Keep calm and Kegel-on
I’ve been reading up on all things pelvic-related this week for an ebook I’m writing on pelvic toning. I’m reviewing several books and products and doing some fitness training and Well Woman yoga to target the core body, so hopefully it will be a useful and fun book to read. I know I need to do my Kegels regularly if I want to avoid peeing my pants when I’m running, and for better sex and orgasms but most of the time I just can’t be fagged.
Smear tests and well woman yoga
I received a letter a few weeks ago inviting me to book in for a smear test. Not sure where three years has gone but it’s time to do it again. So I phoned the doctor’s and was told that the first available appointment is in three months time. Having to wait that long for an important health test is ridiculous so I’ve changed surgeries and joined a new health centre in town, which is attached to Sussex Coast College. I only had to wait a week this time so I guess the surgery isn’t as over-subscribed.
Toxic shock syndrome and tampons
I’ve been researching toxic shock syndrome (TSS) this week for an article. We tend to link it to tampon use but it’s a rare type of blood poisoning that can affect anyone – men, women and children. About half of the cases in the UK have been caused by tampon use (the super-absorbent type containing rayon wrapped in a plastic film). I’m not a fan of tampons. My body doesn’t seem to cope well with internally worn menstrual devices, which is a shame, as I love the convenience and simplicity of devices like the Mooncup.
Review: The Mooncup
I’ve been testing out the Mooncup this week. It’s a reusable menstrual cup made of silicone that will save you lots of pennies and streamline your menstrual cycle. I love the idea and ethos behind it but my first experience wasn’t great. Using a menstrual cup is a new skill and takes time and practice to get it right. Read my review on healthmango.com.
Health Mango – Trichomoniasis
I’ve recently started writing for a website called healthmango.com. It’s run by Mukundan Srinivasan, a professional blogger in Chennai, India who says he wants it to become the ultimate destination for health information. It has articles on health and fitness, nutrition, sex, conditions and diseases, and beauty. Here’s a link to my article on Trichomoniasis, and another on why sex is good for your health.
Va-Va-Voom your vagina
I’m off to a pelvic toning seminar tomorrow with Jenni Russell, a personal trainer and holistic vaginal rehabilitation expert. Jenni’s aim is to educate women about the importance of the pelvic floor and how to exercise it properly. The seminar is an introduction to her vaginal rehabilitation programme, which she’ll talk about tomorrow.
Are you happy with your body?
I’m 36 now and in a much better place with my body but it’s taken me a while to get here. Much of my teenage years and 20s were spent feeling anxious about my shape and size. My boobs weren’t big enough. I had milk bottle thighs – chunky at the top with scrawny calves, and thick, frizzy hair (still the case but I’ve learned to love my curls). I used Oil of Ulay religiously to keep my skin smooth but it didn’t occur to me that frying on a beach for two weeks every summer was bad for my health.
Fancy a scoop of breast milk ice cream?
How enterprising. A restaurant in Covent Garden is selling ice cream made from breast milk. It’s called Baby Gaga and the milk has been donated by 15 women in response to an ad on an online mothers’ forum. It’s expressed on site and pasteurised so it’s probably more digestible than non-organic cows’ milk, as it’s natural, organic and has no additives.
Safe sex: HPV
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a ‘bigger cause of some oral cancers than tobacco’, experts have said. Here’s an overview of HPV and how it can be managed.
Lelo Gigi review – best vibrator for g-spot massage
Lelo’s Gigi is the second bestselling toy at Babeland NY so I was curious to give her a try. She is a petite vibrator designed for g-spot massage.
