We devise fitness regimes to give us bigger biceps or shapely bottoms but few people think about how genital health can impact their sex lives.
Then something happens – erection difficulties, recurrent thrush, sex becomes painful – and suddenly we’re like, ‘Oh, so that’s what a healthy penis/vulva feels like. NOT like this!’.
Most people don’t appreciate good health until it’s gone. But if you want a good, long-lasting sex life, you need to approach it in a holistic way. Make sure your mind, your body and your genitals are all being looked after and nurtured and you’re on the right path.
FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY VULVA
Change tampons frequently ♥ To always smell fresh, avoid eating garlic, tight clothing, tight underwear that doesn’t breathe, tights ♥ Wipe front to back after you’ve been to the loo ♥ Rinse thoroughly after washing ♥ Ideally, wash with a soap-free liquid (like Femfresh) ♥ Pee before and after sex to flush out bacteria ♥ Don’t even think about using vaginal deodorant ♥ Have sex regularly to keep your pelvic floor muscles toned and the vaginal walls flexible ♥ If you’re serious about pelvic muscle tone, consider investing in a kegel exerciser ♥ Masturbate regularly using a variety of techniques (fingers, vibrator) so you don’t become dependent on one type of stimulation ♥ Use a good quality lubricant to protect the delicate walls of the vagina from tiny cuts and tears during penetrative sex ♥ Exercise – it improves the blood flow essential for sexual arousal ♥ Stop smoking. It’s linked to cervical cancer.
FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY ERECTION
Be realistic – age affects erections ♥ You’re not going to be as hard or have as many erections at 40, as you will at 18. Don’t stress about it ♥ Lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise ♥ The better your general health, the less likely you are to need medication – a common cause of erection problems ♥ Avoid stress – a calm penis is a happy one. Overworked, exhausted penises (not surprisingly) have trouble rising to the occasion ♥ Watch your diet. Kebabs, curries, too much beer – it all works to slow down your blood flow. A strong, regular blood flow is what’s needed to engorge the tissues which make your penis go hard ♥ Don’t over indulge in alcohol. One drink gives you courage, another loses your inhibitions, the third often loses your erection ♥ Don’t smoke: there are definite links between smoking and impotence ♥ For the best possible penis health and erection quality, try a penis pump to improve blood flow and improve the size and quality of your erections. ♥ Ejaculate regularly – it helps to keep everything in good working order! ♥ Do kegel exercises. They’re not just for women!
