Do you sometimes ask yourself the question; ‘Who is your best friend’? My best friend is my vagina. Shall I reveal the secret why?
She is always with me. Through good and through bad times, your period or a yeast infection. She tells you how it’s going with you and god she can give you the best pleasure you will ever have. If you ask me, those two are the most important characteristics of a best friend.
This is reason enough to treat her with satin-handcuffs, but what is the best way to do that? A lot of women think that you need to clean your vagina to keep her fresh. Well actually, that is a myth. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, she doesn’t need any help from you. She only needs water & love.
To receive love, you want to feel safe & calm. When you feel good in your own skin, your best friend will be at her best as well. In times of stress, unrest & busy times, your best friend will tell you how she feels. Is your menstruation becoming irregular, or do you have more fungal complaints? That can mean that your immune system is out of balance. The more reason to take a step back. Go back to peace, quiet & regularity. Don’t start overcleaning your vagina with soap. Just cancel that extra appointment you have and take a day to relax. Bring the love.
But how about when you have your period which never comes at the right time? I find having my period is a beautiful thing, it is so pure & natural. Also during your period, your best friend will make sure she stays clean. These days you have a lot of natural period products to help you manage this time of month. Choosing period products made from natural, unbleached materials like organic cotton tampons, or medical-grade silicon menstruation cups. If you haven’t tried a menstruation cup before, it is such a great product! You only have to remove it 3 x a day and clean it with water.
Grace & Green have some great options including:
+ Medical-Grade Silicon Period Cups
If you are a fan of menstruation cups and you also have an IUD-coil, be aware of releasing the suction vacuum before removing the cup from your vagina. Otherwise the possibility exists that you pull your spiral down & before you know it you have to make an appointment with your GP.
Another great brand for fair and sustainable menstrual products is Yoni, including:
+ Chemical Free Panty Liners
+ Chemical Free Pads
+ Chemical Free Tampons
+ Chemical Free Applicator Tampons
Comfortable, leak-proof and without unnecessary chemicals. With Yoni you consciously take care of your intimate zone, your monthly period and the planet we live on without having to make any compromises!
Hey, let me tell you a little more about why it's important to treat your bestie right. By using chemical based soap, special vaginal douches, chemical lubricants or cheap plastic vibrators can also alter the natural balance of your vagina! All kinds of bacteria and fungi live & belong naturally in your vagina and ensure it always maintains a healthy pH level. If you wash it unnecessarily, you remove your natural bacterial protection and yeast problems like candida and even bacterial vaginosis can easily arise.
Some natural lubricants that won’t disrupt your vaginas natural pH are the Water-Based Lube and Oil-Based Lube from Bonk Lube. And our favourite medical-grade silicon vibrators are from the female-empowerment brand Dame.
In short, your best friend doesn’t need a lot. Just remember: water, love & kindness. Treat your best friend with all of the love you expect back from her.
This article was written by Nourished guest contributor and sexual health expert; Mayke Dankers-Loven.