As fascinated as our society can be about the female body, it is surprising to know that most women still don’t know the basic facts about one of the most important organs in their body: the vagina.
Talking about the female sex organ is usually considered a taboo topic from a young age, so most of us have limited knowledge about it.
Even as adults, we shy away from talking about issues that deal with our sexuality as women, forgetting that knowledge is power. When we know the facts about our body, we are better informed to take care of it and even to handle our doubts when something unusual is happening to us.
Here are 15 interesting facts you probably didn’t know about the vagina.
1. Women do not pee through their vagina
Surprised? You are not alone. Most people don’t know this either. There are three openings in your private parts: the urethra (where you pee through), the vagina, and the anus.
2. Your vagina can fall out
Yes, it can literally turn itself inside out. Scary? We know, but don’t worry just yet. This condition, known as pelvic prolapse, happens as people get older but can be fixed. Estrogen decline and multiple deliveries are usually the common risk factors.
3. There is no such thing as getting your virginity back
Don’t be fooled by the myths you might have heard; once your virginity is gone, it is gone. There is no way to get it back.
4. You can get STDs even when you use protection
Even when your partner uses a condom, you can still get infected with a sexually transmitted disease. During sex, the skin of your vulva can still touch the skin of the man’s scrotum, and just like that, you are infected.
5. Your vaginal muscles need exercise, too
Just like the muscles in other parts of your body, your pelvic muscles (the ones found in your vagina) need exercise too. If you do not engage in the sexual act regularly, make sure you make up for it by engaging in some exercise routine.
6. Every vulva (vaginal lip) is different
There is no general design to what the outer layer of your vagina should look like. Every vulva differs from the other. Learn to accept yours the way it is.
7. Most women don’t get orgasms from sex alone
If you have been wondering, well, this is it. Most women need their clitoris to be directly stimulated during sex and not the sexual act itself.
ALSO READ: 5 Ways To Maintain Good Vaginal Hygiene When You Have An Infection
8. The vagina doesn’t need to be douched
The vagina is a self-cleansing organism and doesn’t need you to spray it or douche with other products just to get it to smell better. Your vagina has its own natural smell, and it’s nothing like your perfume. Unless you have an infection, any smell it emits is normal.
9. Doing a pap smear can help you detect early stages of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a big issue among women, and it should be taken seriously. Getting a Pap smear done can make all the difference in your life as a woman.
10. Vaginal discharge varies from woman to woman
How much vaginal discharge you make varies widely. Some normal, healthy women spew loads of discharge and need to wear panty liners every day. Others are bone dry. As long as you are not at risk of STDs and you have no itching, burning, or odor, you’re probably just fine. If in doubt, see your gynecologist.
11. Your menstrual blood is supposed to clot
Don’t get worried just yet when you see some clotting in your menstrual blood; it’s usually just your uterine lining. On the other hand, when you see some clotting accompanied by a heavy flow, then something might be up.
12. As you get older, your vagina might feel drier during sex
Even as a young woman, it is okay to need lubrication during sex, but this is more rampant among older women.
13. Your vagina farts too
Usually called a ‘queef’ or ‘varts,’ the vagina can emit sounds just like a fart during sex or exercise. Don’t be embarrassed; it’s perfectly normal.
14. After giving birth vaginally, it’s okay to feel loose
Giving birth stretches out your vaginal muscles, so it is perfectly okay if your vagina hangs loose for a while after that. Pelvic floor exercise, known as Kegel, helps you get the muscle tone back.
15. Sex should not hurt
Unfortunately, most women do not know this and suffer in silence. If you experience pain during sex, don’t keep quiet about it. Your doctor might be able to help you out.