Even though we may not always acknowledge it, caring for our vulvar and vaginal health is a lifelong pursuit.
To maintain optimal vaginal health, we should moisturize regularly, eat the right foods, and use the right products—just like caring for the rest of our body.
However, despite our best efforts, many of us will experience a decline in vaginal health at some point in our lives. This happens gradually and may take a while for us to notice. Similarly, it may be a while until you notice sustainable improvement.
So how can you tell if your vaginal and vulvar health is getting better?
It’s easy to tell when our facial skin is improving. Those with acne or oily skin may notice decreased inflammation, blotchiness, or shine. Those with dry skin might see reduced flakiness and more supple skin. Basically, our complexion just looks clearer overall. We might even measure improvement by taking before and after photos, like in those infamous infomercials.
But it’s not as easy to measure improvement in our vulvar and vaginal health (Those before and after pics would be very difficult to take!)
So let’s say you’ve been doing all the right things to take control of your vaginal health: completing Kegel exercises, wearing breathable clothing, eating the right foods, and using your Mia Vita™ Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer and Mia Vita™ Gel Intimate Skin Moisturizer regularly.
So how can you tell if your vaginal health is improving? Try these two easy tests.
The Thumb Test
A study on vulvar sensitivity levels conducted by the University of Michigan suggests that the sensation in our thumbs matches the sensation in our genital area. Therefore, measuring pain levels in your thumb can give you a good indicator of pain levels inside your vaginal area.
Before you start using FemmePharma gel, try these two tests with your thumb:
The Thumb Squeeze Method
- Ask a friend for assistance.
- Set the timer on your phone, and ask your friend to squeeze your thumb as hard as she can. Tell her to stop as soon as the pain is too great.
- Note how long it takes.
- This is your baseline. Repeat the test monthly.
The Thumb Sensitivity Method
- Set the timer on your phone.
- Rub the pulp part of your thumb up and down as quickly as you can until it starts to bother you too much to continue.
- Note how long it takes.
- This is your baseline. Repeat the test monthly.
The Vaginal Sensitivity Test
Additional evidence on vulva sensitivity suggests that the sensation around the entrance to our vagina matches the sensation inside our vagina.
Before you start using Mia Vita™ Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer, try these tests with the applicator:
The Stretch Method
- Lie down in a private place where you won’t be disturbed, or sit on the toilet seat in the bathroom.
- Set the timer on your phone as soon as you start the test.
- Place the applicator, with the top off, on the lower edge of the opening of your vagina.
- Press it downwards to stretch the entrance until it hurts too much, and then stop.
- Note the stopping point. This is your baseline. Repeat the test monthly.
The Entry Method
- Lie down in a private place where you won’t be disturbed, or sit on the toilet seat in the bathroom.
- Place the applicator—with the top off and some Mia Vita™ Gel on it— on the lower edge of the opening of your vagina.
- Gently push the applicator in until it starts to hurt.
- Next, press the plunger on the applicator.
- Make a note on the tubing of how far you managed to get it in. This is your baseline. Repeat the test monthly.
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Using these tests should help you gauge the improvement to your vulvar and vaginal health. We recommend noting the results in a planner or your phone calendar so you have a tracking record.
Keep practicing health habits and using FemmePharma gel regularly, and before long you’ll have less pain and be back to optimal vaginal health.