7 Unexpected Ways I'm Taking Charge of My Sexual Health This Year

If there is anything I've learned during the almost two years I've spent writing for The/Thirty, it's that you, dear readers, are the best. We talk a lot of realness in this space—something that's both cathartic for us as writers and something that's appreciated (based on the amazing feedback we regularly receive) from you, our community. In fact, there are some topics and experiences I've discussed at length here, that, quite honestly, I've never felt comfortable broaching with friends, family members, or significant others.

It's Sexual Wellness Month here at The/Thirty HQ, and while up until this February, I've largely kept the details of my sex life to myself, my partners, and okay, maybe my BFF-roomie-co-worker, Amanda Montell, I've already managed to admit I was a virgin up until somewhat recently, revealed the questions you should most definitely ask your gyno, and will even embark on a blind date set up by a matchmaker—stay tuned. So why not keep the blatantly honest conversation going in the spirit of blasting away taboos, or as managing editor Victoria Hoff puts it, "unnecessary mystique" within the sexual health space? 

As someone who's struggled with both an eating disorder and PCOS, I've faced some frustrating challenges in regard to getting my reproductive and sexual well-being in tip-top shape. Up until somewhat recently, I wasn't really getting my period, and then after visiting my gynecologist before the holidays about a different scary-ish issue that had come up, some blood and hormone testing revealed my immune system was shockingly weak and many of my vitamin and hormone levels were plummet-level low. Eek. This, obviously, wasn't great news, and I'd be lying if I said that the holiday season didn't feel a little dark.

After taking some time to wallow (because that can be healthy, too), I re-grouped with my gynecologist who I love and trust very much to develop a sexual and reproductive health game plan for 2019. Through working with her, doing a lot of research on my own time, and talking to a few other health professionals as well, I came up with a 2019 sexual health overhaul specifically designed to improve my down-there well-being. 

Of course, as a necessary disclaimer, some of these changes are very specific to me, and this definitely isn't meant to be a one-size-fits-all prescription for sexual health improvement. (Please, please don't start taking a specific supplement just because I am—consulting with your own trusted health professional is paramount!) But I thought it might be helpful to share some of the changes I'm making since they've already started to have a positive impact. Ahead, seven unexpected ways I'm taking charge of my sexual health this year via natural and alternative means. Keep scrolling!

Acupuncture

Prior to this January, I'd received acupuncture treatments twice before. I'm not a fan of needles, and honestly, the mental image I have of myself laying on a table with needles sticking every which way out of my body kind of makes me want to vomit. However, as various acupuncturists and health professionals have explained to me, acupuncture isn't a one-stop shop for feeling better. The positive benefits are reaped gradually over time, so just going in for one or two shot-in-the-dark treatments won't make a difference (much to my chagrin).

Since I was struggling with a variety of symptoms like low progesterone and estrogen, anxiety (surrounding an ongoing health issue), and a depressed immune system, my gynecologist recommended regular acupuncture treatments—we're talking weekly—to help boost my overall health but which would specifically target my sexual and reproductive health woes as well.

She recommended I see L.A.-based Kumiko Yamamoto, LAc, at Art of Chinese Healing, and I've been going strong with my appointments for about a month now. I haven't noticed any major improvements, but I do feel like my energy is better, and I always feel relaxed and more clear-headed after my treatment. My period has also become more regular—a blessing in and of itself. 

Strategic Supplements

During my appointment with my gynecologist, and after discussing all of my symptoms, she recommended evening primrose oil and a sexual-health geared supplement called Vitex to help support my hormonal and sexual health. However, after taking both for a few weeks during the holidays, I didn't feel like my body was reacting well, and I discontinued my use. (This just proves how individual supplements are and to pay attention to different cues from your body whenever you start a new regimen.) 

However, one thing my body has seemed to really take to are the Chinese herbs in capsule-form my acupuncturist makes for me. A mix of herbs and other ancient Chinese healing antidotes, the 14 pills per day dosage is nothing to scoff at, but after getting over my intimidation and being super diligent about popping them back each day, I've gotten into the swing of things. Kumiko says that even more so than the acupuncture treatment, the herbs are meant to help improve the health and balance of my hormones, specifically regarding my sexual and reproductive health. (For more on the reproductive benefits of Chinese herbs, click here!)

AHCC+

Vitamin D

Melatonin

Bee Products

Being an 80/20 Vegan

Before the holidays, I did the previously unthinkable (in my book) and went entirely plant-based for two weeks in light of Sakara Life's Plant-Based Challenge. I had low expectations, but to my great and what I realize sounds a tad dramatic delight, the experience completely changed my life. I felt happier, lighter, and healthier, I got my period back, my sleep improved, and my skin cleared. Nope, I'm not making this up! However, even though I did my best to eat mostly vegan after the challenge, it coincided quite tragically with the holidays, and thus I came back to L.A. post–New Year's feeling a bit derailed and discouraged.

Immediately, I hopped back on the plant-based train and again and was feeling better until both my gynecologist and acupuncturist told me that, sorry, 100% vegan diets don't always play nicely in regard to sexual and reproductive health. They both told me that in order to get my hormone and vitamin and mineral levels back to healthy and acceptable levels, they'd recommend eating at least a little bit of high-quality animal-based protein per day. Initially, I was taken aback, but after realizing that many of my icky feeling symptoms were largely due to gluten, dairy, and sugar, I decided to have plant-based breakfasts, lunches, and snacks each day, and add in a clean, sustainable-from of animal protein at night for dinners. Most nights, I reach for organic, pasture-raised eggs, wild-caught salmon, or organic chicken breast—that's what has felt good for my body.