Couples and intimacy go together. It's a cornerstone of good partnering. Intimacy and personal hygiene go together. It's a basic for sexual enjoyment. I get many questions about this sensitive subject. Let's tackle the basics today.

A woman's vaginal environment is very delicate. A healthy pH balance is one of the body's own ways to protect a woman's vaginal area against irritations and infections. Bacteria and fungi are always present and favor moist, tight places like the vaginal area. Under normal circumstances they are kept in check.

However, ingredients like fragrance, chemical coloring, plant additives or even vitamins can destroy the healthy pH balance and create the optimal condition for bacteria and/or fungi to grow exponentially. That's how irritations and infections can occur. Consequently women should use pH-balanced products for daily intimate cleansing; soaps or body washes containing no fragrance, no coloring, no plant additives. They should avoid ?douching? at all cost and be cautious about sitting in bubble baths loaded with chemical scents or coloring agents.

Men are less susceptible to these common bacteria and fungi. Their private organs are external and exposed to air. If they become infected, their symptoms are often so minor that they are not aware of them. If a woman has recurring vaginal infections, her partner should be examined and treated as well.

Over forty million women suffer from vaginal dryness. It is a very common and natural condition due to a woman's changing hormone levels. Intimate dryness may cause discomfort, even pain for the woman and can interfere with a couple's lovemaking. It is due to changes in a woman's estrogen levels that largely control the moisture in a woman's body. Less Estrogen means less moisture in her skin, hair, and most importantly in her vaginal area. The solution is simple. An intimate moisturizer used daily and always before intimacy can eliminate this problem instantly. Many couples report that an intimate moisturizer/lubricant can add measurably to the overall pleasure during lovemaking.

Every human being experiences sexual pleasure differently. Statistics show that women take fifteen to twenty minutes to be really open and ready for penetration. Men are usually ready in two minutes. For a couple to fully enjoy the love experience, penetration should not occur till both partners are really ready. Many couples add a little moisturizer during sex for comfort and enjoyment.

Intimate moisturizers, unlike regular moisture lotions, are not cosmetics. They are classified as medical devices and require FDA approval because they end up inside the woman's body. Consequently, avoid lubricants or moisturizers that are not FDA approved or not pH balanced. Read the label copy. If it says external use only, or cosmetic use only, the product is clearly not approved. Some companies simply try to get around the law. Avoid products containing fragrance, flavors, plant additives or vitamins.

Finally, the most important ingredient to make intimacy wonderful is open and caring communication. Be clear be specific with your partner. Tell each other what you like, how you like to be kissed, touched, stroked and exactly where. Guessing won't work. Showing and talking in a loving way will. Intimacy is about giving each other pleasure. Good hygiene is the first step to make good loving enjoyable. Good communication will assure magic to happen.

Jacqui

June 2001
Ten good minutes daily equals a closer relationship.

May 2001
My wife's doctor never mentioned the risks in taking estrogen!

April 2001
I can't keep up and he feels cheated. Shouldn't a 64 year old male be slowing down?

March 2001
He admitted he still loved his ex, but wasn't "in love" with her.

February 2001
Even while we're making love I feel like I'm not really participating.

January 2001
Lack of staying power can it be helped?

December 2000
A Holiday Gift: Less Stress, More Joy.

October 1999
I'm fifty-six years old and still suffer from minor menopause symptoms.