March 21 Below the Belt with sexologist and co-founder of Zenzsual, Dr. Sofia Herrera
In today’s episode we talk ALL things private and go below the belt with Dr. Sofia who has a wealth of knowledge and is just really fun to follow. I’m obsessed with her and her entire line of products, and what they do for our women’s health, especially in their 40s. Sexual health and conversations often seem “taboo”, but it is a very important topic that we need to discuss openly. In this episode, I asked her ALL the things many of us would be too afraid (or too shy) to ask!
Women’s health is widely misunderstood. Unlike men, women go through many changes in life and we constantly have to adapt. Lack of knowledge about these changes can lead women to make decisions that could have harmful consequences. Dr. Sofia decided to teach women, like us in our 40s, about better intimate sexual health.
Pain during sex after having a baby that seems to get worse during menopause and midlife
Pain during sex is the main cause of a person’s sexual drive. When you’re in constant pain, you probably won’t have the desire or love to be intimate. Pain after childbirth is naturally induced by the hormonal changes a woman goes through (regardless of the method of delivery). During this time, the woman’s body is ready to nourish and care for the baby, so all the hormones produced in our brain and ovaries block vaginal desire and lubrication, which is the main culprit of pain that you might feel during this time. time (in addition to potential vaginal tearing from childbirth). Since women are SO creative, if we feel pain and are not aware of the changes in our body, we might jump to the conclusion that something is wrong with us and hide in our brain the “desire” to have sexual relations. This is the easiest pain to relieve with proper lubrication or changing our entry techniques.
What should you look for in a lubricant?
There are a ton of lubricants out there. Unfortunately, many of them cause unpleasant side effects. The perfect lubricant is water-based. If they are not water-based, they tend to be oily and will get stuck in the tissues of the vagina and can cause many infections. You also want to make sure you use one that is glycerin-free, silicone-free, fragrance/flavor-free, phenoxyethanol-free, and paraben-free. All of this can cause very serious side effects. Besides being water-based, you need to look for one that’s actually good for you, even AFTER sex. The one with hyaluronic acid is actually hydrating for your body (who knew you should moisturize your vagina?!)
What happens to the vagina as we age?
Our body and our vulva are very dependent on estrogen. As we age, our hormones change and decrease. When estrogen starts to drop, we can get really dry. As we age, our vaginas lose the ability to hold as much water as before. When this happens, we may experience dryness. Imagine a sponge. When wet, it is plump, full and spongy. When it’s dry, it’s shriveled, shredded and just less plump and full. This is exactly what happens as we age, which is why it’s SO important to moisturize your vagina with high-quality gels. Acting like water on a sponge, with the gels added daily to your vagina (both external and internal), you will essentially “keep your sponge moist”, healthy and plump.
What’s up with the smell over there at quarantine?
After a woman gets her first period, and even after menopause, a woman experiences a very specific smell to that area of her body. It does NOT smell like flowers or strawberries! Sorry ladies. No, it can’t smell like perfume. This smells like a vagina and is slightly acidic. And yes, when we work out, it can smell like BO because it’s actually the only other place on our body (the folds between our legs and the vulva) that has the same type of glands as our armpits! It’s normal (even if we don’t like it!). Even if you don’t like the smell, it is NOT healthy to clean the inside of your vagina (like with douching). By doing this, you affect your vaginal microbiota which protects us from infections. The ONLY safe place to clean is the external vulva – NOT the inside. The interior is like an oven and cleans the interior itself. To clean your vulva, make sure you use something gentle that contains NO detergent (search for SYNDET), has hyaluronic acid and other good ingredients for your lady parts like Zenzsual cleanser. Make sure not to overclean and only wash 1-2 times a day.
Listen, this and MUCH MORE (including toys and techniques) are in the episode! You need to tune in and learn what Dr. Sophia has to share with us.
About Dr. Sofia
Sofía Herrera Mendoza is a renowned Venezuelan doctor; specialist in gynecology, obstetrics, hysteroscopy, laser and personal coach. Besides medicine, her passion is education, which is why she is dedicated to providing information through traditional and alternative media. In 2017, she arrived in the United States as a “Celebrity Doctor” in the field of information through social networks. Along with personalities like Ingrid Matcher and María Marín, she hosts weekly news programs across different platforms.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Herrera has been a pioneer in social media, establishing open communication on issues affecting women’s overall health. She is the author of 2 books: “Tu Cuerpo” and “Basta de Hacerte Pipí en Los Pantalones”, both bestsellers in the new releases categories on Amazon. She wrote them in order to alert them and inform them that they should be aware that knowledge is the most effective tool to prevent or treat diseases early with more success and a positive impact on health.
Her advice can also be found on “Your Intimate Health”, where, together with Dr. Klara Senior, she is co-founder and keynote speaker of the Zenzsual brand.
Sofia Herrera wanted to spread her health message to women and adolescents in order to generate true empowerment through the conscious transformation of healthy habits.
For more information, be sure to check out: www.zenzsual.com/nataliejill
In this episode you will learn:
- Why We May Feel Pain During Sex in Midlife
- Why Proper Lubrication and Hydration is Needed Below the Belt
- What you need to do to take care of yourself in midlife