This blog is especially for people who are prone to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs, looking to increase their vulvovaginal health — brought to you by Momotaro Apotheca!
Talking about our vulvovaginal health should not have to be as hard as it feels, or often is.
Society shames, shrouds, and simplifies what it means to have a vagina. It’s important to know that your sexual health is a part of your overall health; and that means understanding your body parts by name and voicing your needs. Which may include aspects of pain and pleasure. Beyond our basic needs, it is also crucial to know our ever changing, magnificent bodies are also very susceptible to discomfort, irritation, and even infection. And that it is so normal.
As the founder of Momotaro Apotheca, that is where it all started for me. I needed to find solutions for my chronic yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and even UTIs. Beyond actually finding the physical comfort and solutions for my chronic infections, it was also clear I needed support from the community that understood what I was going through, and didn’t make me feel gross or embarrassed.
After years of research, 8 organic vulva and vaginal health products later and building a community of tens of thousands we know vaginal health is not one size fits all and our needs are ever changing. With this we also know, not everybody has time to “do the work”. We have busy lives, jobs and kids that may prevent us from deep diving into a fractured feminine care industry, and a society full of sexual taboos. The best we can do is help you simply understand simple, sexual self care. And when you’re looking for more, Dr. Juliana is a great place to take your learning to the next level!
These are Top 5 Vulvovaginal Health Tips:
- Understand how to name your parts, the difference between a vagina (the internal canal that connects from the vaginal opening to the cervix) to the vulva (everything on the “outside” this includes our labia, clitoris, and even your urethral opening). Knowing these words can help us name when things hurt, feel bad or even good. Learn more about your anatomy here.
- Practice the standard tips. These are suggestions you always hear passed around and can be frustrating for those who do not find relief from these daily practices but are always important to stay consistent with.
- Pee after sex
- Wear 100% cotton undies
- Stay hydrated
- Sleep naked
- Take a probiotic. Our gut microbiome is considered our “second brain” and is also connected to our vaginal microbiome. Creating a strong foundation for both of these systems to support our vaginal health immune stress response is key to creating great overall vaginal health. Try our Probiotic, clinically proven to improve gut and vaginal microbiomes as well as increase immune responses.
- Use tools that help us prevent infections before they start. Having options to help us support our systems when we know we are doing something, or in a situation where we are triggered is important. Whether we have chronic yeast infections from our menstrual cycle or often get bacterial vaginosis from sex, we can prevent infections before they start. My favorite products are the salve (use on vulva at first sign of itching or irritation, and suppository, use intra-vaginally after sex or for more concentrated relief within the vaginal canal)
- Manage stress. Maybe this seems silly, but stress is clinically linked to recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis and for those of us who have gone through the experience of having these issues all the time, I know stress is so pervasive because these infections are so uncomfortable. Both physically and emotionally. Take a bath with tonic, go on a walk, get a full 8 hours of sleep and be gentle on yourself. IT WILL BE OK.
If you are looking for more support follow us @lovemomotaro and join our email list at MomotaroApotheca.com. For a curated vulva and vaginal health ritual curated to your specific needs, take our quiz, here.