While estrogen helps protect bones and keeps your ticker in tip-top shape, increased exposure to the hormone over the years ups your odds of getting breast cancer. That’s why women who hit menopause after 55 are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease.

Your vulva comprises all the external organs of your intimate area – including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the external openings of the urethra and vagina. It’s often confused with the vagina – which is actually inside your body.

pH is a measurement of how alkaline or acidic a liquid is. The pH-balance for women refers to the pH of our vulva (external skin outside the vagina) A healthy vulva pH averages between 4 and 5.5 where the vagina pH is more acidic averaging a 3.5 versus facial skin at 5.5.

Leaving a tampon in your vagina for longer than 8 hours can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS), an infection caused by bacteria. Symptoms of TSS include a high fever; lightheadedness or fainting; a sunburn-like rash; vomiting or diarrhea; severe muscle aches or muscle weakness; redness in the eyes, mouth, throat, and vagina; headache; and disorientation.

You will find plethora of information on the home remedies to try out on your vulva. Home remedies like curd, garlic, coconut oil etc upsets the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina (vaginal flora), which can cause harmful bacteria to proliferate and lead to many infections.

You've probably heard of different ways to keep your intimate area clean. The best ways to stay clean down there are simple. Keep the area clean by washing it daily with an intimate hygiene product, wearing cotton undies, eating right and staying hydrated, peeing after sexual intercourse are all different ways you can keep you vulva clean.

A gynecologist is a surgeon who specializes in the female reproductive system, which includes the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina and vulva. Menstrual problems, contraception, sexuality, menopause and infertility issues are diagnosed and treated by a gynecologist.

Kegels, also called pelvic floor exercises, are exercises in which you contract and relax the muscles of the pelvic floor to strengthen them. Benefits of strong pelvic floor muscles include preventing urine leakage (incontinence), easier vaginal delivery during childbirth, and improving the ability to reach orgasm

Everything from arousal to ovulation can affect the amount of discharge you produce, so you shouldn’t worry each time you see more discharge than usual. But if you notice changes in color, smell or have irritation, pay a visit to a doctor.

Vaginas vary widely in shape, size, and color. There is no "normal" or "standard" size, shape, or color. Factors such as age, pregnancy and childbirth, certain health conditions, and genetics affect the appearance of the vagina and exterior vulva. Unless you are experiencing pain, notice and sores or bumps, or experience unusual or smelly discharge – in which case see a doctor - your vagina's shape, size, and color are normal and natural variations.