“Dr. Sherry has been taking care of me since I was eighteen. She saw me through all the bad decisions and mistakes I made, especially concerning the care of my vagina. My V was benched a couple of times in my early adulthood, but those days are way behind me. Alcohol, smoking, and a general disrespect of my body were bad habits that I overcame as I arrived at my current chosen path, a path of sobriety, healthy eating, regular exercise, and being in tune with my heart and soul. If you’ve ever had a Benched V, my advice to you is to learn from it, and then don’t let it happen again! I would leave you with one of my most cherished mantras: This Too Shall Pass. Learn from your painful experiences, take care of yourself, respect yourself, and take pride in your health and who you are.”

—Eden Sassoon Reality TV Personality

Your very sensitive V can be benched for a number of reasons. I say “benched” because there are many vaginal infections ranging from mild to severe that can keep you from sex, sports, a comfortable day at the office, or a healthy life! You would be amazed by the number of women I see who have unknowingly contracted Chlamydia or Gonorrhea or who don’t realize they’re in the midst of the most common of vaginal infections, a yeast infection (which happens when bad bacteria in the vagina outnumber the good). Sometimes a round of antibiotics for a sinus infection is enough to set off this most simple and prevalent of infections. My advice is always to visit your healthcare provider to diagnose and treat the Benched V.

Chapter Photos

Yeast Infection

Yeast Infection

The main symptoms of candidiasis are itching, thick white
vaginal discharge, and a red and swollen vulva, while odor is
not a common symptom.

Yeast Infection Red and Swollen Labia

Yeast Infection Red and Swollen Labia

The main symptoms of candidiasis are itching, thick white
vaginal discharge, and a red and swollen vulva, while odor is
not a common symptom.

Gardnerella Bacterial Vaginal Infection

Gardnerella Bacterial Vaginal Infection

Primary symptoms of bacterial infection are a strong, fishy odor and thin gray or green vaginal discharge. Itching tends not to be a symptom of BV, but sometimes yeast will co-pilot this type of infection.

Gardnerella Bacterial Vaginal Infection

Gardnerella Bacterial Vaginal Infection

Primary symptoms of bacterial infection are a strong, fishy odor and thin gray or green vaginal discharge. Itching tends not to be a symptom of BV, but sometimes yeast will co-pilot this type of infection.

Gardnerella Bacterial Vaginal Infection

Gardnerella Bacterial Vaginal Infection

Primary symptoms of bacterial infection are a strong, fishy odor and thin gray or green vaginal discharge. Itching tends not to be a symptom of BV, but sometimes yeast will co-pilot this type of infection.

HPV Wart

HPV Wart

White HPV wart seen at the 5 o’clock position of the vagina.

Vaginal Herpes

Vaginal Herpes

The herpes simplex virus affects an estimated forty-five
million women and men in the U.S. alone.

Vaginal Herpes

Vaginal Herpes

The herpes simplex virus affects an estimated forty-five
million women and men in the U.S. alone.

Vaginal Herpes

Vaginal Herpes

The herpes simplex virus affects an estimated forty-five
million women and men in the U.S. alone.

Vaginal Herpes

Vaginal Herpes

The herpes simplex virus affects an estimated forty-five
million women and men in the U.S. alone.