How to Improve Women's Sexual Health and Wellness
When it comes to most topics, it's easy for women to discuss them with family or friends. Things like mental health, spirituality, and international issues are all fair game because they’re topics that everyone is exposed to on a regular basis. But what’s not usually open for discussion is women’s sexual health and wellness.
This topic is so taboo that women don't just struggle to talk about it with their families. They also hesitate to open up to their female friends. Even at wine nights, when it's easier to relax and say what's on your mind, women's sexual health and wellness doesn't come up. And in some ways, it makes sense.
From a young age, most girls are unequipped with the information they need to understand their bodies and how they’re developing. And vague phrases like “the birds and the bees” do their job in making sexual health G-rated, but they also prevent girls from learning how to openly talk about their sexual health and wellness.
However, with so many problems impacting feminine care products, it's essential for women to start discussing this more intimate aspect of their lives. Otherwise, they won't know which remedies will benefit their body and sexual desires.
A lack of regulation
One of the biggest problems with women's sexual health and wellness is that the products in this industry aren't regulated. That’s a fact, even though research suggests that, on average, a woman will use between 12,000 and 16,000 tampons in her lifetime, and millions of women use pads and tampons on a monthly basis.
The Food and Drug Administration classifies menstrual products as medical devices, which means there’s no legal requirement for companies to disclose what ingredients are in their tampons and pads. The agency only provides guidance to manufacturers and recommends showing a list of ingredients, including any chemicals, finishing agents, and additives.
Additionally, the FDA recommends that companies provide a product analysis to showcase the risk of developing tissue reactions, vaginal injury, and infections. But again, it’s not required. Even worse, companies that produce menstrual products don't have to test their remedies to ensure they're safe.
The toxins in feminine care products
Without strict FDA regulation, products for women's sexual health and wellness can contain any ingredient, including chemicals. Pads, tampons, wipes, vaginal douche, lubrications, deodorants, and body sprays can all contain hazardous toxins, leading to frequent trips to the health center.
Common chemicals in feminine care products include endocrine disruptors, reproductive toxins, carcinogens, and allergens. And these ingredients often lead to serious health concerns like reproductive problems, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, fibroids and endometriosis, diabetes, obesity, early onset of puberty, miscarriage, and poor maternal and infant health outcomes.
Studies have even found harmful chemicals in today’s feminine care remedies. For example, a 2002 study discovered furans and dioxins in tampons and diapers. Both chemicals can damage the immune system and women’s reproductive health. Additionally, a 2020 study noticed toxic chemicals in a menstrual underwear brand.
However, harmful toxins also extend to lubricants. Some of the most common ones contain bad ingredients like glycerin, parabens, citric acid, benzocaine, and petrochemicals. Toxins like these easily lead to UTIs, yeast infections, burning, and itchiness. And they can also feel sticky before or after use.
What’s also troubling is that even if women find great products to use, which are usually incredibly expensive, insurance won’t cover them. Unfortunately, there are stories about women struggling to get insurance companies to cover products for their sexual health while their boyfriends receive coverage with little to no questions asked.
Natural remedies for women's sexual health and wellness
Discussing the issues around products for women's sexual health and wellness won't just prevent females from using inadequate remedies and suffering the consequences. Instead, it will also open up the door to discussing better solutions.
In fact, there are several natural remedies that can improve women's sexual health and wellness. And when these remedies come together in various products, women gain an opportunity to use solutions that genuinely help their bodies. For example, here are just a handful of natural remedies that can help enhance women's sexual health and wellness.
1. Cannabidiol (CBD)
CBD can help relieve anxiety, which some women experience during sex. The cannabinoid can also reduce pain, a common issue that prevents women from enjoying intercourse. Additionally, CBD may soften the vaginal wall when it gets hard to increase comfort.
2. Delta-8 THC
Delta-8 THC connects to receptors in the cervix and vaginal lining to enhance sexual pleasure and decrease pain without causing a psychoactive effect. This cannabinoid can also deepen relaxation, which can help women loosen up and thoroughly enjoy themselves when having sex.
3. Cannabigerol (CBG)
CBG is a hemp-derived cannabinoid that's becoming more popular, and it's an excellent remedy for women's sexual health and wellness. This natural compound binds to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body's endocannabinoid system. Because of this interaction, CBG strengthens the function of anandamide, a neurotransmitter that helps enhance pleasure, boost motivation, reduce pain, and regulate sleep and appetite.
4. Plant-based silicone alternative
Most people know that silicone-based lubricants provide a silky feel and an easy slide, but these products aren't great choices for vaginal health, and neither are other traditional options. Oil-based lubricants can lead to unwanted pregnancies and erode condoms—and water-based lubricants can leave women feeling dry too soon.
However, a plant-based silicone alternative is the perfect natural remedy for women's sexual health and wellness. Not only does it maintain the silky feel that silicone provides, but its also friendly to vaginas and condoms because of its natural components.
5. Lactic acid
A healthy vagina needs to have specific types of lactobacillus, a bacteria that produces significant levels of lactic acid. Now, while anything with the word "acid" may sound scary, lactic acid is actually good for women. This natural remedy helps preserve the pH balance in vaginas.
Additionally, it may help prevent bacterial vaginosis, a type of inflammation that happens when there's an overgrowth of bacteria in the vagina. Lactic acid may also promote antimicrobial and immune-modulatory activities and optimize epithelial cell functions.
6. Evening primrose oil
High in omega fatty acids, this powerful plant might help women's bodies create more cervical mucus to increase natural lubrication. This oil may also relieve vaginal issues, especially for women going through menopause.
7. Motherwort extract
This soothing herb is popular around the world. It's traditionally used to regulate women's monthly cycles and help relieve associated conditions. Herbalists also consider motherwort extract to be a diuretic, and some believe it's a heart-strengthening remedy that reduces heart palpitations from anxiety attacks.
8. Vitex berry extract
Vitex berry extract may have the power to boost women's sexual health and wellness in several ways. Herbalists promote this herb as a dietary supplement for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome, infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, menstruation, muscle pain, migraines, and breast pain during menstrual cycles.
9. Nettle leaf extract
While every herb has many therapeutic properties, nettle leaf extract is full of soothing compounds. This nutritious herb has vitamins A, C, and K and multiple B vitamins. It also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. And nettle leaf extract has several fats, essential amino acids, polyphenols, and pigments.
10. Red raspberry leaf extract
This potent herb is excellent at soothing inflammation. It contains multiple antioxidants and high levels of vitamin E and C. As a result, red raspberry leaf may help soothe acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
Women can enjoy the benefits of natural remedies
If women want to use natural remedies to improve their sexual health and wellness, they don't have to buy each and every remedy that this article lists. Instead, they can take advantage of Liberee’s products.
This line of Sexual health products helps women reclaim their sensuality to experience great sex and intimacy. Liberee products also contain natural ingredients—including the ones in this article—to enhance women's sexual health and wellness. With Liberee, women can finally let go of the harmful feminine products on today's market and use items that help their bodies.
