V-Wash or Hogwash? A Reality Check!
Fragrances have changed how we perceive freshness. It’s not about simply staying odour free despite the sweat, and it’s more about always smelling nice like the meadows. But how far does this mental picture go? Should it, and why should it go all south of your body?
Many practical (read strong, independent women) ladies who refuse to take up the illogical advice from their mothers and grandmothers are found in a fix when it comes to what their natural odour should be. There are a number of factors why there is this hesitation about speaking up regarding sexual hygiene and here are some of them:
Hush your tone
Although nobody really hushes down, it’s still sometimes too overwhelming when a friend shares their sexual experiences with you and needs advice. The existing myths and taboos don’t help either. The inability to share experiences and speak openly about them is a norm fixated in minds, thanks to societal pressures.
A lot of misinformation
No information and a lot of myths lead to misinformation. While a lot of women in the working sector are completely up for discussions on these topics, those in the rural and small households still tend to carry forward the myths they heard, purely for the fear of displeasing the women of their society.
Those who don’t follow the norms might be called names and are labelled as rebels many times. Although the perspectives are changing, the stigma around just the conversation is a big deal.
How do you know what’s right in these circumstances!?
And for those young girls and women who wish to know better, the bunch of misinformation on the internet has its own ways of scaring them.
Marketing gimmicks
Marketing plays an immense role in how society thinks. Whatever the popular brands promote as their advertisements become the new notions. The best example is that of how you should always smell like lilies and flowers and everything nice, even your genitals!! However, the natural odour of the vagina, which is acidic in nature, isn’t supposed to be all fancy. Just know that being your normal self is completely fine!
As long as you don’t develop other problems like fever and rashes, you’re good. Regarding the smell- if something’s naturally acidic, it tends to smell a little foul- you can think of vinegar – that’s acid too!
Then again, it’s all about choices, if you wish to change the way you smell, and maybe if your partner finds that attractive, you can go for it, cautiously and not because society demands it.
Expectations vs reality
Yet another drawback of how much we’re used to expecting perfect partners despite not being perfect ourselves changes our reality. Right from whether you should be completely shaved down there or a trim is enough, several thoughts run in the minds of those who’ve just got intimate with their partners. Of course, the thought of sexual hygiene bugs many women when they’re just about to be more sexually active. Even as you deal with this, the expectations of looking and smelling perfect is another job!
The truth is, if you and your partner have a good rapport and communication, you’ll figure it out. You might have your failures and awkward moments, but they’ll be funny and will actually be some silly memories!
So chuck those expectations and live your moment!
Teenage plays an important role
The roots of the reality should be nurtured right in the teenage years when girls start experiencing their periods and boys realise they have their “other needs”. Blaming the education system simply wouldn’t help. Parents need to be more open about education, especially sex education and find healthy alternatives to speak about them. Guiding their children can prove essential in the long run.
Sex education should include sexual hygiene!
One has to kill all doubts and misinformation right at its beginning. Given our current conditions, sexual education is the need not just for teenagers but several adults as well!! Whatever education most youngsters gain is usually from watching porn which clearly does not depict the reality. And it’s not just men.
It’s easy to be misguided when you don’t have the correct path of gaining the correct knowledge. Porn not only increases your expectations but also makes you more aware of your shortcomings, which is actually unrealistic and absolutely unnecessary. Quick reminder, you’re not paid to have sex to be taped! And they will never show behind the scenes because of its ugly reality. From contraceptive pills to improper treatment of the cast- it’s not acceptable to match it to reality! Sexual hygiene should naturally become a part of the curriculum because health really is wealth!
What can you do to be more aware?
First things first- keep an open mind. At least now. You don’t have to follow your parents’ prejudices against talking about things in the open. A healthy discussion never harmed anyone.
Explore. Look out for things that you think might be helpful to you. This may be in the form of blogs, videos or even an influencer. But be wise enough to know what’s right for you!
Fact check. Don’t blindly believe any advertisement. Search for authentic sources. If possible lookout for research that proves a point and is unbiased. Don’t just buy something because someone asks you to or just because a celebrity endorses it. Remember, they’re all paid to do so. It’s the consumers who actually pay!
In conclusion, whatever you want to do with your boat is completely your choice. Don’t be foolish and don’t get influenced without a logical reason to it. Accept yourself and your flaws but that doesn’t mean you have to be shy! Enjoy your life the way you’re meant to- with no stupid societal expectations or beliefs!
