Women have long been made to feel insecure about the smell of our nether regions. It’s stupid and ridiculous, but it’s also enough to make some women do whatever it takes to make sure that their lady parts smell like pretty much anything other than, well, lady parts.
But a recent blog post by gynecologist Jen Gunter is warning women of the danger of using products to change the smell down there. She writes about women so desperate to change their odor that they use Vick’s VapoRub on their genitals. AAHHH NO! But yes.
“For what I am sure is the 100th time the vagina needs no cleaning and the vulva needs very little. I know the array of useless feminine washes and wipes at the drugstore and the drivel spouted by Gwyneth Paltrow via GOOP imply otherwise, but I’m the actual expert.”
She also detailed her experience with someone who tried to shame her for her natural body smell.
I once dated a guy who insinuated my vagina did not smell right. He was an ass in other ways too, but I just didn’t see it until he impugned my vagina. For example, he thought my hair would be better if it were straight. Sadly I took the bait, it wasn’t. He thought I would look better if I dressed a certain way. Again I took the bait. I just felt worse.
When it came around to telling me how my vagina could be better it finally clicked that this is a form of control that men often use. Fortunately I am an appropriately confident vagina expert and I had a light bulb moment and dumped his sorry ass.
She also wrote that if a woman does really think she has a weird smell, she should see a medical professional, but that any partner who thinks a woman needs to change her normal smell is the one with the problem.
If you think you have a medical condition, see a doctor. If your partner insinuates that an artificial smell is preferable to the smell of a normal vagina they are the one who has an issue. Telling women how they can be better is a classic way of tapping into body image issues and honestly in my personal opinion it is a form of abuse.
Remember, this woman is an expert on the subject. Women, don’t let other people make you feel self-conscious about your body in any way.