The Queen V

1. Know Your Queen V: Understand Your Vaginal Anatomy and Personality

"There are five different types of women when it comes to their relationship to their vagina, and identifying yours will go a long way to understanding your physical and sexual self."

Vaginal Personalities (VPs): Dr. Jackie introduces five distinct VPs:

• Virgin Mary: Conservative, cautious, and inexperienced
• Sanctified Snatch: Reserved, religious, with strong boundaries
• Coochie-Chondriac: Anxious about vaginal health
• Mary Jane: Average, stable, and reliable
• Notorious V.A.G.: Adventurous, confident, and outspoken

Understanding your VP helps you navigate sexual health, relationships, and self-care. Dr. Jackie emphasizes the importance of knowing your anatomy, including the various parts of the vulva and vagina. This knowledge empowers women to identify potential issues and communicate effectively with healthcare providers.

2. Embrace Natural Vaginal Care: Ditch Harsh Products and Douching

"Your vagina has its own cleansing process thanks to the secretions it releases. It also has a naturally balanced ecosystem made up of healthy bacteria that you shouldn't disrupt."

10 Vaginal Hygiene Commandments:

1. Wear breathable cotton underwear
2. Wipe front to back
3. Urinate after sex
4. Limit baths
5. Use new condoms for different types of intercourse
6. Avoid scented products
7. Don't douche
8. Watch your diet
9. Understand normal discharge
10. Use only water to clean your vagina

Dr. Jackie emphasizes that the vagina is self-cleaning and maintains its own pH balance. Harsh products, douching, and unnecessary "feminine hygiene" practices can disrupt this balance, leading to infections and other issues. Instead, focus on gentle, natural care and trust your body's innate processes.

3. Boost Your Libido: Address Emotional and Physical Factors

"You have not because you ask not."

The Four S's of Relationship Needs:

1. Say It: Verbal affirmations and declarations of love
2. Safety: Physical and emotional protection
3. Security: Financial stability and shared responsibility
4. Sacrificial Offering: Willingness to put your partner first

Low libido often stems from unmet emotional needs rather than physical issues. Dr. Jackie encourages open communication with partners about desires and needs. Additionally, addressing physical factors like hormonal imbalances, stress, and medication side effects can help improve sex drive. Remember that libido fluctuates naturally throughout life, and there's no "normal" level of desire.

4. Master Sexual Pleasure: Explore Your Body and Communicate Desires

"You have to know what you like in order to be able to tell someone else. Or, better yet, show someone else."

Steps to Sexual Self-Discovery:

1. Self-exploration through masturbation
2. Identify erogenous zones beyond the genitals
3. Experiment with different types of stimulation
4. Communicate preferences with partners
5. Be open to trying new things (safely)

Dr. Jackie emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge in achieving sexual satisfaction. She encourages women to explore their bodies, understand their pleasure points, and communicate openly with partners. This includes discussing boundaries, desires, and concerns. Sex toys can be valuable tools for exploration and enhancing pleasure, both solo and with partners.

5. Practice Safe and Healthy Sex: Protect Against STIs and Unwanted Pregnancy

"What feels good for fifteen seconds can change the rest of your sexual life."

STI Prevention and Testing:

• Use barrier methods (condoms, dental dams) consistently
• Get tested regularly, especially with new partners
• Communicate openly about sexual history and STI status
• Recognize common symptoms of STIs
• Seek prompt treatment if exposed or symptomatic

Dr. Jackie stresses the importance of regular STI testing and open communication with partners. She provides detailed information on common STIs, their symptoms, and treatments. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of choosing appropriate birth control methods based on individual needs and lifestyle factors.

6. Take Charge of Your Fertility: Plan Ahead for Pregnancy or Prevention

"If you don't control your fertility, it will control you."

Fertility Awareness:

• Track menstrual cycles and ovulation
• Understand age-related fertility changes
• Consider egg freezing for future family planning
• Explore various contraceptive options
• Seek professional help if struggling to conceive

Dr. Jackie encourages women to be proactive about their fertility, whether trying to conceive or prevent pregnancy. She discusses various contraceptive options, fertility tracking methods, and when to seek help for infertility. The book also covers options for those facing infertility, including assisted reproductive technologies and adoption.

7. Prioritize Breast Health: Perform Regular Self-Exams and Screenings

"One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime."

Breast Health Practices:

• Perform monthly self-exams
• Understand your personal risk factors
• Schedule regular mammograms (frequency based on age and risk)
• Be aware of changes in breast appearance or texture
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce risk

Dr. Jackie shares her personal experience with breast cancer to emphasize the importance of early detection and regular screenings. She provides detailed instructions on performing self-exams and recognizing potential warning signs. The book also covers risk factors, treatment options, and the emotional impact of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

8. Address Recurring Issues: Don't Ignore Persistent Symptoms

"Your wounds are not your fault—but your healing is your responsibility."

Common Recurring Conditions:

• Fibroids
• Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
• Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
• Pelvic organ prolapse
• Urinary incontinence

Dr. Jackie emphasizes the importance of addressing persistent gynecological issues rather than accepting discomfort as normal. She provides detailed information on common conditions, their symptoms, and treatment options. The book encourages women to advocate for their health and seek second opinions when necessary.

9. Build Your Sexual Health Team: Cultivate Open Relationships with Professionals

"Get a doctor you feel comfortable with, one who gives you his or her full attention when you're in the room and you can say anything to without feeling judged."

Essential Sexual Health Team Members:

1. OB-GYN
2. Best friend (for support and perspective)
3. Partner
4. Therapist (when needed)

Dr. Jackie stresses the importance of building a supportive network for sexual health. This includes finding a trustworthy OB-GYN, cultivating open communication with partners, and seeking professional help when needed. She encourages women to be honest and thorough during medical appointments, providing tips on how to prepare for and make the most of these visits.

Last updated: November 18, 2024