THERE has been a question I have struggled to answer most time in my entire existence. It concerns the intricacies of human genitalia and the realities of sex. A good deal worse, my mother has always been awkward about anything to do with those two anathema subject matter.
Effectually, the only piece of motherly advice I could get from her was that sleeping around will either get me pregnant or give me dreadful STIs.
Growing up and probing all the “secular” information that I could put my hands up, I came to realise that that particular fact doesn’t hold all if not much water because there are so many birth control methods which prevent those two.
Get me right dear reader; I’m not against abstinence. I just honestly feel that it should not be the imposed birth control method for everyone, especially to a younger generation that is more dexterously curious and adventurous than we ever were. Ama 2000!
So going back to it, I grew up clueless. I was told at six to start washing my own vaj with no instructions whatsoever.
When I started having my period, my mom threw me a box of tampons and just said go for it. She was too shy to even help me put one in. I guess it’s awkward being a parent.
Personally, I’ve helped lots of my friends with tampons but I guess it’s because I’m not awkward around such things.
Come to think of it, there is nothing to be ashamed of really. After all, it’s just a vagina; just a penis.
So let’s get down to it. How can one do the deed?
Its 2022 and we still debating how to wash vaginas. Do what you want then, you can even take it to a car wash.
— HighlyMelanated (@Aishe_HA) May 19, 2022
I will speak of washing the vaj today.
In the interest of understanding, let’s start by dissecting the female genitalia for the benefit of the unacquainted.
What we call the vagina is an internal organ. The hymen, if that helps. Now get this and get this right; like other internal organs, it does not require cleaning because a complex colony of good bacteria and other microbes helps keep it healthy. It is a self-cleaning entity, please leave it alone. Well, that goes without saying that previously, without knowing, of course, I’d washed it. Whew, chile! The ghetto.
On the other hand, there is the mighty vulva. Well, the vulva refers to the external portion, which includes structures such as the clitoris, the labia majora and labia minora, and the vaginal opening. Everything on the outside.
And that, ladies, is what needs a thorough wash. You can do so by gently pulling apart the inner lips and attending to them. You also need to wash the hood of your clit. Everything you can see outside needs that wash. Don’t be lazy and don’t be scared.
A lot of healthcare experts recommend washing with just water or an unscented mild soap. Also do not use anything rough, such as a towel or loofah. If it’s a towel, you should probably be gentle. I find that it’s best to first wash my vaj with just water and then finally end with my body.
You can do it however you please though. This is just what I prefer.
Finally, I know we all struggle with our vaginal and body odours from time to time. We bathe so many times but it never smells like flowers. That can make any woman feel insecure, to be honest. However, there are some measures you can take.
Things You Should Never Put In Your Vagina…
• Intimate Wash
• Alum
• Ice-cream
• Dirty Fingers
• Yoni Pearls
• Toothpaste
• Fruits And Vegetables. pic.twitter.com/3PGMtPutfH— The Vagina Coach • Clare (@ClareDikeocha) June 2, 2022
Taking a soda bath is helpful once in a while. Take 5 tablespoons and pour them into a tub of warm water and soak for a few minutes. For the bucket system, just do the same and sprinkle on the vulva. Don’t douche, please. By douching, I mean pouring water up the vagina, the area that you don’t see. Please don’t do this unless you’re advised by your doctor to and that’s usually with an iodine solution for a specific treatment.
And when you’re on your period, you’re advised to wash more than once a day. Blood smells, especially blood that has accumulated over days. The truth is menstrual blood stanks! Your lining tears and blood slowly leaks out over days. I don’t know if you didn’t know but stagnant blood doesn’t smell like flowers. Take care to observe great hygiene methods during this time and please dispose of your sanitary wear properly.
People don’t need to see drops of blood or clots all over the place. Be clean and most importantly be willing to learn and not afraid to ask.
