You know what we don’t talk about often enough? Vaginas.
After all, they’re a pretty key functioning part of the female body and they deserve some attention. Plus, did you know the clitoris is the only human organ made purely for sexual pleasure? Yep. So considering she takes such good care of you, it’s only right to return the favour.
Now, we’re not saying your vagina needs a 10-step pamper routine daily; she’s pretty self-reliant. But there’s a bit to know when it comes to ensuring your vagina’s health, optimal comfort and performance.
What can we say? A happy vagina is a happy life, so pay attention to the tips you ought to know.
#1 Help your vagina when she’s struggling
For the most part, our vaginas are excellent at taking care of themselves. But when they’re struggling (whether it be from a pH imbalance, irritation of sorts or anything else that’s throwing them off), they’ll certainly let you know. It could be a change in discharge, an itch that just won’t quit or all-around uncomfortability, but whatever form it comes in, don’t ignore the signs and hope it’ll just go away.
Most changes (when caught early) are easily treated and sometimes your vagina just needs a bit of help — there’s no shame in that. If you can’t speak to your doctor, describe your symptoms to your pharmacist who can also help to find you a solution. They’ve heard their fair share of downstairs dramas, we promise.
Sometimes all that may be needed is a switch in body wash. Particularly if you’ve been using a fragrance or soap-based formula that’s disagreed with your downstairs. femfresh™ Soothing Wash ($7 at Woolworths) has some great reviews from our members and is formulated to keep your intimate skin feeling hydrated and soothed. Plus, it’s clinically tested under dermatological and gynaecological control.
#2 Keep things comfy (and breathable) when you’re on your period
As equally as you shouldn’t let your period stop you from doing anything, there’s no shame in relaxing a few things throughout your menstrual cycle either.
Don’t feel like going to the gym? Then don’t. Those exercise tights can be hell.
Want to wear the daggy undies that feel comfiest? Go for it. Your vagina deserves it.
Speaking of comfort, make sure that’s a top priority when choosing your sanitary products, too. We love the TOM Organic Ultra Thin Regular Pads ($5.99 at Chemist Warehouse) because they’re super breathable, thin, soft and will keep you fresh and dry no matter your flow. We’re also very into period underwear. Don’t knock ‘em ‘til you try them.
#3 Supplements can seriously help come menopause
From periods to menopause, gee we ladies have it good!
Menopause can not only throw our vaginas out of whack (hello dryness) but it can also wreak havoc on our bodies and emotions due to hormone imbalances.
You may also find you’re more sluggish than usual, easily irritated and (our favourite) experiencing hot flashes.
Try taking supplements to help relieve symptoms and support nutritional needs.
Harmony Menopause ($47.99 for 120 tablets at Priceline) combines a synergistic blend of herbs traditionally used in Chinese Medicine with vitamins to help balance, cool and calm menopausal symptoms. If hot flashes are keeping you up at night, Swisse Ultiboost Menopause Balance ($45.99 at Swisse) can also help to alleviate night sweats and the sleeping issues and nervous irritability often associated with menopause.
#4 Hair removal doesn’t have to be painful
Whether you like your vagina to be as smooth and hairless as a dolphin or shrouded in a neat and tidy blanket of stubble, it’s 2021 and hair removal doesn’t have to be painful.
Our latest favourite gadget? The Remington Beauty Trim Bikini Trimmer ($19.95 at Shaver Shop), which features five different settings for various hair lengths. Think of the va-styles!
As for the waxers among us, let us introduce you to our special friend: Numit Numbing Cream ($26.99 for 30g at Chemist Warehouse). Apply this in preparation of your DIY wax or in-salon appointment and you’ll barely wince.
As for after care, the Ella Baché Recovery Gel ($47 at David Jones) is a godsend for relieving any post-laser or waxing discomfort on the pubic area. Plus, it contains niacinamide to keep skin smooth and prevent ingrown hairs. Just keep it for soothing the surface only.
#5 Vaginas love lubricant
Whether you’re experiencing vaginal dryness or not, lube is legendary. The wetter the better, we say.
In fact, the stigma around lube is a bit silly if you ask us. After all, a lot of us love to have a coffee in the morning to get us going; so what’s wrong with our vaginas loving a bit of lube to get them going?
If you haven’t found your fave yet, let us introduce you to the water-based formula that is silky, slippery and specially designed with natural ingredients. plusOne® Personal Lubrication ($13.99 at Catwalk). Increase your pleasure with the condom (and silicone) compatible liquid and rest easy knowing it won’t be staining your sheets.
#6 Orgasms are an act of self-care
Speaking of all things wet and fun, orgasms are excellent for your health – make them a priority.
Orgasms have been proven to be excellent stress relievers (endorphins to the brain please), great at relieving tension and pain (mucho relaxo) and as a result can help you sleep a hell of a lot better too.
So if counting sheep or having a long bath isn’t helping, try the We-Vibe Nova 2 ($149.95 at Liberty Love). You and your vagina will be very happy indeed.
What’s the best vagina tip you’ve learnt over the years?
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Yeah, I was thrilled when I first heard about them – & I felt cheated over all the years I used disposable products without knowing about cups.
I first heard about them on the forum here, beautyheaven.com.au/forums/health-and-wellbeing/menstrual-cups
Airing when possible is good for ‘down there’ Sleeping without undies whenever possible is best
I find that a good idea too
Very interesting!
No tips from me.
I thought it was like the numbing creams you can apply before getting a tattoo done. Haven’t tried any yet so wouldn’t know if they are similar or not.
When should we expect to get menopause? I don’t really know anything about it, to be honest.
And now I keep hearing about peri-menopause too and that sounds super frustrating
Most women become menopausal between the ages of 45 and 60 with the average age for Australian and New Zealand women being 51 years. I had just turned 46 and had had my first child at 42.
I was well into my 50’s when I went though menopause
Some useful products here to try.
yes actually very good article
Period underwear looks great but it’s not something that I need now (I’m in my late fifties).
no i am past this too but think they are a great idea
Me either, but wish it had been available when I needed them.
This article was a bit disappointing tbh. There is a lot of information that could have been added here to assist women with vaginal ph inbalances, advice with antibiotics and probiotics and actually keeping your vagina healthy during the menstrual cycle – it seems a bit all over the shop.
As for the menopause chat that is a completely different topic, period underwear (is great and deserves its own article!) and there is the gap about Pap smears and the HPV virus vaccine – which are important medical advice.
Basically the best tip is if something doesn’t feel right down there, go get checked out by a doctor you trust. Period. (lol! )
I really agree with all you have said. Period underwear is SO GOOD.
alwas good to be on gauard and watch put for changes
yes and sensible to have advice of what you can try if you are having dryness etc
I have found promensil to be really good. I have been on it for nearly 5 years only when I’m really bad about 3 months then off. Best thing does not affect my other tablets.
The numit cream would be good for pre waxing, i suppose you need to let it soak in and dry completely
Okay so my friend told me about this product, and she was ranting about how well dermal.MD Vaginal tightening serum worked. I didn’t really believe it, but I did need it because I use keagal weights—and I figured I would try it anyway. I put some on the top of my leaves weight, and then put it on. It actually does work! My guy noticed a difference after a few days, and I never told him I got it. He made a point to say something about how tight it was when we were talking about it in bed. So yeah—it does work!
dermal.MD vag tightening serum works fast! When I know I’m about to get it in eyes I use it 2x during the day and at least 15-20 mins before sex and honey let me tell you!! My man doesn’t know I use this but trust me he knows the difference. I’ve been getting all types of gifts from my man after sex lol!This product does not have a bad smell like other products
Using a wash gel like Femfresh.
Good article with some interesting facts.
Some great product recommendations here
I mostly use femfresh™ Soothing Wash everyday in my shower. It is good.
Eat fruit veg daily in loads, no takeaway jukn food or processed, menstrual cup made of good quality silicone, natural fiber undies. Sleep naked.
sounds all good and sensible
Some good tips
I will never look at a mandarin the same way again. 😀
LOL -They can be dry too !!
Some great tips I hadn’t thought about.
A helpful article
I’ve not tried TOM Organic pads before.
All good tips!
Free flow air is best – no undies to sleep
Period undies are the absolute best, wish they’d been around all my life.
Some good quick tips – thank you.
Great tips – slowing down to listen, feel, smell and touch not only our vagina but the whole body, is a great way to pay attention to what’s going on and then make the right choice for us. Might also try an orgasm before to help with sleep…
interesting article, I’ve never used a soap-based formula specifically for my downstairs..
Don’t mess with it and eat healthy.
I prefer to buy TOM organic pads, they are comfortable, not itchy and a good range
Great advice.
Education about female reproductive system like hygiene is need of the hour. Research and analyse yourself for fact checking before implementation though.
I would like to try the numbing cream prior to waxing but will it infere with way wax sticks to skin? I thought before waxing you had to be free of creams and moisturiser.
Most importantly Cotton Undies. She needs to breathe.
Good to know.
I watched Myf Warhurst presenting The Truth about Menopause. She interviewed a Doctor that specialises in Menopause and she said none of the alternative products on the market have been proven to work (e.g. black cohosh & red clover leaf to name a few). Not even aromatherapy.