How Much Do You Know About The Vagina?

If we could all agree on one thing, it is that the vagina is vital for human reproduction and plays a major role in sexual satisfaction. This is why it is even more important to learn as much as possible, especially if you have one🙂. But still, over the years you might have heard so much about them like; they are never supposed to smell, you must use soap when washing, they get loose and so on. But most of what you have heard is not only incorrect but can lead to mistakes.

Because of this, we have put together some facts that are key to note this way you can be able to distinguish facts from lies.

1. The vulva is not your vagina

Many people use the term “vagina” in reference to all parts of the female genitalia, including both the internal and external components, but that's actually not accurate. The vagina is a 3-6-inch-long muscular canal that runs from the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, to the outside of the body. The vulva is made up of the labia, urethra, clitoris, and vaginal opening. Still not clear maybe this could help!

2. Vaginas are supposed to have a smell

Just like any other opening of your body, you expect a smell, right? But isn’t it funny how the vagina is the one place that is given the exception? The truth is there’s a smell. The vagina contains bacteria that help to keep your vaginal pH healthy and balanced and like other bacteria, these do have a smell. Now if you are observant you’ll notice that the vagina smell but should you notice something odd, pungent or fishy see a doctor immediately.

3. Vaginal discharge is normal

You know that white stuff, that changes in consistency throughout your cycle. Sometimes it’s sticky other times it's almost watery, That’s totally normal and expected. However if you are ever concerned about your discharge, colour, amount, consistency or even smell, see a doctor. For there is a normal and abnormal discharge which could point to an infection.

4. What you eat affects your scent

Have you ever heard of the saying you are what you eat? Well, in this case, the kind of food you eat could have an impact on the smell down there. For example, there is a widespread belief that consuming pineapple can give your vagina a sweeter scent. Other foods believed to alter vaginal odour include garlic, onion, and fish, as well as cheese and chillies. Remember if you notice the scent has changed for the worst visit your doctor.

5. Vaginas are self-cleaning

Let’s do away with the soaps and harsh cleaners because the vagina can clean itself. What about the discharge and the smell? How do I get rid of it? Remember the healthy bacteria we mentioned earlier, their sole purpose is to keep your vaginal pH at an optimal level to ward off other hostile bacteria. Cleaning techniques like douching are a bad idea because they can throw off this natural balance, leading to problems like bacterial vaginosis and infection. If you would like tips on how to go about cleaning read here.

6. Just like your face wrinkles with age so does your vagina

Yes, you can count on the appearance of your vagina to change with age. The labia may become less plump as estrogen levels decrease, fatty pads in the labia shrink, and less collagen can lead to more sagging. The skin of the vulva may darken or lighten and the clitoris may shrink. Don’t be worried, it is all normal. These changes will not affect pleasure in any way.

7. Hymens don’t always break during penetrative sex

Most people with vaginas are born with a hymen, a thin piece of skin that stretches across part of the vaginal opening. At no point does the hymen pop or break. They often tear before a person ever has penetrative sex, during some unsexy activity like riding a bike or putting in a tampon. But it’s also common for the hymen to tear during sex especially if it was a bit on the rougher side, in which case a bit of blood is to be expected.

8. You can’t lose anything in your vagina even a tampon

You know that moment of panic when you realise you put in a tampon a while ago and totally forgot about it? Well, it’s not lost, just somewhere in there. At the end of your vagina is your cervix. The only time you can expect your cervix to open up(dilate) is during childbirth. All the other times it remains closed. However, it is common to forget about a tampon for days or even weeks. In which case it might start to give off a rotten, dead organism-like smell. While it’s safe to try to remove a forgotten tampon yourself, you may want to see a doctor to make sure you get all the pieces.

9. When turned on, the vagina gets deeper

If there’s one thing about the vagina, it is that it is accommodating. Think about tampons and childbirth. When aroused the vagina gets deeper. The vagina is about 3 to 6 inches long, and 1 to 2.5 inches wide. After arousal, the upper portion of the vagina elongates, pushing the cervix and uterus slightly deeper into your body to make room for penetration.

10. Kegels are not just for those who have given birth

They are used to increase the strength of your pelvic floor muscles and can benefit anyone with a vagina. After all, your pelvic floor muscles help support all of your pelvic organs, which include the bladder, uterus, bowel, rectum, and of course, the vagina. Besides, stronger vaginal muscles can make sex last longer and feel better. The best part is: You can do them anywhere, anytime. Check this out to learn more about Kegels.

11. You can get ‘wet’ without being sexually aroused

It’s so easy for many people to associate wetness with arousal. But if we are being honest, there might have been times when you were wet and sex was the last thing on your mind. Vaginas do get wet for various reasons. With hormones that cause cervical mucus to be excreted daily and the vulva that has a high concentration of sweat glands. , vaginas can automatically produce lubrication when they’re touched, regardless of arousal.

Remember: Vaginal wetness should never be considered a signal of consent. Consent has to be verbalized.

12. You experience more vaginal dryness with age.

During menopause, your estrogen levels naturally begin to decline which can cause your vaginal tissue to become thinner, drier, and more easily irritated. For those who experience vaginal dryness sex can feel uncomfortable or even painful due to decreased lubrication. Luckily a wide range of treatment options exists to help you find relief.

13. Many people can’t orgasm from vaginal penetration only

You’ll be surprised to learn that only 18% of people are able to achieve an orgasm with penetration alone. The other 80% attribute the main star of their orgasm to be the clitoris. On the other hand, there are those who can experience both a vaginal and clitoral orgasm at the same time, also called a blended orgasm. If this whole topic on orgasms sounds interesting to you, read this!

14. Your vagina may change after childbirth

To say that the vagina permanently stretches for good after childbirth is wrong. In the days directly after giving birth vaginally, your vagina and vulva will likely feel bruised and swollen. It’s also common for your vagina to feel more open than normal. But don’t worry, the swelling and openness subside within a few days. A vagina post-childbirth may not look different from the outside, but it will almost certainly feel different. You can keep your vaginal muscles toned and healthy by practising regular pelvic floor exercises.

15. Vaginas do tear during childbirth

this is a normal part of childbirth and your body is designed to bounce back. More than 79% of vaginal deliveries include tearing or require an incision. These “injuries” can be minor tears or a longer cut (called an episiotomy) made intentionally by a healthcare provider when, for example, the baby is positioned feet-first or the delivery needs to happen faster. As scary as that may sound, your vagina will always heal faster than any other body part due to the amount of blood supply present.

In summary

There’s so much more to learn about the vagina. What they can and can’t do but isn’t amazing just how much they can do or take. Hopefully, now you are more informed about the vagina than when you started reading the article.

Stay informed, stay in control What was something shocking that you learned from this? Share in the comments

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