Vaginas: An Owner’s Manual
By Isabel Gregg for BBXX, OB-GYN in NY
Half of the population owns one of these mysterious body parts, but very rarely do we actually discuss how to take care of them! To dispel myths and rumors about infections, hygiene, and what is really “normal” check out these tips to keeping your ‘downstairs’ healthy and happy!
Looks
Though it sounds like a cliche, every vagina (and vulva and clitoris) is unique. Just like a fingerprint, your vagina will not necessarily be the same size, shape, color, or texture as that of any other individual. There is no normal! Especially when so much of our exposure to these body parts are through porn, it’s easy to think that your vagina doesn’t look like it is supposed to. But as long as your vagina is healthy and happy, it is just as ‘normal’ as any other vagina. To get a little more acquainted, use a mirror to take a look down there and get to know your parts!
Hair Removal
Pubic hair actually serves a purpose — to protect the delicate skin around the vagina. Though hair removal trends come and go, it really is healthiest to leave the hair. If this isn’t for you, there are a number of ways to ensure that you go about removing your pubic hair in the healthiest way possible.
If you choose to shave, make sure you use a product to help with the process. Shaving cream, a thick lather of soap, or even hair conditioner in a pinch can work to soften the hairs and. Change your razor blade every few weeks or as soon as you notice it getting dull, as this can contribute to folliculitis, or razor burn, which is inflammation or infection of the hair follicles. If you do experience razor burn, avoid picking at the bumps, as this will only aggravate the problem. Other options include waxing, laser hair removal, and trimming.
However, it is absolutely safe, hygienic, and sexy to leave your hair down there as is! This is a choice you can make for yourself, and don’t feel limited to what you think your partners may expect to see. It ultimately comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable in your body.
Discharge
Vaginal discharge is the vagina’s way of keeping itself clean and healthy. Like in the mouth, the vagina is a mucous membrane that requires moisture to keep the delicate tissue healthy. Discharge is a mucus made by the skin cells of the vagina and cervix which fulfills this duty. Discharge changes throughout the month with the menstrual cycle, becoming similar to the texture of an egg-white during ovulation and thicker and stickier before menstruation. These changes help facilitate the movement of sperm to an egg during ovulation. The discharge also serves as a lubricant during sex, and most women notice an increase in discharge during sexual arousal. The amount of normal discharge varies from woman to woman.
Though most vaginal discharge is normal, it can also be a sign of a problem such as a sexually transmitted infection or other vaginitis (an infection of the vagina). If you notice a foul smell (like rancid fish), a change in color (such as yellow or green) that is different than your normal discharge, or a change in discharge is accompanied by itching or significant discomfort, go and talk to your healthcare provider.
Keeping it Clean
The vagina is often jokingly referred to as a “self-cleaning oven” by women’s health professionals (with a poor sense of humor). However, this is fairly true. Except in the instances mentioned previously, vaginal discharge is a total normal part of your vagina’s function. There is no need to remove the discharge or clean it out manually. Douching (the process of manually cleaning inside the vagina with a solution of water and vinegar or soap) is highly discouraged, as it doesn’t actually help to prevent infection or keep the area clean.
The vagina is a sensitive area, so sticking to unscented soaps and other products and using them only on the outside (the vulva) rather than inside (the vagina) is key to keeping yourself clean and comfortable. Though ‘pH balancing’ products are all the rage, these do little to actually improve your vaginal health. The pH of your vagina is something that takes place deeper in your body than can’t be reached with a floral scented wipe, and is very good at self-regulating as long as there is no infection or other issue present! Also, make sure you wipe from front to back (vagina to rectum) as opposed to the other direction to prevent transmitting bacteria from your GI tract to your lady parts.
Periods
Whether it’s the bane of your existence or a happy reassurance that you are not pregnant (or, in some cases, a frustrating reminder of fertility problems), periods are a monthly reality that almost all ladies face. Pads and tampons are both healthy and safe ways to prevent staining your favorite pair of pants and keep the flow under control. Tampons are relatively safe to use, but remember to change them frequently (about every 8 hours at least) and use the size that fits the strength of your flow that day (ie: no super tampons for days where you are just spotting). If you forget to remove a tampon or the string gets lost, simply insert a finger and remove your tampon using your finger like a hook. If you miss your period for more than 3 months in a row, go have a chat with your healthcare provider, and take a pregnancy test (if that applies to you). If you have an IUD, get an injectable contraceptive (like Depo Provera), have a contraceptive implant (like an Implanon or Nexplanon), or use contraceptive pills without a week off every month to get your period, it is safe and normal to not have monthly bleeding or to get spotting throughout the month.
In regards to sex during your period, it all comes down to personal preference. If period sex is something that you and your partner enjoy, go for it! However, remember that there are more bodily fluids present (ie: menstrual blood) during period sex as compared to sex at other times in your cycle and condoms can be less effective as a barrier due to the increase in fluids that may sneak underneath a condom if things get messy. Accordingly, it is important that both you and your partner or partners are tested regularly for STIs (sexually transmitted infections), especially HIV. Menstrual blood can also work against both natural and artificial lubrication which can lead to more irritation or micro-tears in the vaginal mucosa, so make sure that to lubricate accordingly. Additionally, though the risk is slim, it is still possible to become pregnant during your period, especially if you have a short menstrual cycle, as the sperm can live in the body for days. So make sure that you don’t let contraceptives fall by the wayside during your time of the month!
Covering up
Just like any other area of skin, your genitals don’t do well trapped in a moist environment for long. Avoid sitting for hours in a wet bathing suit or sweaty workout gear, especially if you’re prone to problems like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis. Wear cotton underwear without lace or texture to keep the area dry and to avoid irritation. Avoid thongs, as this can irritate and transmit bacteria from your dirty behind to your sensitive vagina. Consider going sans panties at night in order to let the area breathe! Avoid wearing panty liners daily to avoid getting normal discharge on underwear&mdashthis is what your underwear is there for!
Sexy Time
No matter who you are having sex with, the number one priority should always be keeping yourself and your partner safe. Using a condom for penetrative sex involving a partner with a penis, making sure your sex toys are properly cleaned, and using a dental dam for oral sex are all helpful in keeping your privates safe and STI/infection-free. Lubricants can be helpful for all sorts of play, including using vibrator use, penetrative sex with penises or fingers, anal sex, or other fun. Lastly, communication with your partner or partners is key. Everyone should feel comfortable during sex, and if you feel uncomfortable either physically or emotionally, make sure you discuss this with your partner. Try a different position, mix up the location, and experiment with different toys, condoms, lubricants, etc. to figure out what makes your vagina happiest.
