Today’s International Women’s Day serves as a reminder for women to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health. Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., OB-GYN, clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale University School of Medicine, is encouraging women to commemorate the day by making their sexual and reproductive wellness a priority, and she recommends self-education and research, regular checkups and screenings, and the reevaluation of current habits related to contraception, self-pleasure, vaginal hygiene and more.
“International Women's Day serves as an important reminder to prioritize sexual and reproductive health and ensure that women – no matter where they are around the world – have the access to the information, resources, and care that they need,” says Dr. Minkin. “The more you know about your body, the more empowered you'll be to make informed decisions. Taking the time to educate yourself on various women’s health topics can help women advocate for themselves.”
Dr. Minkin shares the following advice for women to take control of their sexual and reproductive health this International Women’s Day and beyond:
- Schedule Regular Screenings: Regular checkups and screenings can help detect potential issues early and prevent serious health problems down the line. Women should get regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections and cervical cancer, and most women consider starting mammograms at age 40. Talk to your healthcare provider about when to start these screenings, and about any concerns or symptoms you may have.
- Manage Menstrual Health Concerns: Many women suffer from heavy bleeding, painful periods, or other menstrual health concerns, but these issues can often be addressed with the right treatment. Speak with a healthcare provider about any concerns and explore treatment options, such as medication or surgery.
- Revamp Your Vaginal Health Routine: The vagina is a self-cleaning organ but still requires some basic care. Avoid scented products and simply use warm water to clean the vulva. To support vaginal flora, implement a vaginal probiotic such as RepHresh Pro-B into your routine to keep yeast and bacteria in balance. Be open with your healthcare provider about any recurring issues you may be experiencing involving unusual odor, discharge, itch and discomfort.
- Understand Reproductive Health Rights: Reproductive health laws by state impact access to contraception, abortion, and other reproductive health services. It’s important to research these laws and stay informed about any changes or updates in your state. In certain states, it’s especially important to detect pregnancy early on, so keeping reliable, accurate pregnancy tests on hand, like the First Response Early Result that gives results up to six days before an expected period, is essential.
- Prioritize Sexual Pleasure: Celebrate sexuality and embrace sexual pleasure by incorporating lubes into your life. Vaginal lubricants improve pleasure and reduce pain and discomfort associated with sex. Use a high-quality silicone lubricant like the Replens Silky Smooth just before penetration to decrease abrasion, help increase comfort and enhance intimacy. When using silicone toys, avoid silicone lubricants and instead, try one that’s water-based such as Trojan H2O Closer.
- Consider Contraception Habits: Evaluate your current contraception use and consider if another method may be right for you based on your lifestyle, health history, and personal preferences. Even when using another form of birth control, consider keeping condoms on hand, such as Trojan BareSkin Raw, to double up on pregnancy prevention and protect against STIs.
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