Not to start something, but I don’t think we’re nice enough to ourselves sexually. When reproductive rights are constantly under attack and partners are saying weird, shamey things about our bodies – that shit stays with you. And so, to combat all the bad, we need to take time to give some TLC to what’s between our legs.
Each of us has the most beautiful, awesome genitals in the world! I am truly suspicious of anyone can who learn about the wonders of the vulva and vagina and not think they’re cool AF. So, if you’re hanging out with us at Her Campus, you’re officially in the club of people who fight against the bullshit culture that says our ladybits are gross or not worth devoting time to. A club for people that adore discharge and think that squish noise vaginas make is cute.
Here’s what you need for a well-deserved self-care staycation all about loving on your vulva.
1. Take a loooong bath or shower.
The point of this is to let the warm water soak over you, relax your muscles, and relieve stress. People just enjoy life more when they’re clean. Exfoliate off dead skin with your fave body scrub and steep yourself in frothy bath oils until you feel like (maybe) you just had a five-star experience at a spa. I think bath culture is very Instagram-worthy, but no matter how hard I try, soaking in a tub doesn’t relax me. If you’re like me and prefer a steaming hot shower to wind down, that works too!
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should always wash your vulva gently with warm water and a very mild soap (no deuches!), as this helps to keep it from getting swollen or irritated. Basically, the less you mess around in there the better. This bath/shower is mostly so that you can feel clean and fresh in your body holistically before devoting all attention to your V.Â
2. Wear the most ~supersoft~ underwear you can find.
In case you didn’t know, your vulva definitely has an underwear preference and it is 1) white and 2) 100 percent cotton. That’s why many panties, even thongs, have a small strip of cotton over the crotch.
SELF notes that cotton lets in air and keeps the moisture out, because if your vagina and vulva don’t get any air it might make you more prone to a yeast infection. And cotton undies just feel good. It’s like wrapping yourself in cozy, non-irritative blanket. Take it from us and throw out those uncomfortable, ill-fitting underwear A 👏 S 👏 A 👏 P.
3. Masturbate, and take your time doing it.
Really. Do it. Touch yourself the way you want, need, desire to be touched. AND USE LUBE.Â
Rubbing one out helps release endorphins, that feel-good hormone in your body, and overall improves sexual confidence. Even masturbating for 30 minutes of your week will make a difference – but please do go on for longer if you are able and want to.
The pursuit of sexual wellbeing is an act of self-love, and the same goes for treating yourself to a new vibrator or masturbating through the worst period cramps. Let’s think about our clits and labias with a little more admiration, making sexual pleasure as necessary as that weekly mani-pedi or facial.Â
4. Fill your feed with sex-positivity.Â
All sexuality and pleasure is something worthy of more visibility. Filling your Instagram feed with photos of bloody tampons and women in nipple clamps does wonders for your vulva in the long run, because it reinforces positive self-image and that taking time for indulgence is normal.
I love places like Unbound, Tabú and The Flex Company because they’re basically an online ode to how wonderful and different each sexual experience can be. And I often find new vibrators to shop, influencers to connect with, and events I want on my bucket list because these accounts (and so many more) are churning out sex-positive inspiration and education daily.
Are you ready to get next level with your vulva yet? Honestly, all it takes is a few simple steps, but mainly keeping mindfulness and your own wellbeing at the forefront of your thoughts. This is such a huge, important part of you. Give yours the attention it deserves.Â