There’s a certain kind of Google search you only do in private. You know the one: "Is it normal for my vagina to..." or worse, "Is it safe to put X in your vagina?" Whether it’s because of the shamey sex ed we got (or didn’t), awkward doctor visits, or the sheer amount of misinformation online, far too many of us are still navigating vaginal care with zero guidance!
“There is a significant stigma and embarrassment associated with vaginal health issues. Many women may feel something is "wrong" with them or that it's a sign of aging they should hide,” Dr. Shyama Mathews tells Playground, “Many resign themselves to the discomfort, thinking there's no solution or that it's a natural part of aging they must endure silently.”
So let’s clear the air and your search history. Because when it comes to your body and most sensitive area, "just live with it" isn't a fix.
Rather than wade through it all on your own, we at Playground (along with expert insight from OB/GYN and vaginal wellness pro Dr. Shyama Mathews!) are here to help bust some of the most persistent vaginal health myths out there, below.
Myth #1: Vaginal dryness only happens during menopause
Nope. Not even close. Did you know that vaginal dryness can be caused by birth control, breastfeeding, cancer treatments, certain medications, or even stress?
Dryness isn't a sign that you're broken or frigid — instead, it's a physiological reaction that can stem from hormonal shifts, health conditions, or even lifestyle changes. So whether it’s the arrival of your period, having a cold or even just working out more or less, dryness can arise.
“While declining estrogen during menopause is a primary cause,” Dr. Shyama says, “Many other factors can contribute to vaginal dryness and discomfort in younger individuals.”
Birth control, breastfeeding, certain medications, cancer treatments, and autoimmune conditions, stress, inadequate hydration and even oophorectomy (otherwise known as ovary removal) can all affect your vaginal dryness.
But with Miracle Melts, our deeply hydrating, hormone-free vaginal suppositories, you can get back on track at any point. Designed to support vaginal tissue at any age, and not just in menopause, think of these tiny tablets as skincare, but for your vagina.
Myth #2: Painful sex is just part of life
Let’s be clear: Sex shouldn’t hurt. Discomfort during penetration is often shrugged off or blamed on "not enough lube," but in reality, that’s just ignoring the root cause.
Painful sex, also known as dyspareunia, can be a sign of vaginal atrophy or thinning of the vaginal walls due to lack of moisture and elasticity. And it’s been shown that 10 to 28 percent of the population will experience it in their lifetimes.
The solution? It’s not just more surface-level lubrication, but restoring hydration to the tissue itself with medical-grade hyaluronic acid to deeply moisturize, soothe inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
Myth #3: Hormone therapy is the only fix for vaginal dryness
We love a science-backed solution, but hormone therapy isn’t right (or available) for everyone. If you’re postpartum, navigating perimenopause, or a cancer survivor, you may need a hormone-free option.
Hyaluronic acid suppositories like Miracle Melts offer a safe, effective alternative. Bonus: they can be used alongside hormone treatments if your provider recommends both. Remember, always consult your practitioner before starting anything new.
“Treatments, like Miracle Melts, that contain hyaluronic acid and pH-balanced ingredients can improve hydration and lubrication which provides relief from dryness, itching, and burning,” she says, “Regular hydration with Miracle Melts can improve the overall feel and resilience of the vaginal tissue. While they don't replace estrogen for severe atrophy, they can significantly alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life for many!”
Myth #4: Vaginal care is only for older women
Raise your hand if you thought you could ignore vaginal health until menopause. Now put it down… because your vagina deserves more.
Vaginal wellness isn’t about reacting to problems—it’s about staying connected to your body and taking care of your tissue like you do your face, gut, and mental health. And that can happen at any age!
“As women approach perimenopause (often starting in their 40s), estrogen levels begin to fluctuate and gradually decline,” Shyama explains, “This is the time to be proactive! If dryness or discomfort starts, even slightly, addressing it then can potentially prevent more severe atrophy later.”
Myth #5: The vagina is self-cleaning, so you don’t need to do anything
This one’s tricky because it’s partially true. The vagina (the internal canal) is self-cleaning. But the vulva (your external bits) and the vaginal tissue itself still benefit from support, especially during times of hormonal change.
There’s a difference between cleansing and care. You don’t need harsh soaps or douches, but you do need to keep the area hydrated and supported.
Myth #6: If you’re not having sex, vaginal dryness doesn’t matter
Dryness doesn’t only show up in the bedroom. It can cause irritation, itching, a burning sensation, or make you feel like your vagina is made of sandpaper (which, in turns out, isn’t fun at all.)
Plus, untreated dryness can contribute to UTIs, microtears, and overall discomfort. You deserve daily comfort, not just comfort during sex.
Myth #7: Vaginal atrophy is just a fancy word for dryness
Nope. It’s actually a medical condition that involves thinning, inflammation, and a loss of elasticity in the vaginal walls. And yes, it can seriously mess with your quality of life.
Vaginal atrophy — which 36.8 percent of women from their 20s to 50s have had — can lead to frequent UTIs, burning, irritation, and discomfort that affects not only intimacy but everyday comfort. Fortunately, hyaluronic acid has been clinically shown to help by binding to water, soothing tissue, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Myth #8: All vaginal products are risky or full of harsh ingredients
We get it. "Feminine hygiene" has a bad rap. And for good reason. From heavily fragranced sprays to pH-wrecking soaps, the market has long been flooded with products that do more harm than good. But not all intimate care is created equal.
Playground’s Miracle Melts are hormone-free, fragrance-free, and made with medical-grade hyaluronic acid. Made by women, for folks with vulvas in mind, we wanted to help provide actual support for your vaginal tissue.
How to Take Care of Your Vagina: The TL;DR
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Hydrate regularly: Use hyaluronic acid suppositories every 2–3 days or as needed to support tissue health.
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Skip harsh soaps: The vagina doesn’t need cleansing beyond water and maybe a gentle, pH-balanced wash on the vulva.
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Listen to your body: Pain, itching, or discomfort is never “just part of being a woman.”
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Be proactive: You don’t have to wait for menopause to start supporting vaginal health.
The Bottom Line
Vaginal care isn’t taboo, and it sure as hell isn’t something to be ashamed of. Whether you’re noticing changes, dealing with dryness, or just curious about what’s actually safe to put in your vagina (hint: Miracle Melts are), your questions are valid and your comfort matters.
“By reframing vaginal care as part of everyday wellness, we can normalize discussions around vaginal health, breaking down the shame and embarrassment that prevent women from seeking care,” Dr. Shyama says.
So let’s retire the myths, ditch the shame, and treat our vaginas like the intelligent, powerful, pleasure-deserving parts of our bodies they are.
Ready to start your care era? Your vagina will thank you.
