The V-Word

Life is hectic enough without worrying about feeling fresh down there. But staying fresh isn’t just about applying a scented product and moving on with your day—especially when it comes to feminine hygiene. The truth is, the vulva and vagina require a more thoughtful approach to care. Using perfumes or heavily scented feminine hygiene products can actually disrupt your body’s natural balance, causing more harm than good.

Your pelvic floor may be hidden from view, but its importance to your health and well-being is undeniable. These often-overlooked muscles serve as the foundation of your body’s core, influencing everything from bladder control to sexual satisfaction. Whether you’re preparing for childbirth, recovering postpartum, or seeking greater core stability, a healthy and strong pelvic floor is essential for every stage of life. By taking care of this powerful network of muscles, you enhance not only your physical health but also your quality of life.

For almost two decades, I’ve been writing the “Making Love Sustainable” column, which has evolved into a living, public diary that explores what it means to love, to lose, to be present, kind, and grateful. Through the years, I’ve discovered that gratitude practice—whether in love or life—is the bedrock of our emotional well-being. This is what sustainability in love means to me: practicing, failing, trying again, and growing in love’s rich complexities. But this isn’t just about grand theories—it’s about the reality of what life throws at us.

How is it that something so universal—an experience shared by half the population—remains one of life's most mysterious transformations? According to the North American Menopause Society, by 2025, over a billion women will be post-menopausal worldwide. Yet, despite its reach, most women I’ve spoken to, including myself, have echoed the same sentiment: No one told me it would be like this.

To truly embrace your body and nurture your sexual wellness, it’s essential to recognize the profound relationship between vulnerability and confidence. As Elisabeth Shue wisely said, "being vulnerable to somebody...

Ovarian Cancer Awareness MonthOvarian Cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy of the almond-shaped organs in the female reproductive system that produce eggs and certain hormones. Ovarian Cancer is common in white women than Black women, and primarily affects older women who have already gone through menopause. About half of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer are 63 or older. Ovarian cancer awareness month is a crucial time to educate and spread awareness about this disease. The 3 Types of Ovarian Cancer:Ovarian epithelial cancer begins in the tissue covering the ovary, in the lining of the fallopian tube, or in the peritoneum.

Welcoming a new baby into the world is a profound and life-changing experience, filled with moments of joy, love, and new responsibilities. Amidst the excitement of caring for your newborn, it's crucial to remember that your body has just undergone an extraordinary journey, and it needs time, care, and attention to heal. While your focus may naturally shift to your baby, nurturing your own well-being is equally important. After all, taking care of yourself is the foundation for being the best mom you can be.

We all have a sexual soul—or more accurately, a piece of our soul is reflected deeply in our sexuality. This intimate space within us, residing in the most profound corners of our consciousness, is one of the most meaningful ways we come to know ourselves. This space is truly a garden, rich with potential and mystery. Yet, the metaphor of our sexuality as a garden is far more intricate than the simple judgments tied to the bite of an apple. Tending to your unique garden of sexual delights is a powerful path to self-discovery, self-expression, and arguably, the very essence of our soul’s ability to keep our lives creatively and pro-creatively inspired.

I began my career in women’s health out of a deep need for solutions. After giving birth for the fourth time I needed help badly. Healing myself and keeping my marriage vital was my first motivation to start Good Clean Love in my kitchen. Like so many other women I would go looking for answers at my doctor’s office about my persistent pain and recurring infections without much satisfaction. Not only short on answers to my questions but always offering the same solutions to every problem I presented with was discouraging. Back then, I didn’t know how common my pain was. I also couldn’t have told you that the standard of care in women’s health medicine had not changed in decades. I couldn’t have told you that two out of three infections that women go to the doctor for are misdiagnosed. I couldn’t even have told you that it was my vaginal microbiome that played a crucial role in all of my symptoms.