Now more than ever before, the viewing public is bombarded with images of vulvas in many shapes and sizes. There are several practices that have come into mainstream popularity over the last decade that may seem healthy to those who want to improve upon their image, but they are far from beneficial. To help shed some light “down there,” board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Drai sat down with me to share the three vajayjay trends every woman should avoid.
1. Vajazzling
Shine bright like a diamond! For you novices, have you ever heard of bedazzling? Well, vajazzling is the same thing but just on the vulva. This is how it goes: you wax your vulva and hand-glue each stone – crystal by crystal or diamond by diamond – in a design on your vulva. I have seen many sparkling designs, from hearts to names of boyfriends. You never know how a freshly waxed vulva will react to the adhesives. I have seen many ladies break out in rashes down there due to this. Fellas, can you imagine getting busy with a vajazzled vulva? Those stones, of course, would be scratchy on your genitals. One patient complained that her man swallowed a diamond during oral sex.
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2. Labial dying
I’m still not sure why ladies are so obsessed with the color of their labias. I hear all the time, ‘Dr. Drai, I don’t want a pale vulva!’ The skin beneath your pubes is very sensitive, ladies, therefore it can easily get irritated – not like your scalp. There are several products on the market which will remain nameless for this interview. Ladies do this in the comfort of their own home after a wax. Be careful! Some ladies complain that these dyes get in your sheets, underwear and even on your partner during love making sessions! By the way, sometimes changes in color can be a sign of vulva cancer. Don’t cover cancer up, ladies!
3. Vulva bleaching
Let me just go ahead and answer your question – Yes, bleaching the vulva is just like anal bleaching, which is still popular. This is how it’s done: An acid is applied to your waxed vulva in a spa or you can apply bleaching lotion or gel at home. Remember, bleach can cause irritation, blistering or even chemical burns. I have treated a patient with a chemical burn of the vulva in the office. Don’t do it.
Dr. Drai is a practicing board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist who is also a nationally recognized author, speaker, professor and media personality. Visit www.DrDrai.com to download his new eBook FREE – “20 Things You May Not Know About The Vagina”.