How do social media problems spread awareness regarding vaginal health?
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Social Media is a platform to share thoughts, and opinions and spread knowledge. 2.7 Billion Active users on Facebook, over 1.2 billion Instagram users, and around 2.2 billion users on YouTube there are many other such social networks like TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, WhatsApp, WeChat, and many more. Social networks have created a space for people to speak and express themselves; finding role models to discover new things, social media has come a long way over the past decade. The Influencers trend has hit the audience like a wave in both positive and negative ways. People started talking about taboo topics like Mental Health, Sex, Personal Hygiene, Relationships, etc.
Over the years, talking about Vaginal Health or approaching a gynecologist is considered undue. The taboo around discussing or talking openly about intimate parts of the body is contemplated as being blatant. The word Vagina is assumed to be dirty and women are often uncomfortable talking about their vaginal health to their doctors and family. Though the intimate health industry is breaking the stereotypical views of people around vaginal health, people are still being timid. Few people have taken social media as a platform to start the conversation about Vaginal Health and intimate care products. Over the past few years, social media has played a key role in spreading awareness and busting the taboo.
Here are a few Influencers who took to Instagram to spread awareness about Vaginal Health.
@Yoninutritionist - Adrienne is a Vaginal Health Nutritionist and Sexual Health Advocate. She helps treat vaginal infections with holistic nutrition and wellness practices. Herpes virus to Foods to maintain a healthy vaginal she has a lot to share. As a herpes and HPV advocate, she is working toward spreading awareness of how common STIs are and sharing information to fight the stigma around vaginal health.
@the.vagina.whisperer - Dr. Sara Reardon, Pelvic Floor Therapist talks about postpartum pelvic care and working toward normalizing the pelvic floor conversations.
@gynaegeek - Dr. Anita Mitra, everyone's ‘No Nonsense guide on “down there “ health care. She is also a UK-based gynecologist who talks about Vaginal Health, Menstrual problems, and busting myths about the vagina on Instagram.
@dr_cuterus - Dr. Tanya Narendra an Oxford Graduate and a sexual health advocate. She shares her shame-free thoughts on sexual health, intimate care Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs), and abortions on her Instagram page. She also addresses questions and concerns related to vaginal health and positive sex.
@thevaginablog - April Davis, Menstrual cycle coach, and sex educator. Busting myths about misogyny and intimate health advice received by people. A community built to talk about the so-called “private parts”.
There are many more influencers who are opening a dialogue to talk about vaginal health, and positive sex practices, addressing the long-due myths and introducing intimate products in the industry and tips.
Though Social Media is a great place to learn new information, it is also bombarded with myths and misleading information that might be unhealthy. Here are a few myths on social media about Vaginal Health.
You need specific products to clean your Vagina - No, Water and plain soap are all you need to keep your vagina clean, over-douching might kill the useful bacteria that help the vagina clean and develop bad bacteria. The main reason behind using such products is to maintain a certain scent of the vagina. The scent of the vagina changes from time to time depending on the reproductive cycle, need not worry about it as a sign of infection.
Pubic hair is unhygienic - Actually, it is untrue! Hair around the Vagina prevents bacteria and germs from entering the body. It also prevents chafing as the skin around the vagaina is sensitive, and panties may rub off causing friction and irritation. Hair or No hair it's a personal choice.
Eat certain food makes the vagina smell good - The healthy bacteria present in the vagina are responsible for the smell. The food a person takes cannot alter, multiply or make any changes to the bacteria. Hosting a Vitamin C buffet is not going to help the foul smell; a trip to your gynecologist might help.
There are so many such myths about vaginal health and many products promise a flowery or fruity vaginal smell. Everybody is different and Every Body is different; Vagina comes in different sizes, shapes, and scents based on the reproductive cycle of the individual.
Your favorite influencer might be full of knowledge and experience but make sure you consult your gynecologist before starting any new vaginal health practices or intimate health products.