Maria Pali: Marathon Running with Your Period

I first came across the idea of environmentally friendly sanitary care back in the 1990’s via the Women’s Environmental Network. They had a nifty sewing pattern to make simple sanitary pads using a plate as template. The idea stuck in my head but it was when I was on a six month trip to India and ended up spending great chunks of it wild camping in the tribal heartlands of Orissa and Madyhur Pradesh

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Healthy Tips for the Vulva and Vagina

When it comes to cleaning the vulva and vagina, the best advice is to keep things simple. As explained in my last post- getting to know your vulva and vagina is important, recognizing any changes early on could make all…

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How the Mooncup fits in with my Vegan Lifestyle

Why choose the Mooncup® if you’re a vegan? Many people are choosing to become vegan for various reasons – for the sake of the animals, for the planet or for health reasons. Whatever the reasons once you make the leap…

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Knowing your Vulva

The question is… are we all familiar with the intricate folds and openings of this part of our body? As a Mooncup advisor and practising nurse specialist in Sexual and Reproductive Health, vulval and vaginal health is paramount. Awareness of…

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Healthy Tips for the Vulva and Vagina

mooncup_product_bagWhen it comes to cleaning the vulva and vagina, the best advice is to keep things simple.

As explained in my last post- getting to know your vulva and vagina is important, recognizing any changes early on could make all the difference.

  • The vulva has many sweat glands, so some odour is to be expected, however over cleaning or washing may actually cause more harm than good.
  • Best not douche! ( squirting / flushing with water or other fluids inside the vagina). Douching can upset the good bacteria in the vagina, needed to keep a healthy balance. The vagina is a dynamic organ with it’s own complex cleaning system it doesn’t need to be cleaned inside.
  • Vaginal discharge is normal and healthy, it is on the acidic side at a pH of approximately 3.5 – 4.5, pH is a measure of acidity. The amount of discharge varies from person to person, and can change in appearance and texture throughout the menstrual cycle. However, if you are experiencing unusual discharge, or notice a strong odour or have symptoms of itching or irritation this could be a sign of an infection which may or may not need treatment, but should be checked with your GP or local healthcare provider.
  • Perfumed products such as highly scented soaps, talcum powders, vaginal deodorant sprays and scented toilet wipes may also disturb the natural balance in the vagina, and should be avoided in that area. One of the most common infections that can cause a strong smelling discharge is bacterial vaginosis, with this infection, there may be a tendency to wash more often, but this is unlikely to help, and antibiotics may be necessary.
  • Washing with plain water and a little mild perfume free soap should be enough, or you may wish to speak to your doctor/gynaecologist about using a soap substitute as an alternative.

Read more on the Mooncup Blog

How the Mooncup fits in with my Vegan Lifesyle
Make sure your Mooncup® is the real deal

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