BOKISSONTHRONE: How Much Do You Really Love Your Vagina?

Serious question: When's the last time you thanked your vulva? What about your vagina? Let's expand it to your reproductive organs as a whole—when was the last time you actually said "thank you"?

If your answer was anything other than "uh, never?"

you're a bold-faced liar, because literally no one does that. But that's not to say it shouldn't happen (though, IDK, maybe don't squat down and actually say it).

There are, however, other ways to thank her—like by never douching or remembering to make your annual ob-gyn appointments.

So yeah, how kind are you really being to your vagina? Answer these Q's (honestly, please!) to see if you're giving your vag the self-care she deserves.

Do you wash your vulva with scented soap?

ICYMI: Your vulva is a super-sensitive area, so soaps that smell amazing can make you pretty itchy, says Jonathan Schaffir, M.D., an ob-gyn at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Instead of using your fave scented soap, try out a hypoallergenic soap like Cetaphil instead.

What about pads or tampons—are yours unscented?

Let's clear something up first: Your vagina is supposed to smell like a vagina, so floral scents are so not necessary—and possibly even harmful. "I don't recommend scented pads or tampons," says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine.

Do you use lube during sex?

Using lube can help in two ways. First, the obvious: Lube can help with pain associated with vaginal dryness. But using lube can also up your odds of having an orgasm, according to a study from Indiana University's Center for Sexual Health Promotion, released by Trojan Lubricants.

If you are a lube-user, first: bravo. Second: What kind do you use?

Lots of ob-gyns don't like oil-based lubes, "because, as ob-gyns, we want you to use condoms, and oil-based lubricants don't work with condoms," says Amir Marashi, M.D., a board-certified ob-gyn. Oil-based lubricants like coconut oil can also change your pH level, leaving you at a higher risk of developing infections like bacterial vaginosis. Also, water-based lubes typically leave your body easily and quickly, versus oil-based lubes which can leave you feeling slick down there.

Do you always make sure to pee after sex?

TBH, it's probably not medically necessary to pee directly before or after having sex, says Sarah Horvath, M.D., a gynecologist in Philadelphia. Still, it's not an awful habit to have, especially if you're prone to UTIs.

What about douching products—do you use those?

There are two types of bacteria inside your vagina: the good bacteria and the bad bacteria. When you douche, you get rid of both. "[Your vagina's] pH level is very delicately balanced," says Jessica Shepherd, M.D., a gynecologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Without enough good bacteria, bad bacteria can flourish, leading to yeast infections and other issues like bacterial vaginosis.

Serious question: When's the last time you thanked your vulva? What about your vagina? Let's expand it to your reproductive organs as a whole—when was the last time you actually said "thank you"?

If your answer was anything other than "uh, never?" you're a bold-faced liar, because literally no one does that. But that's not to say it shouldn't happen (though, IDK, maybe don't squat down and actually say it).

There are, however, other ways to thank her—like by never douching or remembering to make your annual ob-gyn appointments.

So yeah, how kind are you really being to your vagina? Answer these Q's (honestly, please!) to see if you're giving your vag the self-care she deserves.