Ask Aunt Vadge

Aunt Vadge: fordyce bumps – how do I tell sexual partners what they are?

A 21-year-old has bigger tiny labia bumps than her lovers. How does she explain this to them without it feeling weird?

Aunt Vadge: I’m pregnant and struggling with BV and UTIs

A woman is facing challenges with BV, UTIs, and yeast at 26 weeks pregnant, and needs advice.

Aunt Vadge: how fertile is pre-cum?

What's the story with pre-cum and pregnancy? We explain.

Aunt Vadge: why did I bleed after fingering?

A boyfriend has torn his girlfriend's vagina during a rough fingering.

Aunt Vadge: have I discovered a double vagina?

She sounds like she has a longitudinal vaginal septum, but what does that mean for her? We discuss what she may have found in her vagina.

Aunt Vadge: mysterious red, raised lesion between my labia

A woman has a lesion between her labia - what is it?

Aunt Vadge: his precum touched me – could I be pregnant?

How fertile is precum and did it get me and what if it did and am I ovulating? We discuss.

Aunt Vadge: sex and fingering – am I pregnant?

A 17-year-old had protected sex and was fingered by her boyfriend, but isn't sure if she's pregnant or not, as her period is a few days late.

Your vulva and vagina

What is inside my vagina?

We explain your anatomy, with diagrams, so that you can visualise what’s going on inside the bits you can’t see or touch. Learning what goes where means you can navigate tampons, masturbating, and at some point, if you want, having someone else touch you.

How to make a pelvic exam and pap test easier

Pro physiotherapist tips on how to make a pap smear less terrible.

Understanding hiatal, umbilical and inguinal hernias

If your three body cavities are putting pressure on each other, the result can be hernias and pelvic problems.

Understanding the perineum

The perineum is the area between the vulva and the anus, between the thighs.

Understanding the pelvic floor

The pelvic floor is critical for supporting pelvic organs, keeping us going to the toilet effectively, and enjoying sex.

Feeling your cervix for signs of ovulation

You can feel where you're at in your cycle by feeling your cervix - is it high, soft and wet? Maybe you're ovulating. If it's low and hard, you may be about to get your period.

How to feel your own cervix

Learn how to touch your own cervix, and use it to figure out what's happening in your menstrual cycle - you can tell when you are ovulating, when you are close to your period, and solve other mysteries!

The hymenal ring, remnants and tags

Hymenal rings and tags are completely normal, however can be a source of discomfort, pain and embarrassment for some of you.

How to track your menstrual cycle and identify ovulation

Not sure when or if you ovulate? We run you through charting your cycles and how to check if and when you are ovulating using some very simple tips and tricks. No temperatures!

Masturbating and sex

We talk you through masturbating and sex and everything in between. 

What happens to your body and brain when you orgasm

Embark on a fascinating journey through the hidden world of orgasms, where science meets sensuality. Unveil the secrets of your brain's response to sexual pleasure, illuminated by cutting-edge imaging technologies. Explore how the dance of neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin intertwine to amplify your experience, offering a deeper understanding of the pleasure peaks. From the cerebral ballet during passion to the post-climax serenity, gain insights into how these intimate moments impact not just your body, but your emotional and mental well-being. This exploration is not just about biology; it's a celebration of the intricate interplay between mind, body, and emotion,

Understanding period sex

We discuss period sex and what's good and what's gross, from orgasming to how to get bloodstains out of sheets.

Is it safe to put food in your vagina?

We run you through some food-safety tips when considering using foods vaginally - what you can get away with and what you should definitely avoid.

How do lesbians lose their virginity?

When you are still technically a virgin or not is a complicated question based on old ideas of purity. You lose your virginity when you say you do!

Sleep sexing – understanding sexsomnia

Sexsomnia means acting in a sexual manner during sleep, ranging from aggressive sexual advances to moaning. We discuss the consequences of sleep-sexing.

How to turn your crappy old Nokia into a vibrator

We go through the ways you can turn an old Nokia phone into a vibrator, starting off with the alarm function, moving right through to having a 'friend' call you and let it ring out.

Getting dirty cleanly

Here we go through some basic sexual hygiene practices that will help keep your vagina safe from pathogens and unwanted infections like UTIs and BV.

Can meditation improve your sex life?

We look over the research discussing the effects of meditation on female sexual desire and function, with some interesting results. Can meditation truly improve your sex life?

Periods

To get you started on your periods, we’ve made a very simple period guide to start you and your period off on the right foot.

The smell of blood – why your period smells metallic

Ever wondered why blood smells metallic? We've found out for you! Plus some interesting science tidbits about humans and the smell of blood.

Why your period stopped (secondary amenorrhoea)

We go through all the reasons your period may have stopped, from being pregnant to being on a crazy diet or even being too skinny. Your period shouldn't be stopping, so find out why and fix it.

Study: How early life circumstances affect menarche and menopause

We examine a review of how childhood experiences impact menarche and menopause.

What your period blood colour and consistency means

Wondering what clots in your period mean? Why period might be brown sometimes? What bleeding between periods could indicate? We explain the different colours, consistencies and (ir)regularities of your period.

Understanding toxic shock syndrome

Toxic shock syndrome is a rare Staph infection that gets into the blood, which has been associated with leaving tampons in for too long.

The facts about toxins in tampons

Tampons are thought to be pretty safe to use.

The invention of tampons

A short history of tampons.

How to use sanitary pads and pantyliners

Pads and panty liners are an option for when you have your period to collect the blood that comes out of your vagina. Pads are used for heavier flows, while panty liners can be used for light flow or protecting your underwear from regular vaginal fluids.

Infections

The most common infections are bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. You can also catch infections from others, known as sexually transmitted infections. 

Signs that you have an infection or overgrowth include discharge that seems unusual – it might be watery, smelly, chunky or coloured. No matter what, if you suspect an infection, see your doctor for a test. 

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) on the vulva

Staph scalded skin syndrome is an infection that causes skin blistering, which can affect the vulva.

Can stress cause a UTI?

Stress can impact the the urinary tract in some unexpected ways, and contribute to symptoms. Learn how to care for your bladder better.

World-renowned Expert Educational Programs

Check out My Vagina's expert educational and treatment programs, for bacterial vaginosis, perimenopause and PCOS.

The critical role of lactic acid in the vagina

Explore the benefits of lactic acid in vaginal health, from its antimicrobial properties to HIV protection. LOGIN This is EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP-only content Login or obtain your membership below, and we'll see you back here soon! Killing BV - Vagina Treatment Guide   Killing BV - Penis Treatment Guide   The PCOS Solution   My Vagina Pro Practitioner

The microbiome of the penis, semen and male reproductive tract

The penile microbiome is being examined for its role in fertility, infections and interactions with the vaginal microbiome. LOGIN This is EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP-only content Login or obtain your membership below, and we'll see you back here soon! Killing BV - Vagina Treatment Guide   Killing BV - Penis Treatment Guide   The PCOS Solution   My Vagina Pro Practitioner

Understanding Community State Types

Learn more about community state types of the vaginal microbiome.

My Vagina 2-Week Pathway Clean Up

If you're not quite sure what's wrong, try this 2-week pathway reset.

You asked: why or why not boric acid for BV?

A guy wrote to us with questions about his girlfriend's BV and how to solve it, regarding why we don't recommended boric acid.

Hormones and the Menstrual cycle

Part of the rest of your life is going to be managing the signs of your fertility – mopping up period blood, figuring out when you are probably ovulating, birth control, acne, moods. These signs of your fertility are all caused by hormones, which fluctuate in a predictable pattern across your menstrual cycle.

How to fix PCOS

Fixing PCOS - truly fixing it - is a combination effort. We explain.

Acne and PCOS

Acne and PCOS are deeply linked, since PCOS is mainly a blood sugar dysregulation issue, not a hormonal issue. We explain.

What are polycystic ovaries?

Polycystic ovaries are ovaries with many cyst-like structures on them, though whether they are true cysts or not will depend on investigations.

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is where the cells of your body become resistant to the effects of the hormone insulin.

What is relative oestrogen deficiency?

If you are skinny, smoke, eat too much fibre or over-exercise, you could be at risk of your periods stopping due to relative oestrogen deficiency.

Do I have PCOS?

How to tell if you have PCOS

Understanding unopposed oestrogen

Unopposed oestrogen is the state whereby there is not enough progesterone to counteract the oestrogen present. Unopposed oestrogen can be dangerous.

What’s the difference between PMS and PMDD?

Understanding the difference between PMS and PMDD.

Birth Control and Contraception

While you might not need it right now, it pays to be prepared! Choosing birth control and contraception can be complicated, so get all the information before you need it. 

The first step when you’re starting out is to protect yourself with barrier methods to stop the transmission of unhealthy bacteria from vagina-penis, vagina-vagina and especially anus-vagina. 

The impacts of birth control and pregnancy on vaginal pH

Got symptoms and are using birth control? We examine common forms of birth control and their impact on vaginal infections and pH.

Are Coca-Cola douches a good method of birth control?

No, Coke is not a good form of birth control! We look into the scientific research on why Coca-Cola isn't going to prevent pregnancy.

Douching as a form of birth control

Douching used to be one of our only options for birth control, however we know now that douching does more damage than good. And it doesn't prevent pregnancy.

Aunt Vadge: on patch, but period is two days late

A 20-year-old is on the patch, but her period is late and she's not sure why. Is she pregnant, or is something else going on? We discuss.

How fertile is precum?

The pull-out method has been used successfully for all of humankind, but why does it work for some people and not for others? We explain.

Getting your tubes tied – female sterilisation – tubal ligation

Getting your tubes tied is now much more like getting your tubes clipped, but the result is the same: the egg cannot meet the sperm to create a pregnancy. This is called tubal ligation and female sterilisation.

Contraceptive sponges

Contraceptive sponges are one of those birth control methods that never really took off, but you can easily and cheaply make your own natural sea sponge period-blocker or contraceptive with a little know-how.

Progress on male contraceptives

We take a look at what's happening in the development of male contraceptives, which seems to be taking an unusually long time to come to fruition. Why is it so hard? We discuss.

Body Confidence

Got a new boyfriend and BV? How to explain it

We take you through a few tips on how to talk to a new guy about your vagina problems without destroying your self-esteem.

Jewellery, tattoos, vajazzling and muff stylin’

Making your junk sparkle is easier and better than ever, whether that's a tattoo, vajazzling or a piercing.

Vagina and penis are not dirty words: teaching kids about their bodies

Conservative approaches to naming body parts - including genitals - are having a negative impact on our kids.

Brazilian, French and American bikini waxing styles

We talk you through what used to be the three main muff styles on offer around the world, and where they came from.

The truth about vaginal tightness and looseness

Vaginal tightness or looseness is not well understood by most people. We explain the physiology.

Aunt Vadge: I lack sexual confidence – help!

She can't have sex properly because she's so ashamed. What can she do?

Vag Musings

Letters from the South – my vagina has feelings too, you know.

The story of M continues at the chiropractor, where her vagina tells us a little story in great wails.

Gay Dave’s Tales From the Other Side Part 2

Part two of Gay Dave's first-ever adventure with a woman, examining the more delicate emotional elements to his experience.

Killing BV Success Story: I cured my BV!

A woman has cured her BV using a combination of the treatments we recommended to her, using our treatment program in Killing BV.

My Vagina got a poem – go on, read it!

My Vagina, strong lips, a pearl, so sensually it drips...

Yeast Vs HO: a fantastic story, it’s not what you think

Got yeast problems and your body gone crazy? Learn about our HOs, histamine and oestrogen, how yeast blocks their exit from the body, and how to overcome it.

Vaginal massage: wtf?

Vaginal massage ('yoni mapping') is not as weird as it sounds. Take a walk with one of the All Things Vagina naturopaths as she tries it for the first time.

Gay Dave’s Tales From the Other Side Part 1

Ever wondered what a gay man thinks of a vagina? This two-part series delves where few gay men have dared - or wanted - to go.

An historical evaluation of the sweet vagina

Ever wondered what our foremothers and fathers thought of the sweet vagina? All sorts of things, it turns out!