The Ultimate Guide to Down There Self Care: Five Steps to Avoid a Ho-Hum Hoo-Ha
Posted on February 22 2024
Tired of Taboos
For centuries, women's health and wellness has taken a back seat to all that ails our male counterparts. From erectile disfunction to male pattern baldness, there seems to be a plethora of solutions for men's common health crises. When it comes to the plight of women though, the offerings have traditionally left a lot to be desired. In recent years, we've seen a growing trend towards embracing feminine self care. And it's about time!
Let's break down the barriers and get comfortable with what can sometimes be an uncomfortable topic...that of "down there self care". Okay, I can see you blushing from here, but take heart! Down there self care is nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, it's an essential aspect of overall feminine wellness. Our society has long perpetuated secrecy and shame around topics related to women's health and intimate care, but it's high time we change that narrative! In recent years the term "self-care" has taken on a life of its own with countless You-Tubers and influencers emphasizing its importance. And they're absolutely right! However, taking care of yourself includes more than the just the occasional mani/pedi or blow out; it includes nurturing our most intimate parts, which women often overlook due to shame, embarrassment or simply a lack of knowledge. Read on to discover five steps you can take to pamper your private, banish the stigma and embrace the beauty of caring for yourself, from head to hoo-ha!
💡 Did you know
The beauty and wellness industry continues to innovate with products specifically designed for feminine self-care, including organic menstrual products, intimate washes, and innovative period-tracking apps aimed at promoting women's health and comfort.
Five Steps to Superior Self Care
Step 1: Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming, also known as yoni steaming, is a holistic health practice that involves sitting or squatting over steaming water infused with herbs. I know, I know, but hear me out! This ancient practice is said to offer numerous benefits, including cleansing the vagina, regulating menstrual cycles, reducing menstrual cramps, promoting fertility, and supporting overall reproductive health. What's not to love about that?! Additionally, some proponents suggest that it can enhance sexual pleasure and alleviate symptoms of menopause. 💥 Of course it's essential to approach vaginal steaming with caution and consult with your healthcare provider before trying, but why not explore it as a new option for your feminine self care?!
Step 2: Brazilian Waxing
Brazilian waxing is a hair removal technique that involves the complete removal of pubic hair from the genital area and buttocks using hot wax. Girl, I know what you're thinking, but trust. This practice originated in Brazil and gained popularity worldwide due to its association with beach culture and the desire for smooth, hair-free skin. The main benefits of Brazilian waxing include longer lasting results as compared to shaving, smoother skin, and the ability to wear revealing clothing without concerns about visible pubic hair. Yes please! Brazilian waxing makes an excellent addition to your down there self care routine as it also reduces the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs that can occur with other hair removal methods. If you can get passed the hot wax on your coochie and need to bare all for your waxer, you are sure to love the result! Don't want to go fully hairless? No problem! Talk to your waxer about options for popular alternatives like the landing strip, triangle or heart. 💝
In an "in between waxings" pinch? We've got you covered! Add the Oh So Smooth Shave Cream from Coochy to your cart and be on your way to silky smooth skin!
Infused with a sweet and juicy blend of Georgia peaches, sugar cane and a hint of vanilla, you'll fall in love with the lip smacking goodness of this fragrance. Coochy's signature shave cream stops red bumps from appearing on your bikini area, underarms, legs, and anywhere else you shave. Leaves skin oh so smooth, delicately fragranced and irresistible to touch!
Step 3: Lubricate
When it comes to promoting down there self care, we can't overlook the importance of choosing the right lubricant. While finding the perfect lube for you may take some experimenting, it's well worth the time and effort. Opting for water-based or silicone-based lubricants is generally recommended, as they are less likely to cause irritation or disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina. See the chart below for some of the attributes of each type of lube and then visit the Heart + Honey shop to pick up the one that suits you best!
Water-Based Lubricants:
- Compatibility: Water-based lubes are compatible with condoms and sex toys making them versatile and suitable for use with a variety of sexual activities.
- Easy to Clean: These lubes are water-soluble, making them easy to clean up with soap and water, and they typically do not leave stains or residue.
- Natural Feel: Choose a water-based lube if you prefer a more natural feel and texture that mimics the body's own moisture.
- Less Risk of Staining: It's mentioned above, but this point deserves to stand on its own. Water-based lubricants are less likely to stain fabrics (think of your beautiful sheets!) as compared to the silicone variety.
Silicone-Based Lubricants:
- Long-Lasting: Silicone lubricants provide longer-lasting lubrication as compared to water-based lubes, requiring less frequent reapplication during use.
- Waterproof: Love shower sex? Then a silicone lube is for you! Silicone lubes are waterproof and do not wash away easily in water, making them ideal for use during your water-play activities.
- Hypoallergenic: Silicone lubricants are typically hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions as compared to some water-based lubes.
Step 4: Work it Out
You know strength-training is important for maintaining youth and vitality, but are you working out your lady parts? Kegel exercises, named for Dr. Arnold Kegel who developed them in the 1940s, are a series of pelvic floor muscle exercises designed to strengthen the bladder, uterus and bowel. These exercises involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for sexual arousal and pleasure (amongst other important things like bladder and bowel control). Incorporating Kegel exercises into your self-care routine can help promote pelvic health, prevent pelvic floor disorders (like the oft-ignored incontinence) and increase overall confidence and well-being. Plus, these exercises can be performed discreetly anywhere and at any time, making them convenient to integrate into your daily life!
Ready to start your pelvic floor training regime? Check out our assortment of Kegel Balls to get you on your way!
Satisfyer: The V Balls are the ideal companions for your pelvic floor training. Training for as little as 15 minutes strengthens your pelvic floor muscles, which will intensify sensations during lovemaking - for you and your partner. You can easily and flexibly integrate training with these love balls into your everyday life: Wear the V Balls for example during a workout, at home or while shopping. The V Balls are made of body-friendly silicone and come in a handy set with different weights so that you can gradually improve your pelvic floor training. Weights range from 79.3 g to 114.1 g to 150.3 g - start with the lightest ball and work your way up slowly. The Satisfyer V Balls are easy to insert and remove thanks to their spherical design and the practical retrieval string.
The Satisfyer Yoni Power 2 Set consists of three kegel balls in different sizes which you can use to gradually train your pelvic floor.
The largest and heaviest, (3 cm diameter, 73 g), the medium (2.5 cm diameter, 46 g) and the smallest and lightest (2 cm diameter, 22 g).
The Satisfyer Yoni Power 2 Kegel balls are a great choice if you are a novice. The stainless steel balls are encased in seamless, medical-grade silicone and are therefore particularly hygienic. Thanks to the silicone retrieval loop, they are also very easy to insert and remove. You can achieve very good results with just 15 minutes of pelvic floor training a day - and wear the balls anywhere, during most everyday activities.
Step 5: Add an Erotic Toy
Whether you're new to erotic toys or an experienced connoisseur, there is a place for them in your down there self care routine. Experimenting with toys can help you better understand your body, desires and boundaries, leading to greater self-awareness and empowerment in your sexual experiences. We've come a long way from the clunky "medical devices" marketed to treat "nervous disorders" such as hysteria. These days you can choose from remote-controlled, app compatible, discreet, water-proof and USB rechargeable varieties. If you're not sure where to start, Heart + Honey can lead the way. Take a peek at our shop--chock full of accoutrements to send your down there self-care into the stratosphere--or put your intimate care on auto-pilot and subscribe to one of our three tiers of expertly curated sexual health and wellness boxes!
What You Need to Know About Dils and Vibes and Clitoral Stimulators, Oh My!
- Dildos are sex toys designed for penetration, typically resembling a phallus in shape. Dildos come in various sizes, shapes, materials and textures to accommodate different preferences and needs.
- Rabbit Vibrators feature a shaft for internal stimulation along with a clitoral stimulator (often shaped like rabbit ears) for simultaneous pleasure.
- Erotic Massagers can include body massagers or wand vibrators designed for external use on erogenous zones like the nipples, clitoris, or other sensitive areas of the body.
- Clitoral Stimulators are designed specifically for clitoral stimulation and come in various shapes and sizes, such as clitoral suction devices or small handheld stimulators.
- G-Spot Stimulators are toys that are curved to target the G-Spot and provide internal stimulation. They can include G-Spot vibrators, dildos with a curved tip, or G-Spot massagers.
😍 Heart + Honey was created to help women embrace sexual health and intimacy as a component of whole body health - natural, important, and vital to the human experience. Our subscription boxes are carefully curated to be interesting and unique. Our monthly themes underscore the value of prioritizing passion and self care. The contents of Heart + Honey subscription boxes will vary monthly in order to provide a range of experiences. Whether you have a vast toy collection, or you are just starting out, you will find something new to love in your box.
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