Starfinancer

S.u Instagram intimate and sexual problems are highly sought after especially by young women. She was born Vagina Academy, the first digital school on sexual health and one of the founding gynecologists now writes a book about vagina, contraception, menstrual cycle

What is theideal age for the first visit to the gynecologist? Is it true that soap is better than intimate cleansers? Is it better to sleep with or without panties? Which contraceptive? And is menstrual pain normal? These are some of the questions that girls ask most frequently, who just don’t know what a gynecological examination is or who are simply ashamed to ask their mother. Mother who, in her turn, still feels embarrassed to face issues concerning the intimate sphere.

Sex, menstruation and contraception: now Instagram is asked

If it is true that today relationships with parents are no longer as they once were, sex, menstruation or contraception remain sensitive topics, so much so that most girls turn to the internet and, in particular, to social networks. Lately Giulia Soleri, Damiano dei Maneskin’s girlfriend, explained that she found in Instagram a valid “ally” for her vulvodynia problem.

Also for this reason, Dr. Ambra Garretto, “gynecologist and mother”, after opening her Instagram profile which today has 57.4 thousand followers, has become the lead teacher of Vagina Academythe first digital school of women’s intimate health.

«As a gynecologist, I decided to open an Instagram page because I realized that many young and old, in fact, were full of doubts and turned to the network for answers, clarifications and advice. From here too the idea of ​​a book was born that clarifies, in a simple way and also with illustrations “explains the doctor, now also author of the book Call it by its name (Fabbri publisher). The subtitle is eloquent: Everything a girl needs to know to take care of her vagina and herself.

But what is it that girls (and their mothers) should know?

Intimate hygiene: how should you wash?

How often do you have to wash your private parts? But above all, what is better to use: just water, soap and water or intimate cleanser? And how to choose it? These are some of the most frequent questions found on social media and that Garretto hears himself asked: «Yes, these are the most common doubts, but not only among teenagers. Often even 25, 28 or 30 year olds ask me for information on intimate hygiene. They need concrete answers. Specifically, for example, I am clear: Would you ever wash your armpits with just water? Or the hair? It is clear that this is not the case: even for the vagina, which must be called by its name, specific products are needed, which also take into account the age of the woman »replies the gynecologist.

Is menstrual pain normal?

«I find that there are still many uncertainties and taboos, for example on the cycle: we are in 2022, but many girls assume that when you have your period it is not possible to get pregnant. Or they ask me if it is better to sleep with or without panties. Many, then, the questions concerning the pain associated with the period: there is still the idea that the woman “must suffer” and accept the pain, but is not so. Clearly there are menstrual pains, but when they are too strong and weigh on daily life they can be a sign of a problem, so you need to be seen because a solution can be found for that disorder “, explains Garretto.

When is the first gynecological visit?

What is the ideal age for the first gynecological examination today? «Today we often talk about hypersexuality and lowering the age of first intercourse, on the other hand girls do not go to a gynecologist or gynecologist before the age of 17 or 18. I think that instead we should start between 13 and 15 years, but not because there is a problem or not only if there is a specific reason: we need a greater culture of prevention. so that future women understand what will happen to them, how they will change, how they are made. Or even what are the alarm bells to possibly pay attention to, or even just which sexually transmitted diseases: for many teenagers there is only HIV, but this is not the case»Explains the gynecologist, who is also the lead teacher of Vagina Academythe first digital school of women’s intimate health.

The gynecological examination is essential

Young people today are used to “being on social networks” and they often turn to social networks for answers, even when they concern intimate health. But don’t you risk running into “hoaxes” and the like? “It is true that social media have become information channels, also in this area, but it is our job to provide correct information. In recent years, very valid profiles and dissemination channels have also been born that help to know: obviously they must be distinguished from those in which one merely asks for help, without providing and receiving a diagnosis. If it is a question of doubts, they represent a resource, then it is clear that it is necessary to deepen and move on to a real visit »explains Garretto.