There are many myths surrounding vaginal health that can be confusing and even harmful. In this piece, we will debunk five common misconceptions about vaginal health to help you better understand how to care for your body.
- A healthy vagina should smell like flowers
The first one is probably the silliest misconception about vaginal health.
You are not a plant, you are a mammal; you can’t make yourself smell like a flower garden naturally.
If you have ever heard a man say the sex worker they slept with smelled like flowers and herbs, it’s because professionally trained sex workers use herbal products to make them cleaner and more alluring that way.
As per the study reported by The Birth Center, the vagina is a self-cleaning organ that maintains its health through normal bacteria. This bacterium contributes to its natural musty odor, which is completely normal. It is essential to understand that a vagina should smell like a vagina, not like a flower, fruit, or anything else.
That’s a trade secret for another time, but this time, stick to the fact that vaginas are never going to smell heavenly even for the cleanest, healthiest woman on earth.
Also, the vagina does produce a cloudy discharge and this is normal. As long as your discharge does not smell super funky or be super sticky, you should know that you are in good health.
Don’t put perfumes near your vagina ever to make you smell nicer; the chemicals may cause health problems.
- A vagina is naturally dirty, so it must be douched
This is a big mistake a lot of women believe to be a good deed. Cleaning the vagina thoroughly, especially with a douche, is only hurting it even more.
You are literally inviting bacteria to come up higher and deeper into your reproductive organs. The vagina should be left alone for it to clean itself and maintain its natural acidity.
It is this acidity that keeps bacteria growth in check and prevents infections, like yeast infections and urinary tract infections. The vagina, which is the inner tube of your sex organ, can clean itself alright.
What you need to do is just wash it for a few seconds with warm water. However, if we are talking about the vulva, the external part of the vagina that you can see right away, that part of the skin can be soaped mildly for a few seconds.
- Secreting vaginal discharge is a sign of illness
Vaginal discharge is a natural part of your biology. It is normal and hardly ever a sign of health concerns. If anything, your vaginal discharge can tell you a lot about your health status.
According to Everlywell, vaginal discharge is the result of fluid produced by glands in the vagina and cervix. These glands generate small amounts of fluid called vaginal secretions, which flow out of the vagina daily. This natural process plays a vital role in cleansing the vagina by eliminating old cells that have lined its walls, thereby contributing to overall vaginal health and cleanliness.
Normal vaginal discharge should be cloudy or milky with a mildly sticky consistency. Plus, it should not smell pungent nor should you secrete too much of it.
If your vaginal discharge comes out a lot to a point you need to change your underwear more than once a day, this may be a sign of disturbed health.
Also, if the discharge is any other colour but cloudy or milky white, this is also a sign of something wrong with your health.
Vaginal discharge that is reddish or brownish in colour may have become mixed with blood and you should immediately get yourself checked when you see this happens.
- Vagina gets loose with use
There is a prevalent idea that the vagina gets loose the more you use it in sex. That is not true at all. The vagina is pretty strong and even after a woman gives birth to a human being, it simply returns to normal.
As reported by the University Reproductive Associate, during arousal, the vagina naturally lubricates and expands to accommodate sexual activity. However, these changes reverse once the arousal state ends. The vagina is a resilient area with abundant nerves and blood supply. It is essential to note that traditional penetration during sexual activity does not cause permanent stretching of the vagina. It is a flexible and adaptable part of the body that returns to its original state after sexual arousal.
So, there is no way the biggest penis can make your vagina loose after getting in a few times.
However, labiaplasty is a real thing and it is mostly targeted at women who have given birth and want to do a cosmetic procedure to the appearance of their vulva.
Yes, women who have given birth may see their labia get loose due to the extreme pressure of labour, but that’s for them and not all women will experience the same thing.
However, the fact remains that an active sex life with plenty of penile penetration will not make your vagina loose.
- Pineapples can make you taste sweeter
There are foods that can indeed affect the way you smell down there. For example, coffee and asparagus will make your urine smell stronger.
However, there does not seem to be any food item that may do the opposite, unfortunately.
There is a persistent myth that says eating pineapples can make your juice taste sweeter, but this is a myth at best as there is hardly any scientific evidence to prove it to be true.
On top of that, there is no scientific basis as to why a vagina should not smell simply… like a vagina. However, it is not to say you should abandon the idea of eating pineapples though.
Eating pineapples regularly is considered healthy because they contain a lot of vitamin C and other essential nutrients. Pineapples are also a wonderful addition to any juice as they add an explosion of flavour.
All in all, there are still several myths surrounding vaginal health that have several women confused and worried. We hope that we have helped you debunked several vaginal health myths and now you can identify which one is true.
Is My Vagina Normal?
The topic of vaginal health and normality is one that many women may feel uncomfortable discussing. However, being knowledgeable and aware of what is considered normal can be crucial in maintaining good reproductive health. In this paper, we will explore the different aspects of vaginal health and address the question, “Is my vagina normal?”
Firstly, it is important to define what is meant by “normal” in the context of vaginal health. The perception of what is normal can vary greatly among individuals and cultures. Therefore, when discussing vaginal health, it is crucial to consider what is considered healthy and functioning, rather than conforming to societal expectations or standards.
One of the most common concerns women have about their vaginal health is the appearance of their vulva, which includes the external female genitalia. Many women may feel self-conscious about the size, shape, or color of their labia (the inner and outer folds of skin). However, it is important to note that there is a wide range of variation in vulva appearance, and all shapes, sizes, and colors are considered normal. Unless there is discomfort or pain, there is no need for concern about the appearance of one’s vulva.
Another aspect of vaginal health that is often a cause for concern is vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge is a natural and normal occurrence that helps to keep the vagina clean and healthy. The amount, color, and consistency of discharge may vary throughout the menstrual cycle and can be affected by hormonal changes, sexual activity, and certain medications. As long as there is no foul odor or itching, vaginal discharge is considered normal and healthy.
The pH balance of the vagina is also an important factor in maintaining vaginal health. The vagina is naturally acidic, with a pH level between 3.5 and 4.5. This acidic environment helps to prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast. However, certain factors such as douching, using scented products, and taking antibiotics can disrupt the pH balance and lead to infections. If you are experiencing abnormal discharge or an unpleasant odor, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.
Many women may also be concerned about the tightness or looseness of their vagina. The vagina is a muscular organ that can stretch and expand during sexual activity and childbirth. Factors such as age, hormonal changes, and vaginal childbirth may contribute to a feeling of looseness. However, the vagina has the ability to contract and return to its normal size. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, it is important to communicate with your partner and consult a healthcare provider to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Furthermore, the appearance of the vagina may change with age. As women go through menopause, the levels of estrogen decrease, which can lead to thinning and drying of the vaginal tissue. This can result in a feeling of dryness or discomfort during sexual activity. However, there are treatments available, such as hormone therapy or lubricants, to help alleviate these symptoms.
In conclusion, the concept of a “normal” vagina is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals. However, there are certain aspects of vaginal health that can be considered healthy and functioning, such as the appearance of the vulva, vaginal discharge, pH balance, and ability to contract and return to its normal size. It is essential for women to be knowledgeable about their own bodies and to communicate any concerns or changes with their healthcare providers. Maintaining good vaginal health is crucial for overall well-being, and seeking medical attention when necessary is important in ensuring a healthy and normal vagina.
