Nobody wants to talk about it! Everyone thinks they are the only ones in the whole world with the “problem”, so let’s ditch the prudeness and talk about your vagina.
If you aren’t a teenager… and if you don’t live in self denial… you may have noticed your vagina is aging just like your face. Yup, guess what girls? There are wrinkles down there too!!!! *gasp* Who would have thought that?! We spend so much time taking care of our faces, buying expensive creams, professional beauty treatments, aging serums and the like… But nobody pays any attention to their poor vagina.
According to a press release from Novo Nordisk, a global health care company, women need to start talking about their V and they have set out to break the taboo around the “silent symptoms” of Menopause.
Here’s a quote from the article…
Vaginal dryness, along with other vaginal symptoms – like vaginal irritation, itching in and around the vagina, pain and bleeding during intercourse, vaginal soreness, and pain or bleeding during urination – are most commonly caused by the vaginal changes that occur before and after menopause due to diminishing levels of estrogen.[1] These changes are collectively referred to as vaginal atrophy.[1]
“Women tend to shy away from talking about things like vaginal and sexual health,” says Dr. Minkin. “Whether it’s because of embarrassment, cultural norms, or a lack of understanding that vaginal discomfort can be tied to declining levels of estrogen, too many women are waiting a year, or two or three, before they seek medical advice for their symptoms.”[3]
While it is obvious that vaginal discomfort may have a negative impact on the quality of one’s sex life, research shows that women also felt vaginal discomfort had a negative impact on feeling healthy and attractive, exercise, travel, a loving relationship with a partner and overall quality of life.[2,3]
“More than just ‘ruining the mood,’ vaginal discomfort can be debilitating for some women,” says Dr. Minkin. “We hear stories in the office that women can’t sit for too long, ride a bicycle, or wear pants because the discomfort is too great. It can really hinder a woman’s lifestyle.”
“Our research shows that women don’t feel comfortable discussing their vaginal symptoms with their health care professional or their partner, which further reinforces the taboo nature of this topic,” said John Spera, Senior Director – Hormone Therapy Marketing, Novo Nordisk Inc. “We assembled this group of vibrant, outspoken menopause experts who can help encourage women to start the conversation and seek the help they need. GLAM™ (Great Life After Menopause) is not a campaign; it’s a movement for empowerment and women’s health, and it’s long overdue.”
For more information about GLAM™ (Great Life After Menopause) and vaginal symptoms related to menopause, visit GreatLifeAfterMenopause.com!
Thankfully menopause-induced vaginal dryness isn’t an issue I have to deal with (yet) but I still like to take care of that delicate skin down there! After naturally (and drug-free) birthing two children vaginally, well… “down there” isn’t quite the spring chicken it used to be. It definitely requires more TLC than it did before I had kids.
There are plenty of natural products available now to help with these issues, but a few stand apart of the crowd. I’ve listed them below for your convenience.
Vmagic is the first organic vulva care cream recommended and sold by women’s health specialists to soothe and moisturize safely.
Without going into gory detail, let’s just say that this stuff is absolutely amazing. I apply a small dab of it after every shower to help lock in moisture and help protect and soften. I highly recommend it. It’s also great to help soothe any irritated skin after intercourse or following childbirth.
- active moisturizer to rejuvenate dry, thin vulvar tissue
- anti-inflammatory to reduce itching, burning and redness
- active probiotic to suppress the growth of harmful bacteria
V Magic is 100% natural, free of all dyes, fragrances, soy, hormones, steroids, synthetic preservatives, petroleum or parabens. Pure, where it matters most. Visit medicinemamasapothecary.com for more information.
Purchase: Amazon.com ($18.98)
SYLK® is a natural, water-based personal lubricant by SYLK USA made from bio-sustainable New Zealand kiwi vine extract.
Gentle on the planet and on a woman’s most sensitive environment, SYLK’s ecologically friendly, water-based formula offers a natural vaginal pH and is safe for use with condoms. A thoughtful, safe and effective choice for sexual enhancement and vaginal dryness associated with multiple life situations, SYLK meets the needs of the sexually active young woman, the menopausal woman, seniors and every discerning woman in between. SYLK is made in the United States and is available for purchase online and at hundreds of retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods and Walgreens. For more information on SYLK, including product testimonials, visit www.sylkusa.com.
Purchase: Amazon.com ($16.68)
Swipes Lovin Wipes, the first intimate wipes that were specifically designed to meet the needs of consenting adults that need to “freshen’ up” after making love. These all-natural wipes are the answer to an age-old predicament. So much better than tissues, paper towels, hand towels or worst of all… baby wipes! (Although having the baby wipes handy in your house are probably the result of that sweet, sweet lovin’!) These biodegradable eco wipes are compostable, septic safe and truly flushable. They are made using earth-friendly manufacturing processes and 98% of the resources used to create these adult wipes are completely renewable.
You don’t have to use them just after intercourse though. You can use them at any time for a “clean feeling” between showers or to alleviate dryness during the day when you are on the go. These will quickly become a necessity for you, just as they have for me.
Purchase: Drugstore.com ($4.00) and at select Walgreens locations.
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