featured What do you think about Vulva Care? Do you think it is important?
For me, vulva care is a holistic matter. It’s not just about physical care, but the emotional connection and relationship we have with our vulvas. And it’s important, as part of vulva care, to have an understanding about them – much like how it’s important to have an understanding about the rest of our body and mind to be able to take...
What do you think is the best way to open up the topic of vulva conversations? Do you think it’s best done from woman to woman?
I don’t think there is a “best” way to open up. For a lot of people, starting this conversation would most likely feel awkward and uncomfortable – which is completely normal when it’s something we’re not used to talking about! Here are a few suggestions that you can try to bring this topic up: Share! If you come across an article, video,...
With an increasing openness in today's society about self-care, do you think that the conversation surrounding the vulva and vulva care is adequately discussed?
I think that the conversation on sexual wellness in general, let alone vulva care, is not adequately discussed in today’s society – probably because talking about anything sexual still feels taboo. We just haven’t had a lot of practice talking about sex, intimacy, our bodies and the feelings related to this area. Most people still refer to the vagina as “down there”,...
The vagina has been known to be self-cleaning and also has a very specific PH-range that is required to prevent infections and other issues. Is it true that the Vulva is self-cleaning with a specific pH range too?
The vulva requires care to stay healthy. Keeping the vulva clean and dry is generally enough. However, do not douche, powder or use feminine sprays. Rinse the vulva, if necessary, with a perineal irrigation bottle, and dry the area by gentle patting rather than hair dryers. If there is mild vulva discomfort, soaking in warm water and using an emollient may be...
Can hormonal changes / skin issues on vulva be treated by topical application of intimate care products?
Some skin conditions can be treated using over-the-counter products. However, others may require prescription-only medications. It would be prudent to see a family doctor for an assessment before self-prescribing treatment.Dr. Tan Toh Lick1 May 2019
Can the vulva be affected by common skin issues such as folliculitis, dermatitis, dehydrated skin, scars & blemishes etc.?
Yes, the vulva can be complicated with common benign skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Like skin on other parts of the body, malignancy can also occur.Dr. Tan Toh Lick10 April 2019
Can hormonal changes in your body affect the health of the vulva (i.e. Menopause / pregnancy etc.)?
At puberty, fatty tissues deposit around the vulva increasing the size of the labia majora and mon pubis. In some girls, the pink labia minora may become darker. Pubic hair also starts to appear around this time. The vulva then remains similar until pregnancy. During pregnancy, the vulva can become engorged and varicosities are common. Pigmentation of the vulva, as with other...
