Table of Contents
Introduction xi
Getting Started 1
1 The Vulva 3
2 The Vagina 13
3 Vaginas and Vulvas in Transition 22
4 Female Pleasure and Sex Ed 29
5 Pregnancy and Childbirth 41
Everyday Practicalities and V Maintenance 55
6 Medical Maintenance 57
7 Food and Vaginal Health 65
8 The Bottom Line on Underwear 72
9 The Lowdown on Lube 77
10 Kegel Exercises 83
Skin Care and Cleansing 91
11 Vulvar Cleansing: Soaps, Cleansers, and Wipes 93
12 Vaginal Cleansing: Douches, Steams, Sprays, and Potpourri 101
13 Hair Removal and Grooming 107
14 Moisturizers, Barriers, and Bath Products 119
Menstrual Products and Mythology 129
15 The Truth About Toxic Shock Syndrome 131
16 Are There Toxins in Tampons and Pads? 139
17 Menstrual Hygiene 143
Menopause 157
18 Menopause 159
19 Treating GSM 169
Medications and Interventions 181
20 Cannabis 183
21 Contraception 189
22 Antibiotics and Probiotics 195
23 Cosmetic Procedures, Injections, and "Rejuvenation" 204
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIS) 213
24 General STI Information 215
25 STI Prevention 223
26 The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) 234
27 Herpes (HSV) 244
28 Gonorrhea and Chlamydia 251
29 Trichomoniasis 257
30 Pubic Lice 264
Conditions 269
31 Yeast 271
32 Bacterial Vaginosis 281
33 Vulvodynia 289
34 Pelvic Floor Spasm and Vaginismus 297
35 Skin Conditions 305
36 UTIs and Bladder Pain Syndrome 313
37 Pelvic Organ Prolapse 320
Symptoms 325
38 Communicating with Your Provider 327
39 I Have Pain with Sex 335
40 I Have Vaginitis 342
41 I Have a Vulvar Itch 349
42 I Have Vulvar Pain 353
43 I Have an Odor 357
44 I Have Bleeding After Sex 363
Putting It All Together 371
45 Medicine Cabinet Rehab 373
46 Internet Hygiene and Apps 378
47 Journal of Old Wives' Tales 384
References 393
Acknowledgments 405
Index 407