By Dr. Janet Williams, M.D. Ob/Gyn
It’s a big day for us here at the Intimate Wellness Shop. Not only is International Women’s Day, but we are also celebrating Women’s History Month. Yay!! It’s all about #EachForEqual . This is the concept that an equal world is an enabled world. Now who’s not excited about that!!?
International Women’s Day
If you’ve never heard of it before, International Women’s Day has actually been observed since the early 1900’s. It’s a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day is observed differently by different countries and organizations but is always in the spirit of betterment for women. One of the many missions of the day is to assist women to be in a position of power for making informed decisions about their health. This is also what we are all about here at the Intimate Wellness Shop.
As a doctor taking care of women in the field of Ob/Gyn for the past 20 years, I have seen sooooo many women who are ashamed about the problems they are having. Many of us are embarrassed about our bodies, feel alone in our relationship problems and helpless in our sexual struggles. But the truth is…we are far from alone and we have so much strength when we realize we are in this together.
Your Concerns Are Important
A big part of us getting the equal care that we need is realizing that we are normal and that our intimate needs and concerns are normal. Holding on to negative concepts about ourselves takes away our ability to communicate our concerns and have the health and joy that is rightfully ours as women.
The truth is it’s normal to have problems from time to time. Did you know that up to 75% of women will have a vaginal infection at one time or another in their lifetime? Did you know research suggests 43% of women report some degree of sexual dysfunction? Did you know according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology nearly 3 out of 4 women have experienced pain during intercourse?
So, yes…basically EVERYONE at one time or another has some kind of intimate problem! It’s a part of being alive and nothing to be ashamed of.
A Fix for a Common Problem
With that said I thought I’d take a moment to provide some solutions for one of the most common gynecologic problems… Vaginal irritation!! Raise your hand if you’ve ever had a moment where you wanted to scratch your vulva off….Yep, this one’s for you.
So what should you do? First off always talk to your doctor about what is best for you and your situation. Secondly, make sure you have a good self care and hygiene regimen. Cotton underwear are best to keep your V happy. Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom. Wash with a gentle pH balanced cleanser . Don’t douche. And consider a probiotic like Women’s Health Probiotic Supplement with Cranberry
Probiotics are healthy bacteria that are intended to have benefits when ingested. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy problem causing cells and/or produce vitamins. Cranberry has been shown in some studies to help prevent urinary tract infections. Women’s Health Probiotic Supplement with Cranberry has a blend of cranberry and probiotics at 20 billion CFU in a delayed release capsule. This allows the probiotics to reach where they need to go in the body without being digested in the stomach and potentially aiding in bladder health.
The Wrap Up
Part of our mission at the Intimate Wellness Shop is to breakdown the stigmas associated with taking care of our intimate health. For us that involves encouraging each other to be ourselves and own our health. Don’t be afraid to speak up about what you are going through. Chances are you are not alone and there are solutions.
Stay tuned for more V News. We’ve got more great topics to come! Until then please join the conversation and comment below. What do you do to feel good about your body and stay on top of your intimate health?
