The vagina is an interesting topic to discuss among men and women. However, people still do not know much about its basic anatomy and functioning. Here is the list of 5 things everyone must know about the vagina.
- Your vagina is highly acidic for a good reason
You have probably heard that the vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism of its own. It is true, you know. The natural acidity of the vagina is also a natural bacteria killer.
The vagina needs to be acidic so that bacteria are easily killed off. At the same time, this acidity is also a major spermicide, which means this acidity kills off sperm cells that are unsuitable to become a human.
This then ensures that only the strongest and fittest sperm cell gets to reach the egg. This is why a man’s sperm needs to be strong and healthy to be able to reach the egg, otherwise, chances of pregnancy will be low.
But do you know how this acidic condition remains constant? Well, it’s due to the secretion of lactic acid.
A bacteria known as lactobacilli is responsible for this acidity. Besides, estrogen is also a key determinant in the preservation of this sterility.
According to an article appearing on the PubMed Central website, estrogen influences how the vaginal epithelial cells produce glycogen, which enables the good bacteria to thrive, thus marinating this protective shield.
Now that you know why a vagina is acidic, it is best not to clean the inner part of the vagina with soap so as not to allow bacteria to grow easily.
- You should clean only the outer part of your vagina with soap
People often have a misconception about what constitutes a vagina. The vagina is not actually visible to the eye; what you see down there are the labia, which is often called the lips of the vagina.
The actual vagina is the part inside that can’t be seen right away. This inner part is what’s acidic for a good reason.
So, now when you think of which part of the vagina is not to be cleansed with soap, you know it is the inner part.
Meanwhile, the outer part of the vagina—the lips or the labia—need to be regularly cleaned with mild soap to remove sweat and bacteria.
If you can, it is best to clean the labia part with soap made especially for feminine hygiene. But even feminine hygiene products are still not recommended for cleaning the inner part, which is the vagina.
- Vaginas come in all kinds of shapes and sizes; there is no ‘standard’!
Just like all of the other parts of the human body, the vagina also comes in all kinds of sizes and shapes.
There is no such thing as a pretty vagina aside from that of your own standards, which by the way, it is not inherently bad to want to have a standard of your own.
The difference are as many as the women in the universe. Each vagina is unique in its way, and even the same one could change in color, texture, and appearance.
These variations could make you wonder whether your vagina is normal. Well, according to an article in the Medical News Today, your vagina is perfect in its current state, provided it’s fulfilling its core function.
However, it is still useful to know that there is no standard that makes a normal vagina, normal. Just like hands, fingers and feet, vaginas come in different shapes and levels of fullness.
The size and shape of the clitoris, the colour of your vulva; all that is unique to each individual.
As long as there are no abnormalities that can pose a health hazard nor are you dirty, you should be fine with any shape and colour of the vagina that you have.
- The female clitoris is literally the equal of a male phallus
The clitoris, or clit for short, is the peanut-shaped part of your vagina. It is located just above the opening of the vagina and is actually the pleasure spot for all women.
Did you know that the small clitoris is the part of your vagina that has the most nerve endings? Yup, and that’s literally the equal of a man’s penis.
That’s why this part will need more stimulation if a woman wants to get the same level of pleasure as a man. So, the whole vaginal pleasure thing is elusive at best, although not impossible.
But why bother with stimulating the wrong part when the clitoris is right there staring you in your face?
A man needs to position his pelvis a little higher than a woman’s pelvis to be able to stimulate the clitoris while penetrating her.
- The G-spot is highly likely only a myth
Everyone has heard of the ever-elusive G-spot. So many articles and sex tips have been provided for us to understand where exactly the G-spot is.
But recent studies have suggested that the G-spot is highly likely only a myth.
Forget those few centimetres inside the vagina that is said to be the pleasure spot for females, when you really come around, the whole concept doesn’t even sound plausible.
It simply doesn’t make sense that there’s a patch of the membrane that just happens to have the most nerve ends.
According to a publication on the PubMed Advanced website, the G-spot has been accepted as a highly erogenous spot with massive nerve ending.
The reality though is that no scientific evidence exists to confirm the presence of this location. The study concludes that the available behavioral, biochemical, and anatomical evidence aren’t strong enough to substantiate this claim.
Experts have suggested that when vaginal orgasm happens it is more likely due to intense stimulation (read: friction) to the clitoris.
And as you know, the clitoris is located just above the vaginal opening and with the correct positioning, it is easy to stimulate the clitoris while having a vaginal penetration, which ultimately leads to orgasm.
To round things off, everyone must know essential facts about the vagina if they want to take proper care of their reproductive organ and conceive early. Taking care of the vagina can make women feel overall happy and content.
Vagina Facts You’ll Want To Tell All Your Friends
The vagina is a remarkable organ that plays a crucial role in female reproductive and sexual health. Despite its importance, there is still a lot of misinformation and taboo surrounding it. Many women and even men are not aware of the true facts about the vagina. In this paper, we will explore some interesting and important facts about the vagina that everyone should know.
1. The word ‘vagina’ comes from the Latin word for ‘sheath’ or ‘sword holder.’
The word ‘vagina’ is often used to refer to the entire female genitalia, but it is actually just one part of the female reproductive system. The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. Its main function is to allow for sexual intercourse, childbirth, and the passage of menstrual blood.
2. The vagina is self-cleaning.
The vagina has a natural cleaning system that helps maintain its pH balance and prevent infections. This self-cleaning mechanism is carried out by the good bacteria present in the vagina, called lactobacilli. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which keeps the vaginal environment acidic and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.
3. The vagina is capable of stretching and expanding.
The vagina is a highly elastic organ that can stretch and expand to accommodate various objects, such as a penis or a baby during childbirth. During sexual arousal, the vagina can also expand to accommodate a larger object, such as a sex toy or a baby’s head.
4. The vagina is acidic.
The vagina has a pH level of around 3.5 to 4.5, making it slightly acidic. This level of acidity is necessary to maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and prevent infections. It also helps to keep the sperm from surviving for too long, which can decrease the chances of fertilization.
5. The vagina is not just a hole.
Contrary to popular belief, the vagina is not just a hole. It is a complex organ with a structure that includes the labia majora and minora, clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening. These structures work together to provide sexual pleasure and protect the vagina from infections.
6. The vagina can lubricate itself.
The vagina has glands that produce a natural lubricant to keep it moist and comfortable. This lubricant is crucial during sexual intercourse as it reduces friction and makes penetration easier. However, certain factors such as hormonal changes, medications, and stress can affect the production of this lubricant.
7. The vagina changes throughout a woman’s life.
The vagina goes through many changes from birth to old age. During childhood, it is small and undeveloped. At puberty, it starts to grow and develop, becoming capable of sexual intercourse and childbirth. As a woman ages, her estrogen levels decrease, leading to thinning and drying of vaginal tissues, which can cause discomfort and painful intercourse.
8. The vagina has a unique scent.
All vaginas have a unique scent, and this scent can change throughout the menstrual cycle. The scent is mostly influenced by the bacteria present in the vagina and can also be affected by factors such as diet, hygiene, and sexual activity. A healthy vagina should have a mild, musky smell, and any strong or unpleasant odor may indicate an infection.
9. The vagina is not meant to be completely hairless.
Contrary to popular belief, the vagina is not meant to be completely hairless. The pubic hair surrounding the vagina serves as a protective barrier against friction and bacteria. However, personal preference and cultural norms have led to the widespread practice of removing pubic hair.
10. The vagina can be impacted by mental and emotional health.
The vagina is not just a physical organ; it is also connected to our mental and emotional well-being. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues can affect the health of the vagina and lead to conditions such as vulvodynia and vaginismus. It is essential to address any underlying mental health concerns to maintain a healthy vagina.
In conclusion, the vagina is a complex and amazing organ that deserves to be celebrated and understood. By knowing these facts, we can break the stigma and taboo surrounding the vagina and have open and honest conversations about sexual and reproductive health. So, go ahead and share these facts with your friends, and let’s spread awareness and promote a better understanding of the vagina.
