The Pink Handbook

Know Your
Vagina & Cycle
Vagina FAQ
Chapter 1
Know Your Vagina & Cycle
Period FAQ
Using Sanitary
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Looking After
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Vagina & Period
Myths
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The Vagina
Vagina FAQ
Clitoris:
Primary source of sexual pleasure,
with 8000 nerve endings
Urethra:
The duct by which urine leaves the body from
your bladder
The labia majora and labia minora cover the
moist, sensitive inner surfaces of the vulva,
protecting the vagina and urethra
Leading from the external genitals to the cervix,
the vagina is a muscular tube that stretches
during intercourse and childbirth
Collective word for external genital organs
Labia:
Vagina:
Vulva:
Anus:
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The opening where solid waste leaves the body
from the colon
As you can see, things are pretty complicated when it comes to your vagina. In fact, it’s an entire ecosystem,
with colonies of microorganisms that work together to protect you from disease-causing bacteria.
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It’s important to know your own anatomy, so grab a mirror and check yourself out sometime!
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Is my vagina normal?
Chances are, yes. Every vulva is different: some lips hang down, some are tucked, some are long or short,
some are symmetrical while some aren’t, some are wide and others narrow, some women are deep while
some vaginas keep things shallow – really, anything goes as long as you’re healthy.
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Is it true that my vagina can fall out?
Sorry to say it, but yes. It’s called pelvic prolapse, and it’s when the vagina turns inside
out and ends up hanging between your legs. Before you freak out though – it can be fixed!
Management depends on the severity of your case, varying from conservative measures like
Kegel exercises (see following page) and changes in diet and fitness to surgery.
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Should my vagina be farting?
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Common and hilariously known as “queefs”, vaginal farts are completely normal and happen to everyone –
especially during sex. Perfect for being a sensual goddess, obviously.
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Will my vagina ever be the same after babies?
Look, natural birth means a stretched vagina. However, you can do what are known as Kegel exercises, which
contract the pelvic floor muscles of the vagina. To isolate the right muscles, stop your stream when you wee –
those are them! Contract and relax them 3 sets of ten times each a day.
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How much discharge is normal?
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It’s completely individual. Some completely healthy
women need to wear pantyliners every day, while
others barely produce any discharge. As long as
there’s no burning, itching or odour, your discharge
is nothing to worry about.
How should I be grooming?
Trimming, waxing, electrolysis, or leaving it alone
– what your pubic hair looks like is up to you. Don’t
be pressurised to have it look prepubescent or like
a plane’s coming in to land if you don’t want to.
Shaving is not a great idea, though – nicks could
become infected, and there’s ingrown hairs to think
about too… not conducive to comfort. Hair removal
creams are also not designed for such highly
sensitive skin, so be careful with those.
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The Menstrual Cycle
We all know that we have periods, but what exactly is going on with the menstrual cycle?
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• Tampons
• Pads
• Washes
• Powder
• Lubricant
• Period Pain Rub
• Wipes
• Washes
• Powder
• Wipes
• Pantyliners
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• Washes
• Powder
• Wipes
• Pantyliners
• Washes
• Powder
• Wipes
• Pantyliners
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Vagina FAQ
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Chapter 3
Period FAQ
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Vagina FAQ
When should I start?
Periods begin during puberty, which starts anywhere from 8 years old to the late teens – everyone develops
differently, so there’s no need to stress about it. When you’re getting close to starting, you might see a whitish
fluid or discharge in your panties; this is totally normal and usually happens 6 months to a year before you get
your first period.
How long and how strong?
Periods can last from 3 days to a week, with flow usually at its heaviest around days 2 and 3. They can be very
irregular for the first year, and then should even out into a regular cycle. However, many women never really
become regular so this is also very individual – your periods are also affected by diet, stress and many other
factors that could prevent monthly regularity.
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Premenstrual Syndrome?
PMS is not in your head! The numerous hormones whose levels are busy fluctuating in your body have a real
effect on your emotions. There are natural ways to ease the symptoms, so give them a try: Vitamin E and fatty
acid (fish oil) supplements, acupuncture, progesterone cream from the health shop, mild low-impact exercise
and getting more sleep are all great for busting symptoms.
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Can I lose a tampon?
It is impossible for a tampon to get lost inside you – the entrance to the cervix is smaller than the head
of a matchstick, so think of your vagina like a sock. Nothing gets lost inside a sock.
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Can I lose my virginity to a tampon?
Absolutely not! Your hymen (the thin elastic
membrane across the vagina) will probably break
the first time you have sex, but it might have
already broken when you were riding a horse or
bike, doing gymnastics, just about any time really.
You are a virgin until you have sex and not before –
and no, reattaching the hymen via surgery will not
“revirginise” you.
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There are clots in my period blood! Am I dying?
Don’t worry, it’s supposed to clot. Usually, those
“clots” are actually uterine lining and need not
concern you. It’s just your body’s way of making
sure that you’re not bleeding too heavily – if the
clots are very large or you start to haemorrhage,
then it’s time to call your gynae.
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Chapter 4
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Right, so now that we understand the mechanics of why, when and how we bleed,
what are our options for soaking up and disposing of all that?
Pads:
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Thick or thin?
Lil-lets Maxi pads are thicker for a greater sense of security, with fibre that absorbs in seconds and side channels
that prevent leakage. Our Ultra range is thinner for greater freedom and discretion, with special gel beads in its
core that are super absorbent. Essentially, both give you the same trusted protection – it is just a case of which
you find more comfortable.
Liners:
Women like to use liners for everyday freshness, not just during their period. They’re also ideal as a supporting
form of protection, or for the beginning/end of a cycle when a pad/tampon isn’t necessary.
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Ultra Pad
HOW TO: Use Pads and Liners
Step 1:
Open the Whisper Wrapper and fold
the pad flat before peeling the backing
strips off.
Step 2: Position the pad in your underwear, then
Maxi Pad
remove the tabs from the wings so you can
fold them around and underneath your
underwear, keeping the pad secure and
in place.
Step 3: When you’re ready to remove the pad,
just pull back the wings and peel it off
your underwear.
Step 4: Wrap the used pad in the wrapper
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or some tissue, then dispose of it
in a sanitary or household bin
– don’t flush it.
Liners are used much the same way as pads, though
most don’t have wings.
Liner
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Tampons:
Tampons offer women the utmost freedom to carry on with daily activities during menstruation. As they are
worn internally, they are not only very discreet but also significantly reduce odour by minimising contact
between menstrual fluid and the air.
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Why should I match my tampon to my flow?
Using the correct absorbency gives you the most comfortable fit and best possible protection against leakage,
and decreases any chance of infection. Flow varies from woman to woman and throughout your period, so 80%
of women use more than one absorbency during their period. That’s why Lil-lets tampons come in four different
absorbencies from Mini to Super Plus, and why we offer a Multi-pack for varied flow.
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HOW TO: Use a Non-applicator Tampon
Step 1:
After you wash your hands, unwrap the
tampon by twisting the wrapper in the
direction of the arrows and removing
the cellophane from the cord end.
Step 2: Straighten out the cord, give ita gentle
tug to make sure it’s secure, then remove
the cellophane from the other end.
Step 3: Use your finger to gently guide the tampon
into place, aiming upwards and towards
the small of your back. If you’re dry, we
recommend using our EasyGlide Gel to ease
insertion. You’ll know it’s in place when you
can’t feel it anymore. Wash your hands again.
Step 4: To remove your tampon, relax and give the
cord a gentle tug. If the tampon is tightly
held, leave it in for a little longer (though
never more than 8 hours overall). Once it’s
removed, wrap it in tissue and throw it in
the bin.
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HOW TO: Use an Applicator Tampon
Step 1:
Remove the wrapper and make sure the
removal cord is hanging out through the
inner tube. Pull the inner tube out until it
stops at the bottom of the outer tube, then
hold your thumb and middle finger on the
grooved finger grip.
Step 2: Place the tip of the applicator into the
vaginal opening and gently push it towards
your lower back, continuing to ease it in
until you’ve inserted it as far as the rim of
the outer tube.
Step 3: Still holding the finger grip, use your index
finger to push the inner tube firmly into the
outer tube until the two raised rings meet.
When they do, the tampon is in place.
Step 4: Now, gently withdraw the applicator and
you’re done. The tampon should feel
comfortable, with the cord hanging outside
of your body.
Step 5: To remove your tampon, just relax and
give the cord a gentle tug. If the tampon
is tightly held, leave it in for a little longer
(though never more than 8 hours overall).
Once it’s removed, wrap it in tissue and
throw it in the bin.
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Do not flush the applicator or wrapper;
throw them in a bin.
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HOW TO: Use a Compact Applicator Tampon
Period FAQ
Our trusted tampon also comes in a smaller, smooth plastic applicator for easier insertion.
Step 1:
Unwrap compact applicator tampon from packaging.
Step 2: Make sure that the removal cord is hanging through the inner tube, and then gently pull the inner tube
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until it comes to a stop at the bottom of the outer tube.
Step 3: Continue with insertion and applicator removal as per previous instructions for applicator tampons
(from Step 2).
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Chapter 5
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Daily Care Dos & Don’ts
DO:
Wear cotton undies. Forget the leather and lace for anything other than special occasions – cotton is
your vagina’s best friend, allowing it to breathe and absorbing excess moisture.
DON’T:
Wash your vagina with soap! Soap dries the sensitive skin of the vulva and wreaks havoc with your
vaginal pH balance. Some women are more sensitive to it than others, so you may need to say
goodbye to bubble bath and scented body wash for good. All you need to do to stay clean is rinse
with warm water – or a soap free vaginal wash, which Lil-lets offers in both a gel and crème.
DO:
Get an annual pelvic exam - a pap smear only checks for abnormal cells that could lead to cervical
cancer. It doesn’t check your ovaries, uterus or colon.
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Daily Care Dos & Don’ts
DON’T:
DO:
DON’T:
Even think about douching. Not only is it unnecessary – the vagina is self-cleaning and does not need
to smell like a springtime glade – but studies have shown that it also heightens your risk of infections
and pelvic inflammatory disease. If you feel like freshening up, it is best to just use Lil-lets Intimate
Care Wipes.
Snack regularly on yoghurt with live cultures or take a probiotic. This helps to keep the populations of
good bacteria in your personal ecosystem up where they should be; just don’t get the ones that are
high in added sugar. This becomes absolutely essential if you have to take antibiotics – if you don’t
take a probiotic, you’re pretty much guaranteed to have a yeast infection.
Ever wipe any other way than front to back; otherwise you risk nasty bacteria getting into
your vagina.
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Daily Care Dos & Don’ts
DO:
Use pH-balanced and hypoallergenic
products when it comes to your vagina.
A pH number measures how acidic or
alkaline something is based on a scale
of 0 to 14 – anything below 7 is acidic,
anything above 7 is alkaline (or basic).
Pure water has a neutral pH of 7, while
the pH of the skin varies according
to the body part and from person to
person. The perfect pH for vaginas is
acidic, normally ranging from 3.8 to
4.5, and our cleansing products are
formulated to maintain this ideal state.
“Hypoallergenic” is a classification for
products that are likely to cause fewer
allergic reactions - essential for sensitive
skin like that of the vagina.
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Chapter 6
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What to do if you’re experiencing…
Dryness:
There can be a lot of possible reasons for vaginal
dryness, all of which are totally normal: like age,
menopause (afterwards or during its onset), certain
medications like antihistamines or antidepressants,
hormonal birth control, after pregnancy or while
breastfeeding, chemicals in pools or washing
powders, insufficient foreplay, and more. In fact, 17%
of all women aged 18-50 experience problems with
vaginal dryness.
Lubricants of all kinds are available to help you
deal with this, including Lil-lets Easy Glide Gel™.
It’s fragrance, alcohol and paraben free as well as
hypoallergenic.
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Irritation, itching or odour:
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The causes of these symptoms can vary from the common to the serious. The common can be bacterial
vaginosis (where bad bacteria has multiplied – other symptoms include inflammation, burning and discharge),
a yeast infection (excess growth of Candida, includes a thick white discharge), the drop in oestrogen production
after menopause and chemical irritants in detergent, condoms or other products.
More serious causes could be sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, herpes, trichomoniasis, genital warts
and gonnorhea. We hate to break it to you, but you can still catch STIs if you use a condom – the vulva can make
contact with the infected skin of the scrotum, so pick your partner carefully. There’s also lichen sclerosis – a rare
condition that causes white patches to form on the skin of the vulva.
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If due to common causes, daily cleansing with vaginal washes or applying an over the counter medication will
solve the problem within a week.
If symptoms do not clear, then they are caused by some kind of infection and you need to see a gynae or doctor
for treatment. Try Lil-Lets Crème Wash™ and Gel Wash™; they’re soap and paraben free, pH-balanced and gentle
enough to use every day.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable when you’re out and about, there’s also our Feminine Wipes, which cleanse
and freshen.
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Period pain:
Period pain is different for everyone
– some women barely notice or are just a little
uncomfortable for the first couple of days,
while some experience nausea and sweats or are
debilitated by cramping. If you are the latter, it usually
only lasts for a day or two and there are plenty of
ways to make it easier to handle. Hot water bottles,
muscle relaxants, ibuprofen, yoga, cutting out caffeine,
going on the contraceptive pill and getting regular
exercise and more sleep can all work wonders.
There’s also our Soothing Tummy Rub™ – it’s specially
formulated with healing arnica and lavender extracts
to help calm and ease period pain.
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Excess moisture:
As we said before, some women have more daily
discharge than others – as long as it’s healthy (i.e.
does not give off an unpleasant odour, isn’t thick like
cottage cheese, and isn’t yellow or greenish), then
you have nothing to worry about. Keeping some
wipes in your handbag will allow you to stay fresh
throughout the day.
There’s also excess moisture that isn’t discharge,
but rather the natural lubrication from your vaginal
glands. Possible causes could be the Pill, your age
(women at their sexual peak in their mid to late
twenties can produce more), or where you are in your
cycle (your body could be trying to get you pregnant
because you’re ovulating). It could also be excess
sweat from wearing synthetic underwear.
If you have ruled out STIs or other infections and
the fluid/discharge is healthy, then you can simply
manage the excess moisture with pantyliners or
wipes. We have also developed a Feminine Powder™,
which is formulated to absorb moisture, contains
Deoguard to also control odour, and is gently scented
as well as talc and paraben free.
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Chapter 7
Vagina & Period Myths
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Myths
We are challenging the myths surrounding vaginas and periods,
so they no longer stop women and girls from achieving their ambitions!
It’s unhealthy to have sex during your period.
While some women may feel uncomfortable about having sexual intercourse during menstruation, it’s perfectly
OK, and may even help relieve menstrual cramps. In fact, although not scientifically proven, researchers have
associated sex during menstruation with decreased endometriosis, as well as with several other health benefits
including: a long life, absence of heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer, healthy immunity, regulating the
menstrual cycle, pain management, and improved quality of life. While the health benefits of sexual intercourse
need more study, there is no health reason not to have sex during menstruation, so go ahead if you want to - but
please make sure you practice safe sex by using a condom!
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You can’t go swimming during your period.
Perhaps this myth started in the days before internal devices such as tampons were popular. Or it could
have been a fear of cramps while swimming or that menstrual blood could contaminate the swimming pool.
Regardless of what started this myth, there is no reason that you cannot safely swim during menstruation.
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Don’t wash your hair when you’re menstruating.
There is absolutely no reason not to wash your hair, take a bath or shower during menstruation. In fact, a nice
warm bath can do a lot to relieve menstrual cramps and premenstrual tension. You might want to avoid cold
water during your period since it could, theoretically, cause uterine contractions that could increase
menstrual cramps.
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Girls shouldn’t use tampons during their first periods.
Another complete falsehood. There is no reason not to use tampons during your first period. Just make sure
you read the instructions and insert the tampon correctly. A properly inserted tampon doesn’t pinch or cause
any type of discomfort. In fact, you won’t feel anything if your tampon is inserted correctly.
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You won’t get pregnant if you have sex during menstruation.
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Don’t count on it! Unless you’re using the Pill, an internal device, or another hormonal type of contraception,
there are no safe days. Unless you are in a long-term, monogamous relationship, you should always use
condoms during sex, even if you take the Pill or use another form of contraception. Contraceptives do not
protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
You shouldn’t exercise or do strenuous activities during your period.
Menstruation is a normal function. Your period is not a disability; you can do anything during your period that
you can normally do. Menstruation was once treated as an illness, and women rested, stayed home, and didn’t
socialise whatsoever – but that’s all changed now.
You should have bed rest during your period.
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Whilst sleep is good during your period, it is better to get up and get moving.
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Hot water increases period blood flow.
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The only thing that changes your blood flow is your body. So you cannot make it lighter or heavier, but what
warm water can do is help to ease period pain.
Period FAQ
Heavy bleeding only happens to women who have given birth.
Heavy bleeding can happen to anyone at any time. Your period flow can even vary from heavy to light or light
to heavy in one period or from period to period. This is not unusual and is quite normal. Lil-lets is the only brand
that offers a comprehensive range of sanitary protection that caters to your varied flow.
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Menstrual blood is different from normal blood.
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Menstrual blood is exactly the same as your normal blood, it just flows out of the vagina
- and has NO odour!
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You can delay your period or make it last for a shorter time.
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You should never try to alter your body’s natural menstrual cycle, as this could cause other health problems.
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During your period you get snakes in your stomach and this causes the pain.
There is absolutely no truth in this statement. Period pain is normal and is caused by your uterus contracting to
help expel its lining when your egg has not been fertilised.
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The end
All vaginas should feel fresh, confident and protected every day! We hope
that this Handbook has given you the insight and instructions necessary to
keep your vagina healthy and happy for the rest of your life.
Do your friends a favour by sharing it.