Feminine health is a broad subject that encompasses everything from inner and outer parts of the vulva to menstruation and pregnancy. Unfortunately, misogynistic messages about feminine hygiene products often make women feel embarrassed or ashamed about their genitals and result in unnecessary purchases of them.
High-quality data concerning women’s health is indispensable, especially on matters pertaining to menstruation, pregnancy and the menopause.
Vaginal health
The female reproductive and sexual system includes the vulva as an integral component. It helps us feel good, provide pleasure, and makes pregnancy and childbirth possible. Maintaining good vagina health means maintaining an appropriate pH balance and microflora balance; some strategies for doing this include avoiding douching and sprays; practicing safer sex; eating healthily; wearing breathable underwear and regularly visiting healthcare providers to be examined by healthcare providers.
Not everyone who has a vagina is female or identified as cisgender; thus it is best to refer to feminine health as “women+” health in order to encompass non-cisgender individuals who experience oppression due to gender identity and/or experience similar baseline inequities as women cisgender women. All information presented here comes from research relevant to women+ health and is drawn from sources relevant for this subject matter, including both cisgender women as well as transgender people with vaginas who share similar needs for health requirements with those of women cisgender women cisgender individuals who cisgender identify with and identify with their health needs being covered by similar articles written specifically about these two specific populations.
Period panties
Period underwear, known as panties, are designed to look and feel just like regular underwear while featuring an absorbent layer that prevents leaks. While they can be worn alone or as backup to pads and tampons, it is crucial that they are regularly washed according to manufacturer specifications in order to remain clean.
Pads are absorbent towels designed to lie within your underwear and absorb menstrual blood to prevent leakage. Available in varying sizes and thicknesses to fit varying flows, pads can help lock away menstrual blood effectively and are available from light to heavy flows.
Liners (panty liners) are similar to sanitary napkins but much thinner and narrower, ideal for light vaginal discharge or spotting as well as backup for tampons and menstrual cups. Liners may help alleviate discomfort during light periods or discharge and are available as internal menstrual cups inserted directly into your vulva to collect cycle flow while remaining comfortable to wear; machine washing/drying options also exist for these reusable products.
Sexual health
Sexual health involves more than simply the prevention of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies; it also encompasses having healthy and pleasurable sexual experiences based on self-esteem and an approach that respects human sexuality without coercion, violence or discrimination. Sexual wellness is an ongoing lifelong journey which affects other dimensions of our wellbeing.
Time has come for us to move past the medical view of sexuality as dangerous or sinful and recognize its positive role as part of human functioning, with various benefits for relationships, bodies and minds. Health-oriented approaches have already produced tangible results including wider access to effective contraception methods and more accurate sexuality education programs.
UNFPA supports programs tailored to the needs of women and men throughout their lives, including comprehensive sexuality education, family planning services, antenatal and postnatal care services, services that prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) abortion as well as services which facilitate the diagnosis, treatment and management of reproductive health conditions like cervical cancer or breast cancer.
Menopause
Women at this stage in life face particular health concerns that differ from men. Because estrogen levels have declined, women are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis; additionally they are prone to mental illnesses like anxiety and depression due to family and work stressors.
Menopause symptoms may include hot flashes – sudden feelings of heat that lead to red blotches on the face and neck; heavy sweating; shivering; and disrupted sleep. These may appear either prior to menopause (perimenopause) or during or post menopause (12 consecutive months without menstrual periods).
Trans and gender diverse people do not have readily available data about their experiences during perimenopause and menopause; however, evidence shows they experience more severe and longer-lasting symptoms. Some women seek relief through herbal or dietary supplements; it is best to consult a healthcare provider first as some can be harmful.
