We are really going to get into it today and I wouldn't want to be joined by anyone but the unflappable Moira Bradfield. Moira is a specialist in the treatment of recurring vaginal infections and optimal vaginal and genitourinary health, so you know she won't steer us wrong as we dive headfirst into the world of the tasty pussy and destigmatizing the stigmatized.
The taste, look, and smell of our sex organs is such a taboo topic that many of us have never dared to explore what's normal for us. Instead, all too often, we rely on learning what is "normal" for others. Do you know what you taste, look, and smell like on a normal day? Does your partner? In the beautiful and messy world of sex, we are always interacting with other peoples' microbes and that can play a role in our genital hygiene. But it's so important for us to get comfortable with what is normal for us because when our vaginal health suffers, so does our experience of pleasure and the enjoyment of sex.
In this episode, Moira and I talk about the idea of "normal" versus "common," the ill effects of going overboard on genital hygiene, and the complications that can arise when medical treatment is not being offered to partners who are cross-contaminating each other.
Moira Bradfield, the founder of Intimate Ecology clinical and education services, is a naturopath, acupuncturist, and educator with over 20 years of clinical experience. She has a passion for helping people experience optimal intimate health. Clinically, she has a niche interest in recurrent vaginal infections, optimal vaginal and genitourinary health, hormones, and the genitourinary microbiomes. In addition to her role as a naturopath, Moira has lectured extensively about holistic genitourinary health, educating her fellow practitioners to offer support in an often overlooked area. She's on a mission to improve genitourinary health experiences globally.
Listen in to learn all about how to safely monitor your genital health, how to choose a good lubricant, and how to have an open and honest conversation with your partner about sexual health.
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"When we look at what normal is, it's about what is consistent and comfortable for you in the absence of symptoms." - Moira Bradfield
Show Notes:
- What causes changes in vaginal discharge
- What is a normal amount of vaginal discharge
- What does a fishy odor tell us about vaginal health
- How to diagnose bacterial vaginosis
- When do be concerned about vaginal odor
- How to monitor vaginal health
- What to do if you notice changes in your vagina
- What vaginal changes can we expect during menopause
- What does thrush look like
- How to talk to your partner if you have an STI
- Does bacterial vaginosis affect men
- How do hormone levels affect vaginal health
- How to choose a lubricant
- Are oil-based lubricants compatible with barrier methods
- Should I brush my teeth before performing oral sex
- Does coffee affect the vaginal microbiome
- How to have safe anal sex
- Is lubricant safer than saliva
- How to enjoy safe oral sex
- When to use the barrier method
- How to have an open conversation with your partner about sexual health
- Can you make your vaginal fluid taste better
"In the absence of other concerning symptoms, I don't think that somebody reporting the taste isn't great is an issue." - Moira Bradfield
Links Mentioned:
- Water-based lubricant compatible with vaginal pH and barrier methods
- YesWB
- Into the Wylde (UK based)
- Casein free vegan condoms
- Female dam as underwear
- Australia based vaginal dams
- Connect with Moira Bradfield:
Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Intimate Ecology
The discussion continues over on social media follow TalkSex™ with Gabriela Rosa:
"Not everyone presents the same way with the same diagnosis." - Moira Bradfield