethra and these are two totally different holes.
4) Practice Safe Sex
Seriously, if you’re not going to test all of your sexual partners, use condoms, and even when you do test your partners still use some form of protection. Every time one chooses to have unprotected sex; it is like a game of Russian Roulette. There is NO excuse for this and let’s not give that “I’m allergic to latex,” excuse; scientists have solved that problem and there are plenty of alternatives that work just as effectively. It’s bad enough STDs can be transmitted without condoms; reduce your chances. Condoms help protect against STDs: gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, (the ones you can take back) and HIV, herpes, genital warts (these guys are with you for life). Also, if you’re going to have anal intercourse and vaginal intercourse remember to change condoms to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. You can also get free condoms at the Health Center.
5) Are you cleaning your vagina correctly?
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ hence why they call it a “cat.” You don’t need to put soap there; save the soap for the rest of your body. If you must clean it with soap, use a scentless soap to prevent irritation and infection.
6) When was your last GYN visit?
Every woman should see a gynecologist within the first three years of being sexually active or by the age of twenty-one. A good gynecologist is like a great pair of shoes you never want to part with one. A gynecologist hooks you up with birth control, pap smears (get one every three years), STD screenings, breast exams, and many other things.
7) Top 3 Most Common Infections
Yeast infections (caused by fungi), Bacterial Vaginosis (BV caused by bacterial overgrowth), and Trichomoniasis (caused by sexual intercourse). Getting one of these isn’t the end of the world but if you do, you should treat them immediately; leaving these untreated can cause serious health issues.
8) Sanitary Products
Don’t use scented tampons or pads. They smell great, but they also can lead to infections. Also, it’s not a good idea to use panty liners for your regular discharge. Using liners for this purpose may also increase moisture.
9) Use Lube!
Vaginas become lubricated when women are aroused however, some women do not get as naturally aroused as others. That may have to do with the level of sexual attraction, stimulation (i.e. the man), age or just the biology of that particular woman, whatever the case, if your vagina is not producing enough lubricant use an artificial one. Artificial lubricants can help enhance the sexual experience by reducing pain and irritation.
10) Cotton, Cotton, and More Cotton!
There’s a reason why Victoria’s Secret panties are so expensive, they’re cotton. Cotton helps to keep the vagina dry; excessive moisture can cause yeast infections. Also stay away from pads with plastic and get pads that are made of cotton.
11) No THONGS!
Thanks but no thanks, Sisqo for the “Thong Song.” Ladies, thongs are a great way to get infected. Thongs spread bacteria from the anus to the vagina and can cause contamination. If you really don’t want your panty lines to show buy seamless panties.
12) Avoid Tight Fitting Clothes
Wearing tight clothing, wet swimsuits, and athletic wear near the genitals may increase heat and moisture.
Heat and moisture = Infections
13) Are you wiping correctly?
Whenever you use the restroom you should be wiping from front to back to avoid bacterial contamination.
14) Maintain a Healthy Diet
Yogurt and cranberries, actually work wonders for the vagina. They have been correlated with the prevention of yeast infections and in their treatment.
15) Sex (SAFE SEX) and orgasms are good for your health!
Don’t let people tell you sex is bad or that orgasms are bad; they are NOT! Sex isn’t a bad thing just be safe/smart about it. Sex and orgasms are very beneficial to the body they can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, reduce the risk of breast cancer, strengthen the immune system, help with sleep, help you look younger, improve form, regulate periods, relieve menstrual cramps, help with depression, help lower stress, and can work wonders for self-image. Sex is also great for vaginal health and for maintaining its strength. If you currently don’t have a partner, go and buy one at Sunset Novelties or at Adam & Eve no one has to know.