Free shipping
ArticlesTopic 02
Odor, discharge, dryness and comfort down there. What’s normal, what isn’t, and what actually helps.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Kitchen and bathroom oils are popular stand-ins for lube, but two problems show up in the research. In a Los Angeles study of 141 women, those who used petroleum jelly inside the vagina were about twice as likely to have bacterial vaginosis, and oil users had far more yeast. In lab tests, a minute of mineral oil cut latex condom strength by about 90%. Here is what to know before reaching for the jar.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Having genital herpes doesn't mean you'll pass it on, and there are proven ways to lower the risk. In a trial of 1,484 couples, a daily antiviral pill for the partner with herpes cut new infections roughly in half overall, from 3.6% to 1.9% over 8 months. Across 6 studies, people who always used condoms had about 30% lower risk of catching it. Here is how the two fit together.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Over-the-counter yeast treatments make self-diagnosis easy, but studies suggest it's often wrong. When researchers examined 95 women buying an antifungal at the pharmacy, only about a third had a yeast infection alone; the rest had BV, a mix, another problem or nothing at all. Having had a yeast infection before didn't make women more accurate. Here is what that means and when to get a test.
Intimate HealthExplainer
A vaginal antibiotic can still have a bowel warning. Know which symptoms need an immediate call and which prescription details to give the clinician.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Low desire, trouble with arousal or orgasm are common side effects of SSRI and SNRI antidepressants, and they lead many people to stop treatment. A Cochrane review found adding higher-dose bupropion was the most promising approach for women. Sildenafil helped in one trial of younger women, though the overall evidence for women is uncertain.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
If bacterial vaginosis returns after antibiotics, you're in the majority. In an Australian study of 139 women treated with the standard antibiotic, 58% had BV again within a year. A past history of BV and a regular sex partner went with higher odds. An experimental vaginal probiotic cut recurrence in a trial, but you can't buy it yet. Here is what the studies show and what to ask for.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Many women wonder whether the pill is behind a fading libido. A review of 36 studies found 85% of pill users reported no change or an increase in desire and 15% a decrease. A placebo-controlled trial found small drops in desire, arousal and pleasure, but no change in overall sexual function or satisfying sex. Here is what that means if you're on the pill in your 40s.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Many women worry that they take too long or don't climax the 'right' way with a partner. In a US national survey of 1,055 women aged 18 to 94, only 18% said intercourse alone was enough for orgasm, and most needed or preferred clitoral touch. In a survey of over 52,000 adults, women orgasmed more often when sex included more than intercourse. Here is what the research shows and where help exists.
Intimate HealthComparison
Cervical screening and separately chosen STI tests answer different questions. Ask which tests you actually had.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Many women find their mind leaving the moment during sex to check how their body looks. Researchers call it spectatoring. In a study of 457 college students, women reported more appearance worries during sex than men. A review of 57 studies found body self-consciousness can affect every part of women's sexual function. A trial of mindfulness training found it eased distress. Here is what helps.
Intimate HealthEvidence check
Thongs and daily panty liners are often blamed for yeast infections and BV. In a survey of 986 women, thong wearers reported no more infections than other women, but non-cotton fabric in the crotch went with more yeast infections. A 75-day trial of breathable liners found no rise in yeast or BV in healthy women. Here is what the studies show, and the exception for women with repeat yeast.
Intimate HealthMyth buster
Symptoms can appear long after infection, and a swab cannot establish when or from whom you acquired herpes.
