Photo Credit: Roberto Condado via Compfight cc
Comfort is something I am really big on. I very rarely stray from my favourite jeans, I always have a pair of fluffy slippers on my feet and if I can be wearing pyjamas, I will be. The postman is used to seeing me in pyjamas now, it’s fine.
If you talk about being comfortable most people will mention things such as soft pyjamas, fluffy new socks, a duvet day on the sofa or a pair of shoes that cushion your feet even after hours spent Christmas shopping. But comfort goes deeper than that – comfort starts with the bodies underneath the clothes.
Now I have never been one to feel totally comfortable in my own skin. As a teenager, I had the usual discussions with my friends – how to get rid of spots, the best hairstyle for my face shape, how to get away with wearing that short skirt to school. But would I have talked to them about my private parts? Would I heck! There may have been giggling references to period pains, but never anything more than that. I guess that’s considered ‘normal’ at that age – but really, should it be? Or should we actually be encouraging our teens to discuss their vaginas as they would any other part of their body? Is it really any different to our arms, legs or boobs?
Things changed a bit when I had children. Growing and birthing 4 children has meant I have had to be a lot more open about my feminine areas. I have had people stick their hands and surgical instruments up there – and in all honestly why should that be an issue? It’s a part of my body that is designed to birth a baby. That’s the primary function. That’s what it was made for. I am a big advocate of breastfeeding, and allowing women to feed uncovered and un self-consciously whenever and wherever they choose. So why should talking about a vagina be any different? 50% of the human race have one. Most of those have, or will have, a child. As nature intended.
Post birth, it’s also something we don’t talk about – but this maybe the time when we really should. Supporting other women who need advice about stitches, episiotomy scars, bleeding, thrush, post birth sex, and all the other things that go hand in hand with childbirth and the recovery. If we all just admitted that we were struggling, that childbirth is a major trauma, that we all need some advice about remedies and cures that could help us, maybe we would all feel a lot more comfortable.
It’s a part of our body. It’s a part of our body that has a very important function, and yet we still forget that, and shy away from talking about it to anyone – parents, siblings, friends, even healthcare professionals. I am as guilty as anyone else of not being open enough, but I want that to change. It’s important. A smear test could save your life. A chat about symptoms could save someone elses.
On that note, remember how important it is to keep your vagina clean and healthy – why that is such a taboo topic I don’t know. We clean the rest of our bodies without a second thought, we recommend shower gels and moisturisers, but we don’t recommend vaginal care products do we? Well now I am. Wear cotton underwear, don’t use perfumed products down there, and keep a stock of the new Canesten products – they have a great range of feminine care products to help you take care of an important part of your body at all times. #GetComfortable
Do you think you have enough knowledge about how to take care of your intimate health on a daily basis? Do you, as a woman, feel awkward about discussing feminine intimate health?
What are your best tips for not feeling embarrassed about discussing your intimate health? If you feel able to leave me a comment below, you could be in with a chance to win a £50 John Lewis voucher – good luck!
This post has been supported by Canesten, but all thoughts are my own.
Terms and conditions. Giveaway runs from 17/12/2015 to 7/1/2015. To enter the Prize Draw, entrants must post a comment in response to this Canesten ‘Get Comfortable’ post, via the
Rafflecopter Widget. Only one entry per person will be accepted. Multiple or third party entries are not permitted. The Prize Draw is open to UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees of the Promoter, their families, agents or anyone else connected with the Promoter. One winner will be selected at random from all valid entries received on or before the closing date.The winner will be notified by email from the promoter, within 28 days of the closing date. The winner must notify the promoter of their postal address for delivery of the prize within 28 days of being notified that they are the
winner. If the winner does not respond within 28 days a new winner will be selected at random from the remaining valid entries. The prize is not transferrable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash. Competitions at ThePrizeFinder
Just remember that the doctors have seen it all before.
Talk to someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
i would love to win thank you for the chance
start with people you trust, I find that if you joke about things early enough with friends, it’s easier to open up when its needed x
to be louder and bolder to try and cover my embarrassment
I think once you’ve had children you become pretty desensitized but I did used to struggle terribly with embarrassment
Remind yourself that the doctor/nurse talks to patients about this everyday!
Prepare by searching for data on medical sites, to ensure you are informed and factual. Free leaflets are available from your doctor’s surgery or hospital. Allow plenty of time to talk and share your own experiences and fears. Be honest and don’t be afraid to say how you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
Just turn them into a joke. There is nothing easier than turning tough topics into semi-joking, stress free conversations 🙂
Be open about it, it is just normal.
I just remind myself that everyone has the same questions and concerns!
I think just time and maturity solves the problem. Once you have had children it is hard to get embarrassed as so many doctors and nurses have seen everything you have 🙂
I’m embarrassed about everything as I’m so shy
Find a great friend of group of friends that you trust. No topic is taboo in our office at work & I love it x
i talk to my very close friends
To just remember that health professionals have seen it all before 🙂
Remember that health is more important than being embarrassed! All us ladies are the same 🙂
Start the ball rolling and usually others follow. I find taking that first step is the hardest after that people like to get involved, even the men
Honestly….just get over it! I’m trying to tell myself this more than anyone else. It happens to everyone – I’ve put off seeing a Dr since MAY and I finally picked up the phone yesterday and made an appointment. It wasn’t difficult at all!
my has to be if you have any problems, talk to a friend that your comfortable with that wont judge you, or better still a doc, chances are someone has already spoke to the doc before you have about any embarrassing problems