Misconceptions and myths about the female anatomy abound, and many of them can harm your sex life. Here are five common beliefs about the vagina that both men and women have, along with the facts that debunk them.
- Some men believe that a healthy vagina should smell like flowers
We don’t really know where this idea stems from, but some men, especially the really young ones do believe that the female genitalia should naturally smell like flowers.
Is it stemming from false advertisements? We don’t know. Come to think of it, we need to conduct a serious series of interviews just to know where such men get the idea that the human body can smell like plants.
But the more troublesome thing about this is how the idea is also embraced by girls!
Since girls are the owners of said vaginas, they buy this whole nonsense and feel bad about themselves for not having a vagina that smells like watermelon or roses.
According to the study featured in The New York Times, some girls continue to hold the misconception that their vaginal scent should resemble that of a flower. Unfortunately, this belief often results in a loss of self-confidence among many girls. However, it’s crucial for them to understand that no human has a vaginal scent akin to a bouquet of flowers.
This is highly damaging to a girl’s self-esteem as it is simply insensible to expect such a thing. There is not a single human whose vagina smells like a flower bouquet.
- Some women still believe the vagina needs douching
Douching the vagina is a custom in some countries. A lot of people believe that the vagina is naturally dirty, and thus, must be cleansed thoroughly by douching.
This is a big mistake as douching can actually worsen the condition of a vagina that is already experiencing imbalances.
First of all, you need to get a grip on reality and realise that the vagina is not ‘naturally dirty’. If you do dirty things and are lacking in your hygiene game, maybe so.
But the vagina is a self-cleaning organ that can naturally kill bacteria and yeast. Cleaning the vagina in its entirety by douching only removes the good bacteria and the vagina’s natural acidity to protect itself.
Constantly douching, then, invites more bacteria into your vagina as this is only destroying the vagina’s natural pH balance. Your vagina only needs warm water to clean.
- People still believe girls bleed when ‘losing their virginity’
We have this persistent myth that’s still going around, which we believe must be destroyed as soon as possible. This whole idea is that a girl pops a cherry when she has sex for the first time.
The idea is that her hymen should break upon the first penis in vagina sex and this becomes a commemorative sign that she has lost her virginity. Let’s bust this myth.
When a girl’s hymen breaks, it is possible that mini bleeding happens. But the fact is that the hymen is a piece of membrane that is ultra fragile.
It literally can break by just engaging in sport, inserting a tampon, falling on your bum, and many other things—including self-exploration.
By the time a girl is ready for her first penis in vagina sex, her hymen has most likely been broken long before. That bleeding during the first sex is more likely from the dude being so bad.
- The vagina gets ‘loose’ from too much penetrative sex
Another silly idea involving the importance of a guy’s penis is that frequent sex can literally loosen up the vagina.
Like people really believe that the penis, especially when it is so big, can over time loosen the vagina and make it bigger and so… the vagina loses its tightness. That’s narcissistic hogwash at best.
As outlined in the study documented by Science Direct, there’s a prevalent belief that frequent sexual activity involving a guy’s penis can lead to vaginal looseness. However, it’s important to understand that regardless of the size of the penis, there is no impact on the vagina’s tightness. The vagina has the ability to expand during sexual activity and return to its original size afterward.
The penis, no matter how big, is really not all that potent to change a girl’s vagina to such an extent.
Remember that the vagina can literally expand so big as to allow a freakish goblin (a.k.a. baby) to pass through and then return to its normal size.
Do you really think something as small as a guy’s penis, even when it’s 7 inches in length, can destroy a woman’s vagina to such an extent?
Not a chance. Men literally be giving themselves so much credit for what their penises can do to a woman.
- Vaginal discharge is unhealthy
The idea that the vagina produces discharge is still believed by many people to be something unhealthy. The idea is something like you have eaten something bad and now your vagina is bleeding puss or something.
People are grossed out by vaginal discharge. This is a very misinformed and at the same time destructive idea. This whole thing disrespects female biology and dignity so much.
Based on the article featured in Medical News Today, there’s a common misunderstanding that associates vaginal discharge with being unhealthy. However, what often goes unnoticed is that the vagina consistently produces discharge as a fundamental element of its self-protective system. This discharge is a product of the glands and cervix, working together to eliminate old cells that have accumulated along the vaginal walls.
The vagina naturally comes up with discharge every single day as it is part of its self-protection system. This discharge comes from the glands and the cervix to cleanse old cells that have lined up along the vaginal walls.
This happens every day and shouldn’t be seen as unhealthy. However, it does tell you if you are unhealthy. If your discharge is abnormal in consistency or smells strong, this may be a sign of distress or unhealthy. Time to check with your gyno.
To conclude, we explored five facts about the vagina that people believe and try but can actually affect their sex life. Considering these facts can help women and men be cautious about several things and make better health-related decisions.
Vaginal Aging: How Your Vagina Changes As You Age
As women age, they experience many physical changes in their bodies, and one area that is often overlooked is the vagina. Just like any other part of the body, the vagina also undergoes aging and can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall health and well-being. Vaginal aging is a natural and normal process, but it can also bring about a range of symptoms and concerns that can affect a woman’s quality of life. In this paper, we will discuss how the vagina changes as women age, the potential effects of these changes, and ways to maintain vaginal health throughout the aging process.
The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the uterus to the external genitalia. It is a crucial organ for sexual and reproductive health, and its function is heavily influenced by hormones. As women age, their hormone levels, particularly estrogen, decrease, which can lead to various changes in the vagina. One of the most common changes is a decrease in vaginal lubrication, making intercourse painful and uncomfortable. This is due to the thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, a condition known as vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy can also cause itching, burning, and irritation, leading to a decreased interest in sex and a decline in sexual satisfaction.
Another significant change in the vagina as women age is a decrease in vaginal elasticity. The vagina is a highly elastic organ that can stretch and accommodate a baby during childbirth. However, with age, the vaginal muscles lose their elasticity, leading to laxity or looseness in the vaginal walls. This can also contribute to sexual problems, such as decreased sensation and difficulty reaching orgasm. It can also lead to urinary incontinence, where women may experience leaks or frequent urges to urinate.
The changes in the vagina’s appearance are also a common concern for women as they age. The labia, which are the folds of skin on the outside of the vagina, can become elongated and lose their plumpness, making them appear asymmetrical and less aesthetically pleasing. This can cause discomfort and self-consciousness for some women, affecting their body image and self-esteem.
Aside from physical changes, vaginal aging can also have a significant impact on a woman’s emotional and psychological well-being. Many women may feel embarrassed or ashamed of the changes happening to their bodies, leading to a decrease in confidence and self-worth. They may also feel a loss of sexual desire and intimacy, which can strain relationships and lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Fortunately, there are ways to maintain vaginal health and alleviate the symptoms of vaginal aging. Regular sexual activity or stimulation, whether alone or with a partner, can help increase blood flow to the area and prevent vaginal atrophy. Using a water-based lubricant during intercourse can also help reduce discomfort and pain. Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegels, can help strengthen the vaginal muscles, improve bladder control, and enhance sexual function. It is also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to promote overall vaginal health.
For more severe cases of vaginal atrophy or laxity, there are medical treatments available, such as hormone replacement therapy and laser therapy. Hormone replacement therapy involves taking estrogen and progesterone to restore hormone levels and alleviate symptoms of vaginal aging. Laser therapy, on the other hand, uses a laser to stimulate collagen production in the vaginal tissue, improving its elasticity and overall health.
In conclusion, vaginal aging is a natural and normal process that women will experience as they grow older. The changes in the vagina can have a significant impact on a woman’s sexual, emotional, and physical well-being. It is crucial for women to understand these changes and take steps to maintain their vaginal health. Regular sexual activity, pelvic floor exercises, and a healthy lifestyle can help alleviate symptoms and promote overall vaginal health. It is also essential for women to communicate with their healthcare providers about any concerns or changes they may experience, as there are medical treatments available that can help improve vaginal health and quality of life.
