There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding the vagina that can lead to confusion and even shame. In this article, we will debunk five common myths associated with the vagina to help clear up any misunderstandings and promote healthy attitudes towards women’s sexual health.
- The vagina is naturally ‘dirty’ and ‘smelly’
First of all, this may be the longest standing myth, or blatant misconception, about the vagina. The female sex organ is not naturally dirty or smelly.
It is your lack of knowledge about its proper cleansing since childhood that has contributed to your vagina smelling unpleasant.
Okay, fact: the vagina does not naturally smell like flowers, but men’s penises don’t smell like sandalwood either, so what’s your shame in the natural scent of the vagina?
Ads for products that perfume your vagina should be banned because they give wrong information, wrong education and wrong perception about what the vagina should smell like.
Perfumey products should never be put near the vagina as they only disturb the natural balance of the vagina, thus increasing its unpleasant smell.
You could feel an itch, or even a burning sensation, on your vagina; and this is by no means healthy.
As per information from the Cleveland Clinic, several vaginal odors indicate temporary changes in pH levels and should not be a cause for worry. If you notice a vaginal odor that is mildly sour or tangy, it might suggest a slightly more acidic pH level in your vaginal flora, which is perfectly normal. This scent is linked to the presence of beneficial bacteria in the vagina, known as lactobacilli. Some individuals liken the odor to that of yeast or sourdough bread.
- The vagina needs thorough cleansing with a douche
Whether soaping the inner walls of your vagina or douching, many women have been made to believe that this is what is necessary for the maintenance of a nice-smelling vagina.
Wrong. Absolutely wrong. The more often you wash the inner walls of your vagina with soap and other harsh chemicals, including douche and perfumed products, the more you disturb the natural balance of your vagina.
When this balance is disturbed, you are naturally welcoming bacteria and yeast to live and thrive in your non-alkaline vagina.
The more you wash, the smellier you become and the more you think you need to clean your vagina with harsher products. In reality, the vagina is self-cleaning and only needs warm water to clean.
If we are talking about the skin outside of your vaginal walls, which is called the vulva, then this part can use a little bit of soaping.
According to Healthline Media, using soaps, sprays, gels, or even water to wash inside your vagina can disrupt the natural bacterial balance. This disruption can lead to issues such as bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and other forms of irritation. Additionally, washing your vagina excessively can interfere with its natural ability to clean itself. It is generally recommended to avoid using harsh products inside the vagina and to stick to gentle external cleansing methods to maintain a healthy vaginal environment.
- Vaginal discharge is not normal
In fact, vaginal discharge is normal for most women and it is not necessarily an indication of a health issue. Many things that are normal about your bodily functions could affect the quality and aroma of your vaginal discharge though.
When the discharge is super sticky or if it gives off a very foul aroma, then this may be a strong indication that something wrong has happened to your body.
When that happens, you need to quickly make a doctor’s visit before taking any over-the-counter medication.
Other than that, if your vaginal discharge is just cloudy or milky, and its amount does not cause extreme wetness to your underwear (to a point you need to change more than once a day), this is all normal.
Some variations may happen to your vaginal discharge caused by hormonal changes (part of menstruation or pregnancy) and also diet.
- Your hymen is your seal of virginity
Totally untrue, this one. For thousands of years, certain cultures of our world used this myth as a means to shame women, but this is totally inaccurate.
To say that a virgin will ‘bleed’ on her first sex is crucially wrong. The hymen, which acts as a thin barrier to the vagina, can easily be torn even if a woman has never had vaginal sex.
Heavy sports, injury around this area, or even just using a tampon, can break the hymen. Plus, some people were born without hymen.
Plus, plus again, some virgins do not bleed from their vagina the first time they have sex if their lubrication is on point.
Even more plus than that, if a woman has had a very intimate sexual moment, like kissing and breast fondling, and stimulating the clitoris, this alone should indicate someone isn’t virgin anymore per se.
It’s the experience that matters; not a hymen breaking.
- Tampons, or other stuff for that matter, can get lost in there
This, technically and physiologically, is not possible because the cervix opening is not big enough for a tampon to slide through. So, when women say a tampon has been lost in their vagina, this is not true.
However, what is true is that the said tampon might have been left in the vagina for too long that it has moved to the upper part of the vagina.
When it gets stuck in this area, the tampon string could have become unreachable, making the removal of the tampon virtually impossible. Well, this is the issue of forgetting to take out your tampon.
With that said, always remember to take out your tampon and always check for it on the days you are wearing one.
Doctors have said that sometimes, their patients make a visit and complain about a sudden horrible smell coming out of their vaginas. In most cases, it’s the long-forgotten tampon that’s doing that.
According to an article published in SELF Magazine, there is no need to worry about a tampon, condom, or any other object somehow wandering up through the rest of your body. The vagina is not an open-ended tube; it has a cervix that serves as a barrier to prevent objects like tampons, condoms, and harmful bacteria from freely traveling around the body. The cervix acts as a protective gateway, ensuring that such objects remain within the vaginal canal and do not enter the rest of the reproductive system.
All in all, it was discussed that people need to debunk myths associated with vaginas and clear their information. The five myths we listed can help you identify which information is a myth and which is a fact.
6 Myths About Vaginal Care
Vaginal health and hygiene is a topic that is often shrouded in myths and misinformation. Many women are unsure about the best ways to care for their vaginal health, and may be following outdated or inaccurate advice. In this paper, we will explore six common myths about vaginal care and provide evidence-based information to debunk these misconceptions.
Myth #1: Vaginas are self-cleaning, so no extra care is needed.
While it is true that the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism, this does not mean that no extra care is required. The vagina is home to a delicate balance of bacteria and natural lubrication that helps to maintain its pH level and prevent infections. However, factors such as hormonal changes, sexual activity, and the use of certain products can disrupt this balance, leading to issues such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. It is therefore important to practice good hygiene habits such as washing the external genital area with warm water and a mild, unscented soap and avoiding douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina.
Myth #2: Douching is necessary for vaginal cleanliness.
Douching, or the practice of rinsing the vagina with a mixture of water and vinegar or other solutions, is a common misconception that has been passed down through generations. However, douching is not only unnecessary but can also be harmful. It can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to infections and irritation. The vagina is self-cleaning and does not need any additional help in maintaining its cleanliness.
Myth #3: Tightening creams and products can improve vaginal tightness.
The idea of using products to tighten the vagina is a marketing tactic that has no scientific basis. The vagina is a muscular organ that can stretch to accommodate various activities such as childbirth and sexual intercourse. Products claiming to tighten the vagina may contain harmful ingredients and can cause irritation and allergic reactions. Kegel exercises, which involve contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles, are a safe and effective way to improve vaginal muscle tone and tightness.
Myth #4: Vaginal discharge is always a sign of an infection.
Vaginal discharge is a normal and healthy occurrence. It is the body’s way of cleaning the vagina and maintaining its pH balance. The amount, color, and consistency of discharge can vary throughout the menstrual cycle and can also be affected by factors such as hormonal changes, sexual activity, and the use of certain medications. While changes in discharge can be a sign of an infection, it is not always the case. It is important to pay attention to any abnormal or foul-smelling discharge and consult a healthcare provider if necessary.
Myth #5: Vaginal odor is always a sign of poor hygiene.
Just like discharge, vaginal odor is also a normal occurrence. Every woman has her own unique scent, and this can change throughout the menstrual cycle. Factors such as diet, hormonal changes, and sexual activity can also affect vaginal odor. However, if the odor is strong, fishy, or accompanied by other symptoms such as itching and burning, it may be a sign of an infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Regular bathing and wearing clean, breathable underwear can help to keep vaginal odor in check.
Myth #6: Wearing tight clothing or using scented products can cause vaginal infections.
While tight clothing and scented products may not directly cause vaginal infections, they can contribute to the disruption of the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Tight clothing can create a warm and moist environment, which can promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Scented products such as douches, tampons, and intimate washes can also disrupt the pH balance of the vagina, leading to infections. It is best to avoid these products and opt for unscented, breathable options instead.
In conclusion, the myths surrounding vaginal care can cause confusion and may even lead to harmful practices. It is important for women to educate themselves about their bodies and seek reliable information from healthcare providers. Maintaining good hygiene habits, avoiding harmful products, and being aware of any changes in vaginal health can help women to maintain a healthy and happy vagina.
