Women Climax Prematurely, Too(01 of28)
Open Image ModalNot All Orgasms Are Earth Shattering(02 of28)
Open Image ModalYou Don't Want To Smell Like Flowers (03 of28)
Open Image Modal"Avoid all sprays, lotions and deodorants in this area. It is not supposed to smell like flowers," says Stacy Lyon, founder of natural feminine care products Healthy Hoo Hoo. Some baby wipes and feminine hygiene wipes could lead to irritation. Lyon also says not to use pads and panty-liners everyday to feel fresh. "Constant use causes skin irritation and prevents the skin from breathing in the area." (credit:Shutterstock)
Are High Heels Orgasmic?(04 of28)
Open Image ModalShoe designer Christian Louboutin made quite a splash when he told British newspaper The Sunday Times that high heels and orgasms have a lot in common. “What is sexual in a high heel is the arch of the foot, because it is exactly the position of a woman's foot when she orgasms,” he said. “So putting your foot in a heel, you are putting yourself in a possibly orgasmic situation.”Is that true? We’re not so sure. But we do know that those oh-so sexy stilettos can bring on a whole lot of pain — and according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), they are more likely to cause bunions. (credit:Shutterstock)
Take A Look Yourself (05 of28)
Open Image ModalIt's your vagina -- make sure you know everything about it. "I tell ladies to grab a mirror and get acquainted. Look, touch and feel for changes," Lyon says. (credit:ShutterStock)
Want To Orgasm? Get Your Head In The Game(06 of28)
Open Image ModalWash It (07 of28)
Open Image Modal"The vulva and vagina should be cleaned with a bland bar soap once a day," says Lyon. She also recommends staying away from liquid body washes because they often irritate the vulva area and can lead to burning or itching. Also, you don't have to wash your vagina with a soap-based substance every time you go to the washroom -- over-cleaning can also cause irritation. (credit:ShutterStock)
The Hands-Free Orgasm Is Real(08 of28)
Open Image ModalWipe From The Front(09 of28)
Open Image ModalAlways wipe from front to back. . "Wiping wrong drags butt bacteria forward and it can get in the wrong spot creating irritation and an infection," she says. (credit:Shutterstock)
You Can ‘Yogasm’(10 of28)
Open Image ModalYou Can ‘Coregasm,’ Too(11 of28)
Open Image ModalAvoid Certain Lubricants (12 of28)
Open Image ModalAvoid using Vaseline, rubbing alcohol and other heavy-duty lubricants in the area. "Choose water-based lubricants or silicone-based lubricants," she says. (credit:Shutterstock)
Orgasms Can Relieve Pain(13 of28)
Open Image ModalShould you ditch the painkillers for a romp in the hay or solo-style sex? “I recommend women masturbate to orgasm to relieve their monthly cramps,” says Dodson.There are several possible reasons climaxing kills pain. The chemical and muscular cascade involved in having an orgasm may be a pain reliever, she says — and chances are that distraction and profound relaxation also help. In any case, it can’t hurt to try. (credit:Shutterstock)
Orgasms May Actually Get Better With Age(14 of28)
Open Image ModalWhether having an orgasm is qualitatively better at age 40 than age 20 is hard to say. However, chances are, you know your body better and are more comfortable with sex and your partner when you get older. “A young body may respond better to orgasm, but an aging body might have more appreciation for an orgasm,” says Dodson. Take the time to learn about your changing orgasmic style. (credit:Shutterstock)
Most Guys Are Seven-Minute Men(15 of28)
Open Image ModalTurns Out, The Female Orgasm Is Important(16 of28)
Open Image ModalThe Truth About Multiple Orgasms(17 of28)
Open Image ModalDo some women orgasm, only to orgasm again (and then yet again)?While it is certainly possible for individuals to have more than one orgasm in a sexual interlude, Dodson says to proceed with caution. “My concern with so-called ‘multiple orgasms’ is that I believe many women are actually counting the naturally occurring autonomic reflexes that can follow an orgasm,” she says. Of course, these “aftershocks” can still be quite pleasurable. (credit:Shutterstock)
Do Your Research (18 of28)
Open Image ModalIf you're heading to a waxing salon for a bikini or Brazilian wax, make sure you do your research. "Make sure you're seen by a licensed esthetician and that they don't double-dip the wax application stick." (credit:ShutterStock)
Talk To Your Doctor (19 of28)
Open Image ModalVisit your gynecologist at least once a year for a health check-up. You may also want to consider getting a pap smear depending on your age and history. (credit:Shutterstock)
Yeast Infections (20 of28)
Open Image ModalVaginitis (21 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina.
HOW: This infection is your body telling you something's not right. It usually occurs when "foreign objects" like condoms, scented tampons or even soaps come in contact with your lady part. Symptoms include the dreadful itch, swelling of the vulva, stinky odour and foamy green or yellow, or even bloody discharge.
FIX IT: Ladies, if you feel any of these symptoms, go see your gynecologist. (credit:Alamy)
Bacterial Vaginosis (22 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: Bacterial vaginosis is the imbalance of bacteria types in the vagina.
HOW: This is one infection you'll notice right away -- probably because of the light grey discharge and fishy odour. BV is also common during sex (you may notice bleeding after sex). Having multiple sexual partners, douching or even smoking may lead to higher risks of BV.
FIX IT: Antibiotics can work but talking to your gyno about prescriptions first and lead you in the right path. (credit:Alamy)
Atrophic Vaginitis(23 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: Atrophic vaginitis happens when your body stops producing estrogen and well, your lady flower decides to get droopy and dry up.
HOW: It's not always about menopause. AV can happen because of lactation, periods or using anti-estrogenic drugs. And it doesn't stop there. AV symptoms include inflammation, itching, burning and discomfort during urination.
FIX IT: Topical or oral estrogen could be effective treatments and using lubricants during sex also helps. (credit:Alamy)
Vaginal Dryness (24 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: This type of dryness can hit at any age -- leaving our lady parts feeling prune-ish.
HOW: Even though it's more common in post-menopausal women, vaginal dryness occurs with low estrogen levels, inadequate foreplay and medical disorders like diabetes.
FIX IT: The good news is, this dryness can be easily fixed. Increase your foreplay for natural lubrication or try daily vaginal moisturisers. (credit:Alamy)
Semen Allergies (25 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: Ahh-cho. Some women may feel itching or burning after intercourse with no signs of an infection.
HOW: Experts say itching, burning, swelling, redness, rashes or hives are common symptoms of semen allergies.
FIX IT: The first treatment is using a condom during sex, but you should also talk to a professional on overcoming intimacy obstacles. (credit:Alamy)
Vulvodynia (26 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: Vulvodynia is an "unprovoked" stinging and burning anywhere on the vulva with no apparent cause.
HOW: There could be several reasons for vulvodynia, but your doctor may look at medical history and cancel out other infections first.
FIX IT: Treatments differ depending on the individual. Some include soothing gels before sexual intercourse or vulvar ice packs to chill your vj. (credit:Alamy)
Eczema...Down There (27 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: Eczema causes inflammation and redness to skin -- even the skin around your vagina.
HOW: Eczema usually runs in the family. It can also be caused by conditions like asthma or allergies
FIX IT: Treatments are easy to find -- and plentiful. Anti-itch medications, cleansers, lubricants can all help with stopping the itch. (credit:Shutterstock)
Folliculitis (28 of28)
Open Image ModalWHAT: If you're looking for a quick pube fix, ladies, say no to the razor. Folliculitis otherwise known as ingrown hairs occur when hair follicles become infected.
HOW: Now even though razors and shaving are big culprits, your skin, weight, exposure to hot water or even tight clothes can also cause ingrown hairs.
FIX IT: Ingrown hairs usually heal on their own. To speed up the process, try warm soaks, medicated creams or for larger boils, surgical drainage. (credit:Alamy)