What exactly is my vagina?

The vagina is the tube or canal that leads to the cervix and uterus. This is where the penis is inserted and where a baby passes through during childbirth.

How should I clean my vagina?

Don't! The vagina cleans itself by maintaining its pH and releasing secretions (discharge) to get rid of harmful bacteria and waste. Nothing should be inserted into the vagina to clean it. Let her do what she was created to do!

How should I clean my vulva?

The vulva is the outer part of the vagina that you can see. It contains the clitoris, clitoral hood, labia majora and labia minora (vaginal lips), and mons pubis (the upper portion that contains hair and is shaped like an upside triangle).

Some people don't believe there is a need to wash the vulva. However, sweat and bacteria can cause the vulva, specifically the mons pubis, to have an odor, making women feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. You may also want to remove vaginal discharge that has dried, and of course blood from your menstrual cycle.

To wash the vulva, start with warm water, and with your fingertips or a soft washcloth spread your labia and wash around the folds of your lips with a mild soap or feminine wash that is free of ingredients that may irritate this area. Make sure not to get any water or soap into your vagina, as this could disrupt your pH and cause irritation or infection. Rinse well with warm water, and pat dry completely.

*Always wash (and wipe) front to back. Wash your vulva before washing your anus.

Should my vagina have a smell?

Every vagina has a smell..it’s own respective smell. Some things effect how your vagina smells such as what you eat or drink and even any medications you may be taking. You may have an odor after working out and during your menstrual cycle as well. If the odor is bad, is bothering you, or smells ‘fishy’, you should speak with your healthcare provider as this may be a sign of an infection.

I'm not really feeling sex lately. Is this normal?

Sometimes work, family, relationships, kids, your hormones, medication, and just life in general drains us of everything and we don’t have the energy or bandwidth to do anything…including having sex. Many things can cause a decrease in your sex drive, but that doesn’t have to be your way of life. Speak with your healthcare provider about ways to help boosts your libido. For an extra boost, try a clitoris stimulating cream or female arousal gel like our tribe favorite, Awakened, to help stimulate arousal by increasing circulation and giving a warming sensation to all right parts.

Why am I itching down there?

Itching can be a sign of infection, STD, sensitivity to detergents or soap, or something as simple as your favorite jeans or panties causing irritation. If you’re having consistent itching, or are post-menopausal, speak with your healthcare provider to determine the cause and treatment options.

Should I be tested for an STD?

Short answer…if you’re having sex, then yes. If you’re concerned about having one, then you probably should be tested. Some STDs are asymptomatic in women, meaning we don’t experience any symptoms so we don’t know something is wrong. Some STDs take a while to give off symptoms like HIV. Most healthcare providers will test for STDs during a routine checkup, but if you’re feeling like something is off or are concerned about something, err on the side of caution and just get tested.

Sometimes when I laugh or sneeze, I pee. Is this normal?

Maybe. Bladder leakage can be caused by many things like childbirth, but can happen in those who have never given birth as well. Speak with your healthcare provider to make sure everything is okay if you’re experiencing bladder leaks.

Does my vulva look normal?

Short answer…probably yes. There is no ‘perfect-looking’ vulva. They come in all shapes and sizes. The labia come in all shapes and sizes. Vulvas come in all shades and colors. But if you feel like something is off, you notice any changes in its appearance, or you see or feel any abnormal growths, speak with your gynecologist for further evaluation. 

I have a lot of discharge. Is that okay?

Vaginal discharge is your vagina’s way of cleansing itself. Depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, the color and consistency of discharge may change. Speak with your healthcare provider if you see any changes is odor, color, or if you are also experiencing pain, burning, or itching, as this may indicate an infection or something else going on.

Why has sex become painful?

There are so many reasons sex can start to become painful. Inadequate vaginal lubrication (not getting wet enough), muscle spasms in the vagina, endometriosis, and even psychological reason may be the cause of your pain. Speak with your healthcare provider to see what the cause(s) may be and options that are available to you for relief.