Pleasureful

Category: Female Health

  • What Not To Put Near Your Vagina

    What Not To Put Near Your Vagina

    Vaginas can be complicated – one wrong move and BOOM! Yeast infection.

    The wonderful thing about vaginas? They pretty much take care of themselves. They’re self-cleaning, and as long as you don’t put anything in or near them that throws off their pH balance and upsets them, you’re pretty much good to go.

    Thing is, no one really tells us the do’s and don’t’s of what can actually negatively effect the health of your vagina. So, what are your vagina’s worst enemies?

    1. Fruits & Vegetables – you might be thinking, ‘why on earth would I put produce down there?’. But hey, I don’t know what you like, and I’m not judging. Except even well-washed produce can still be home to bacteria, pesticides and even teeny tiny bugs… Also, no one wants to end up at A&E with a cucumber stuck in places cucumbers shouldn’t be.
    2. Scented/Flavoured Lubes – first of all, this is so unneccessary. Second of all, these lubes contain glucose which is a one-way ticket to thrust city. Same goes for flavoured condoms – only use these during oral sex.
    3. Perfumes – news flash! A vagina is meant to smell like a vagina. Not flowers, not fruits, not fresh linen – a VAGINA. Perfumes have so many chemicals in them that will kill off your good bacteria, making way for (you guessed it) a yeast infection.
    4. Douches – one great thing about vaginas is that they are self-cleaning, which is why discharge is actually the exact opposite of gross. It’s literally your body cleaning itself. Douching will only cause an overgrowth of bad bacteria, and lead to a yeast infection or BV.
    5. Tea Tree Oil – undiluted tea tree oil will damage or burn the muscosal membrane of your vag, which helps it to secrete fluids and keep things moist. Tea tree oil will also strip away your healthy bacteria.
    6. Whipped Cream, Chocolate Syrup etc – basically, anything sugary. I’m not saying you have to give up your freaky food play (far from it, go off sis), but just keep it away from your more delicate areas.

    So, what CAN you put inside or around your vagina without the risk of upsetting it?

    A (consensual) penis

    Fingers (please wash your hands before and after, you detty pig)

    Lube (check the ingredients are vulva friendly)

    Sex toys (always clean after use)

    We’re taught to take care of our bodies the best we can – eat well, excersise, drink water, skincare. But why do we never talk about our intimate care? Taking care of our genitals is just as important as caring for every other inch of our body. Let’s start talking about it.

  • All About Thrush: We Know You’re Itching to Learn

    All About Thrush: We Know You’re Itching to Learn

    Upset your vagina, and it can produce yeast. One of the many joys of the female body, right? Yeast infections, otherwise known as thrush, are something that everybody with a vagina will experience at least once in their life. It’s important that we understand what causes thrush, so we can do our best to avoid it, and treat it when it does come knocking on our labia. 

    Firstly, what causes thrush?

    Like an unwanted 1am ‘You up?’ text from that guy you never should have given your number to, thrush can appear when we least expect it. Main causes include irritated skin, antibiotics (they kill our good bacteria as well as bad), oral contraception, poorly managed or undiagnosed diabetes, and, of course, stress.

    Symptoms of thrush include:

    • White/yellowish, usually odourless vaginal discharge which is often visually compared to cottage cheese.
    • Itchy or swollen genitals.
    • A stinging or burning sensation when peeing.
    • Uncomfortable or painful intercourse.

    There are some things you can do to ease the itch. It’s advised that you avoid soaps in the affected area, and opt for water with a gentle emollient to wash, ensuring you dry yourself properly after. Wear comfortable, cotton underwear to prevent further irritation to your friend downstairs (she’s been through a lot, a lace thong will not help). You should refrain from sexual activity with any partners, as although it isn’t an STI, thrush can be passed on if it hasn’t cleared up. 

    But how do you treat thrush?

    There are many anti-fungal treatments out there in the form of creams, tablets and pessaries. Check out products by the female-founded sexual wellness brand HANX right here. No nonsense, easy to follow instructions, and discreet packaging. Everything you and your vag wished for and more.