Sexual Health Products For Women "It Didn't Get Taught In School"
Table of Contents
Let’s talk….
Sexual Health Products For Women
Everybody has some health concerns that they may or may not know who to ask. And when you do ask, the answers may not be forthcoming, or they are vague. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) affects women at all stages of their lives, from the first menstruation to menopause and beyond (Women's health matters). However there are sexual health products for women that just aren't widely known.
Now, according to an article in Psychology today, 30- 50% of women will experience sexual dysfunction at some point. That is a high number and, honestly, not something often talked about. However, times are changing.
What are some of the issues, you may ask? And are there products? Never fear, I gotcha! I put together a look at the issues that tend to affect all of us, like period care, contraception, sexual well-being, sexual and reproductive health and some of the sexual health products on the market.
Fun Factory Fun Cup 2 Pack
$69.95
The FUN CUP is shaped to curve with your body, and the thickness of the silicone varies accordingly. The rim is thicker and firmer, to...… read more
Period Care
When puberty hits, usually, so does your first menstrual cycle. These run monthly, more or less every 28 days, until menopause. For some, it is just an annoying week. For others, though, menstruation can be a source of pain, discomfort, and many other symptoms, such as bloating. How women cope and look after themselves varies.
So, what is out there? Well, the usual suspects are disposable pads, panty liners, and disposable tampons. The newish kids on the block sound amazing, and they are also greener. Yep, there are now reusable period cups, panties, and sponges.
Reusable period cups,
typically made with medical grade silicon, do not contain dioxins (environmental pollutants that can cause reproductive, developmental, and hormonal problems and cancer). The cups are reusable and long-lasting and prevent leaks (Wired). Whilst they may take some getting used to, some studies have found cups to be quite satisfactory after the second or third month (Harvard Health) and can be used regardless of virginity. Not to mention, they are better for the environment, so win-win.Reusable period panties
do not contain those pesky pollutants either and are incredibly comfortable and a great alternative, especially for people who would prefer not to insert anything inside their vagina. They come in assorted colours, cuts, and absorbency and can be purchased online and in stores. I have tried these, and I have to admit I am hooked. Especially for days when I am just hanging out at home.Period sponges
are inserted into the vagina like a tampon. They can be disposable or reusable. The reusable ones can be washed, dried, and reused for up to 6 months. According to the research, they will not break the bank and are eco-friendly and effective (Stockburger et al., 2013)
All these sexual health products for women can be found easily online or in shops. Now, let us take a look at contraception.
Contraception
If sexually active, it is important that women take agency over their method of contraception for their sexual and reproductive health. Far too often, people implicitly rely on their partner/s to be prepared, assuming it has been taken care of, or use the first method the doctor suggests.
According to Family Planning Australia, the two most common methods of contraception are…yep, you guessed it, oral contraception (28%) and condoms (24%; Family Planning Australia). However, other methods out there are more effective. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are considered by far the most effective (Family Planning Australia). These are the contraceptive implants, injections, hormonal IUDs and copper IUDs.
The Implant
lasts for three years, so there is nothing to think about for three years. It is relatively cheap, especially when compared to oral contraception. It can also be used by most and is easy to remove. And fertility returns immediately after removal. However, it is important to note that implants do not protect against STIs; insertion and removal require a small procedure, which is an expense. Some women have said they can feel it, and there may be some initial adjustments, including to your bleeding. However, after 3-6 months, this issue tends to resolve itself.
The Injection
is a hormonal contraception, like the pill, but it is a shot received every 12-14 weeks. Again, this method requires a doctor or nurse to inject the contraception, usually in the arm or bottom. If injections are delayed, that may affect the effectiveness of this method. However, if you follow the instructions then this method is highly effective. Furthermore, most users report light to no bleeding and less painful periods. However, some women report changes in menstrual patterns, and approximately 20% have reported weight gain (Better Health Channel).
The hormonal and copper intrauterine devices (IUDs),
like the implant, are long-acting and can be removed at any time. Moreover, just like the implant, IUDs do not protect against STIs and need to be inserted and removed by a health professional.
If any of these methods are of interest, talk to your health provider, who can advise you.
Sexual Health products
These products are not new, but they deserve a shout-out because I do not think they get enough credit for improving women’s sexual wellness.
Lubricant:
Once viewed as something reserved for anal sex, lubricants are, in my opinion, the unsung heroes. Aside from being used to facilitate anal play, lubricant can and should be used for vaginal intercourse as well. Women can experience vaginal dryness for several reasons, such as the anatomy of the pelvis, hormones/menopause, psychosexual connections, and female arousal state, to name a few.
Also, the slipperier, the better, right? Lubricants can be bought in stores and online.
Vaginal oestrogen
Can also be used to combat vaginal dryness, typically for women experiencing hormonal changes. It comes as a tablet, pessary, cream, gel, or ring that can be inserted into the vagina. and is a type of hormone therapy. However, vaginal oestrogen is quite safe and recommended for women undergoing menopause (Harvard Health, Liu et al., 2021). Talk to your health practitioner if you think this is the way for you.
She-Ology 5 Pc Wearable Vaginal Dilator Set
$129.95
Revitalize and strengthen vaginal muscles with the contoured She-Ology™ 5-Piece Wearable Vaginal Dilator Set. The uniquely designed 5-piece dilator kits are ergonomically curved and gradually...… read more
Dilators:
Vaginal dilators have come a long way. Often prescribed to women to decrease anxiety and pain experienced during penetrative sex, usually caused by menopausal dryness, vaginismus, radiation from cancer treatments and pelvic floor disorders. Moreover, for my trans-sisters, dilators are used after gender-reaffirming surgery to stretch the vaginal walls. As time passes, usage becomes less frequent (Liu et al., 2021). Dilators are tube-shaped and made of plastic or medical-grade silicon. They gradually improve vaginal flexibility and strengthen pelvic muscles so as to ensure a more comfortable penetration. They can be used in under 20 minutes and range in length and girth.
They are available for purchase online and from chemists, but always consult a health care provider before purchasing one to ensure a dilator is right for you.
Sexual aids,
Or toys, depending on how you want to call them, have come a long way. Moreover, despite being referred to as toys they can improve sexual wellbeing and health. Let us be honest: exploring with toys can add an element of fun and help us discover new sensations while living out some of our fantasies safely. Furthermore, if you are sharing fantasies with your significant other/s than you are also enhancing your relationship, cause you know… communication, which can positively affect your overall wellbeing. Whether it is costumes for role-playing, or a flogger to live out that captive fantasy, sexual aids are a wonderful way to explore safely while still getting your raunch on.
And Lastly
As stated at the start of the article, this was not an exhaustive look. Women have often had to struggle with their SRH, particularly in terms of pleasure. Periods are often construed as “annoying, but it is part of life,” with no real guidance regarding all that is available to us, especially these days. Yes, we have all seen the myriad ads for tampons and pads, but some may not be comfortable with tampons or even pads or want something greener.
The hormonal pill was first introduced in the fifties, and condoms have been around for centuries. While I have benefitted from both contraceptive methods, I would have appreciated the knowledge that there were other methods out there for me to choose from that aligned better with me and my lifestyle.
As for women's sexual wellness, sexual aids are no longer relegated to some sordid secret. There are more sexual health products for women out there to enhance pleasure, sexual health, and well-being.
There are so many sexual health products out there for so many other issues that I know I have forgotten or missed them. Feel free to comment below and let me know your favourite, what you want to try, or what you want more information about.
And, please, always consult a health specialist if you are unsure, and if you are looking for the sexual wellness side of things, pop into Adult Bliss, where someone will be more than happy to advise or just have a chat!
In the meantime, stay healthy! 😉
MJ
ReferencesLiu, M., Juravic, M., Mazza, G., & Krychman, M. L. (2021). Vaginal Dilators: Issues and Answers. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 9(2), 212-220. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.11.005
Stockburger, S., Omar, H. A., Hillard, P. J. A., Kantartzis, K., & Sucato, G. (2013). Menstrual Health. In Practical Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology (pp. 163-173). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118538555.ch29
