Good Clean Reads

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.

Vaginal discharge often sparks curiosity and concern, particularly as women navigate different life stages. You've likely become attuned to your body's unique patterns and signals over time, which helps you identify when something seems off. However, as you approach menopause, the boundaries of what’s familiar can shift, potentially leading to uncertainty.

Vaginal discharge is vital for maintaining vaginal health. It is a blend of cells, bacteria, mucus, and other fluids produced by the vagina and cervix to keep tissues lubricated and protect against infections. With the natural decrease in estrogen levels during menopause, the production of vaginal discharge diminishes, resulting in noticeable changes in its nature and volume.

As we journey through life, our bodies undergo remarkable transformations that mark different phases of our health and well-being. Perimenopause and menopause are two such stages, often arriving with a mix of emotions and physical changes. Typically occurring in our forties and fifties, these stages signal the end of our reproductive years—a time of transition and renewal.

It is important to understand that perimenopause and menopause are natural life phases, not ailments or diseases. Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, characterized by hormonal fluctuations and a decline in progesterone. This stage can last several years and varies for each woman. Menopause is technically one day on the calendar, reached after twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period. It marks the end of ovulation, reproduction, and menstruation, signaling a decrease in hormone production. Postmenopause, which begins the day after menopause and continues for the rest of a woman's life, is marked by further declines in progesterone and a steep decline in estrogen.

As you transition into menopause, you might be noticing the changes that come with this significant life shift. Alongside the emotional ups and downs, mood swings, hot flashes, and disrupted sleep, you may also be experiencing vaginal pain and dryness, which can make sex feel unexpectedly uncomfortable.

If you haven’t explored the world of personal lubricants before, now might be the perfect time. A high-quality lubricant can make a world of difference, alleviating discomfort and helping you rediscover the pleasure and intimacy that menopause may have temporarily put on hold.

"What we learn with pleasure we never forget. " Alfred MercierIn our culture, so focused on instant gratification, it is easy to lose sight of what creates a long-lasting and deeply healing experience of pleasure. While instant gratification does feed our brains with a dopamine response, making us constantly want more, the deep experience of true pleasure resets the chemical balances in the brain and body towards centeredness. Sadly, many...