For years, I struggled with what I believed were inevitable signs of aging. At every doctor’s visit, I would mention discomforts like recurring cystitis, vaginal dryness, and irritation from clothing or exercise. Each time, I heard the same response: “I’m sorry, that’s part of aging.” This left me frustrated as if I had been placed in a silent group condemned to live with these uncomfortable symptoms indefinitely.
As I began speaking with other women my age, I discovered they were experiencing similar symptoms and receiving similar responses from doctors. It was disheartening to realize our concerns weren’t considered important enough to address. Often, I felt unheard or misunderstood, which only deepened my frustration.
The more I researched, the more I discovered a lack of understanding about vulvar health and available treatments. Like many women, I had tried numerous products claiming to relieve dryness and discomfort, only to be left with little improvement—sometimes even more irritation. There was an undeniable taboo around discussing vulva skin care openly, even among women. Many doctors, even some gynecologists, didn’t seem fully informed about options that could actually help, leaving us without effective guidance. And with many gynecologists being male, there is an inherent limitation, as they cannot personally try the recommendations they give.
As I explored further, I realized these issues weren’t exclusive to menopausal women. Women of all ages experience changes to their vulvar health, whether from hormonal shifts after childbirth, intense physical activity, or other life stages. So why weren’t we giving this delicate skin the same care and attention as we do for our faces?
It’s time to break the silence surrounding vulva skin care. Every woman deserves to feel heard, supported, and informed on her journey toward comfort and health. Together, we can foster a culture of openness and understanding, ensuring that no woman feels isolated or dismissed in her pursuit of relief and well-being. If we speak openly, we can help each other navigate these challenges and empower women of all ages to take control of their intimate health