As women, we all have one but mostly we never mention it. It’s kept in the dark and not let out to take any space or attention. Well today, I am here to break the rules and talk about our vagina. Yes I said it, vagina.

It has become a subject that is almost taboo to talk of unless you are visiting a gynecologist, still it is perhaps the one piece of the female body that men love the most. So we had better take care of it, both for our partners and ourselves. But what does it mean to take care of this exotic machinery that can, like magic, create a baby?

First of all, to be nice to it, love and nurture it. This is done in many ways but if you’ve never taken a mirror to look at how pretty your unique vagina is, it’s time to do it and start a whole new relationship. No matter what your labia majora or minora look like, if your clitoris shows or is hidden, the skin tone over the genitals, or what hair style your vulva has got – it’s all yours and is utterly beautiful.

Many women have a distorted image that all vaginas should look the same or follow the latest ideal displayed in porn during the new millennium: to keep it shaved and that the labia minora shouldn’t show. For those that have labia that show, don’t fret. They are beautiful petals covering the entrance to your vagina and they are functionally protecting the opening.

So how do we keep our vaginas healthy?

Most importantly, protect it from serious illnesses like cervical cancer or sexually transmitted diseases. All women above 25 years old should visit their gynecologist to do a pap smear a minimum of every third year to check for are any abnormal changes in the cellular structure on your cervix that could be a sign of cancer.

If you are sexually active or with a new partner or lover, you should consider visiting a clinic to ensure you are adequately protected from the risk of any sexually transmitted disease. If you are not living in a monogamous long-term relationship, it’s recommended to do this testing once every year. We might lack symptoms from any disease, but still carry it, and one of the worst complications is sterility through (for example) Chlamydia. Most STIs are curable and all of them are treatable if discovered at an early stage.

In Singapore, the DSC women’s clinic offers STI testing and anonymous HIV tests are available through Action for AIDS Singapore. The staff are very professional and helpful. To do this testing anonymously can be important for expats as the Singapore government has strict reporting rules for HIV, and a positive test can also be a reason for work permit cancellation and deportation.

HIV is no longer causing death through AIDS for those that get medication, and because of scientific progress, it is treatable, even if not curable. The modern 4th generation tests can indicate an HIV infection as early as 14 days after exposure. There is also a treatment one can get immediately (within 12 hours) after risk of exposure that can prevent infection. The treatment is only approved in special circumstances with high risk exposure as long-term usage of the medication becomes less effective. But it can be a really good thing to know if the condom broke on a one night stand or in the case of a rape or assault. Your number one protection against STI and HIV is using condoms and never budge into having sex without them. Use plenty of water based lubricant with them and only have safe fun!

There are other simple things we can do to keep our vaginal flora as healthy as possible, such as not washing more than once a day with a mild soap. Don't flush water inside the vaginal canal, rather just rinse between the labia. If needed you can rinse with water during the day but keep in mind that this has a dehydrating effect and might lead to dry itchy skin. There are special washes, oils and ointments you can use for cleaning your vagina in a safe way which doesn’t affect the bacterial and pH balance.

The hair on your vagina is there to provide an air cushion between your skin and garment, keeping your vagina ventilated. If you fancy shaving or Brazilian waxing, try not to use tight underwear or pants, and go for cotton materials as often as possible. Antibacterial cotton panties are hand washed with a special detergent that are especially suited for those with sensitive skin.

During your period, there are several products available: pads, tampons and menstrual cups being some of the best known and accepted solutions. I promote the menstrual cups as they let your skin breathe freely, don't dehydrate your vaginal walls, let you swim and bathe, and don't release any toxins or residues of material or chemicals. Reusable menstrual cups are also an environmentally friendly and economically the cheapest alternative over time. They were invented by a midwifery group in 1932 and have gained widespread popularity in US, Europe and Australia over the last 20 years. While they can be found in stores like Watson's, Boots or other pharmacies, my personal vision is to get them into the local market here in Singapore and into the whole of South East Asia to provide women with a safe, sustainable and economical solution for their periods.

To learn more about menstrual cups, please don't hesitate to visit my web page or contact me with questions regarding your women's health needs.

Executive Lifestyle readers are entitled to a 20% discount on the iCare brand of medical silicone cups during 2015. Visit http://www.chiobucup.com and use the code "CUP20".

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