Don’t play with her heart. Play with her vulva. It feels better.
I couldn’t find a single happy vulva quote archived online. Can you believe that? Considering the mighty wonder of the area, it’s remarkable that vaginas get most of the attention. Don’t get me wrong—vaginas rock! But what do you say we take some time to celebrate its pleasure-centric, splendiferous sister, Ms. Vulva?
4 Things You Need to Know About Your Vulva
1. It’s not your vagina.
If your first thought when spotting this post was, “My vulva… I know it’s somewhere down there, but…what is it again?” you’re far from alone. Many folks confuse vaginas with vulvas. Your vagina is the passageway into your body. Your vulva is everything outside of it—including your labia (lips), the mounded area over your pubic bone, your clitoris. To see medical drawings via the Cleveland Clinic, click here.
2. You shouldn’t scrub it.
The vulva secretes oils that protect its delicate skin from friction we all experience regularly. Scrub away those oils with cleansers or douche, and you’re likely to experience irritation. Keep it clean by washing it gently with warm water when you shower and letting it be. For added health and safety, avoid thongs, girdles, feminine sprays, scented tampons and rough toilet paper.
3. It’s super capable of pleasure.
Women experience intense amounts of pleasure outside the vagina—which is one reason intercourse alone doesn’t bring most women to climax. The combo of both, however, inner and outer “down there” play paves the way for mind-blowing, intoxicating pleasure.
4. It’s beautiful as it is.
Your vulva isn’t ugly, stinky, oversized or wrongly hairy. Far too many women feel pressured to futz with their genitals in order to feel beautiful or merely okay. Do what makes you feel most comfortable, keeping safety and well-being your top priorities. When you feel pressured to alter your gorgeous girl parts, ask yourself why. Chances are it’s societal messages that need changing—not you. ♥
For more on this topic, check out my DAME Magazine article: Stop Futzing With Your Vagina!
My Latest Product Fave!
Speaking of vulvas, I have to tell you all about my latest product crush. *drum roll* …VULVA BALM! Did you know it was a thing? Sensuous Beauty makes it, and it’s fabulous.
Dab it on your gorgeous vulva to prevent chafing or manage dryness. Vulva Balm is formulated for menopausal women, but as a younger woman, I found it luscious and fun. (Even when we’re wet inside, some added gliding power outside is nice, IYKWIM!) You can also use it as a gentle lube. The body and eco-friendly deliciously scented balm has a smooth, decadent texture you’ll wanna slather on (think Carmex, only natural + sexy. ;))—but you won’t need to. A small amount goes far.
Disclosure: This is an honest review for a product sold by Good Vibrations, a company I’m affiliated with. If you purchase Sensuous Beauty Vulva Balm for $12.99 – $18.50 through this link, a portion will support all-things-Girl Boner.
You can also support GB by purchasing other products. Simply click the Good Vibrations image in the sidebar (or below, if you’re reading on your phone) to shop away! The company is women-friendly, discreet and all around AWESOME.
What do you love about your vulva? Did any of these facts surprise you? Think you might try Vulva Balm? Remember, there’s no shame or judgment here—just gratitude, love and respect.
Satin Sheet Diva
/ August 10, 2015As always, learned something new :-). Thanks!
August McLaughlin
/ August 10, 2015Thanks for reading! 🙂
KM Huber
/ August 10, 2015And what better day than a Monday to learn about Vulva Balm! How can it not be a great week?!?! 🙂
Karen
August McLaughlin
/ August 10, 2015LOL I have to agree, Karen! 😀
mliddle
/ August 10, 2015As someone who is entering menopause early (I’m 45 and it started when I was 41), the Vulva Balm sounds magnificent! I will pick some up next month – funds low this month with unexpected costs. Also, great info on the vulva, especially for those uncertain of names of women’s sexual organs. I had a conversation with a 50-something year old woman who thought the vaginal was the name of the entire area: vulva, vagina, & urethra. So, I drew a picture and we talked. She has 3 daughters so I hope she made the corrections to them too.
August McLaughlin
/ August 10, 2015I hope you enjoy it! Good for you for having such conversation with that woman, with illustrations and all. The fact that she felt comfortable sharing with you says a great deal about your wonderfulness – kudos. 🙂
Bette Golden Lamb
/ August 10, 2015Awesome blog. So many women simply don’t know about their vulvas and call this outer area their vagina. As usual you always get to the heart of the matter with honesty and style. Thanks, August!
August McLaughlin
/ August 10, 2015It’s amazing how little so many of us know, right? So glad this struck you!
aurorajeanalexander
/ August 10, 2015I didn’t know that vulva balm exists. Thank you for the information. And you know I always love your blog posts, August. There’s always something interesting to read and/or to learn. 🙂
August McLaughlin
/ August 11, 2015I’m so glad you enjoy your time here, AJ! Much love.
Barbara Latham
/ August 10, 2015Thank you. I’m tired of people calling the vulva “vagina”. Also upset by people waxing the area. Men who prefer a bald vulva are very close to being pedophiles, I fear. And if i have to hear another comedian tell wanker jokes and rhapsodize about his penis, i shall scream.
August McLaughlin
/ August 13, 2015I hear you, Barbara! It’s very frustrating, how little so many of us know about our bodies. Porn has really made baldness there seem like the only option — but it’s so not.
veldabrotherton
/ August 11, 2015Talk about things my mother never taught me. How could I go through life not knowing about my vulva? Thanks August.
August McLaughlin
/ August 13, 2015Hugs, Velda. We all deserve to know!
StyleByRayne
/ August 11, 2015Reblogged this on My Blog and commented:
Vulva care!
kindredspirit23
/ August 13, 2015I am so very glad you exist, August. I mean I think you are beautiful, lovely, and sexy – but even forgetting all that, it’s nice to have some valid education going out to the women, both younger and older, about all things sexual. You have also, so far, been the only person I have never disagreed with on things sexual.
Scott
August McLaughlin
/ August 13, 2015I’m so glad my work resonates with you, Scott. Thanks for the kind words!!
kindredspirit23
/ August 13, 2015As I say: “Truth is easy.”
amyskennedy
/ August 13, 2015I learned something new:just warm water! Also, I want to try the vulva balm. My mom used to drive a Volvo…every time she talked about the car: “oh, just put that on the vulva.” Yup.
August McLaughlin
/ August 13, 2015LOL I love her – and hope you enjoy the balm! It’s wonderful whether used during/around bedroom play or not. 🙂
Michelle
/ August 20, 2015Reblogged this on Reading, Drinking and Dancing with a Chaser of Snark.