Most young or teenage girls are unaware or still learning about their bodies and how they work; the same is true with vaginas. So, here is the list of 5 things you might not know about your vagina.
- What you usually refer to as the vagina is actually the labia
People usually refer to the labia as the vagina, which is harmless, but this is just inaccurate and we are simply going technical here. With that said, the vagina does not equal the penis. If people refer to the penis as the visible part of the male reproductive system, the labia is the immediate part of the entire vagina which can be seen.
The outer lips of the vulva are what’s called the labia. Meanwhile, the vagina itself starts from within the inner lips of the vulva. So, technically speaking, unless you open up and peek inside through a mirror, the vagina is not always readily visible. Your guy probably has seen your vagina more than you have ever done so—provided he goes down on you regularly!
Also, this topic has been addressed in the article published by Cleveland Clinic, where the distinction between “vaginas” and “vulvas” is often a source of confusion. It is crucial to understand that your vagina and vulva are separate and distinct parts of your anatomy. The vagina is a canal-like organ located inside your body, which opens externally. Its primary function is to serve as a powerful passageway, connecting your uterus (situated inside your body) to the vulva. The vulva, on the other hand, comprises your external reproductive organs or genitals.
The technical misconception is similar to the male testicles. What they call the testes are actually inside the sack of skin that houses the ‘balls’.
- The vagina has its own natural protective system
The vagina doesn’t actually need much cleaning. We know that sounds weird, but hang on. The vagina is a very complex system that has its own very smart cleaning and protective systems. First of all, you should know that the vagina is a very acidic environment. This is done for two great purposes: first is to kill off bacteria so they don’t easily develop and spread, and second is to kill off sperm cells that are not the best of the best (to ensure normal and healthy growth of a foetus!)
As such, this natural acidity is not supposed to be entirely cleansed away every single day. It has been suggested that it is best to cleanse the inner part of the vagina with just warm water (every day!), and only use soap on the outer part, which is the labia. The outer skins are safe to soap, generally. Don’t forget to properly soap your crotch as well.
In their comprehensive discussion, MDPI explored the vaginal defensive mechanism, emphasizing the essential contributions of both the microbiota and the host in safeguarding against pathogens. The vaginal mucosa acts as the primary line of defense for the host, functioning as a physical, chemical, and immunological barrier, effectively warding off potential external pathogens.
Another vital component of this defense system is Defensins, a class of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted in the vagina. These peptides employ various mechanisms of action to combat pathogens, directly killing them and inhibiting bacterial toxins. Notably, they demonstrate effectiveness against formidable pathogens like HIV and HPV.
- The female urethra is much shorter than the male urethra
The urethra is the tiny pipe (or rather, tube) that connects your urinary bladder to the urinary meatus, which means this is the pipe through which your pee gets released. In the female anatomy, the urethra is much shorter because the opening, which is the vagina, is readily open at the base of the pelvis. Meanwhile, in the male anatomy, the urethra is significantly longer because their opening is located at the tip of the penis head.
As per the National Institute of Cancer, the female urethra is relatively short, measuring only 3 to 4 cm (approximately 1.5 inches) in length. Its external urethral orifice opens just anterior to the vaginal opening. On the other hand, in males, the urethra is considerably longer, spanning about 20 cm (7 to 8 inches), and serves as a passage for both urine and semen.
What you need to know with this anatomical difference, is that the female reproductive system is much more prone to infection than the male counterpart because bacteria have an easier time to travel up within the short passage of the urethra. Thank god the vagina is naturally that acidic as a layer of extra protection! So, don’t be soaping the vagina too often if you want to prevent easy development of yeast.
- That thing can take a pounding
Surely you have heard both females and males talk about ‘growing some balls’ as a metaphor for developing and embracing a strong will or bravery. But that expression really is very funny when you understand the difference between the labia and the testicles. First off, really those dangling balls are so weak and frail. So much so that they are exactly what would ‘kill’ a man. Right?
So, why would you grow some balls if you want to be strong? Grow some labia if you want to be strong because that thing can take a pounding! The outer lips of the vagina are very strong and stable and you see no matter how hard a guy pounds at you, you will still be okay. Now that’s strength!
So, next time a guy acts immature and talks big about growing some balls, maybe you could school him a little bit for some reality check.
- The female’s clitoris is the equivalent of the male’s penis
Do you know anything about how they say all men were once females? Yep, that’s true. In fact, all foetuses start off with being female. Then, with the inclusion of the Y chromosome to the existing X chromosome, the XY chromosome produces a male.
We suspect the penis actually grew from what would have been the clitoris had the foetus remained female, although there is no scientific evidence for this. BUT! The interesting part is that these two sex organs have very similar nerve patterns. This is why the clitoral stimulation feels that much better for females, because it is the equivalent of guys pleasing themselves with the penis.
With that said, this is why female genital mutilation is NOT okay. Because removing a female’s clitoris is not the same as removing an extra layer of skin on the tip of the penis head. Removing the clitoris is equivalent to removing a male’s entire phallus! And that is very, very cruel and wrong.
In the end, the vagina is an interesting anatomical part of the female body that fascinates men and women. However, these five things are rarely discussed, and most women are unaware of them and their association with their vaginas.
Facts About Vaginas That You Didn’t Know
The vagina is a complex and often misunderstood part of the female reproductive system. Despite its crucial role in sexual pleasure and childbirth, many people lack knowledge about its anatomy and functions. In this paper, we will explore some little-known facts about vaginas that might surprise you.
1. The word ‘vagina’ comes from the Latin word for ‘sheath.’
The term ‘vagina’ originates from the Latin word ‘vāgīna,’ which means ‘sheath’ or ‘scabbard.’ This name was chosen in ancient times because of the vagina’s resemblance to a sword sheath or a protective covering.
2. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ.
Many people are taught to believe that vaginas need to be cleaned regularly with soap and water. However, this is not the case. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that produces its own natural lubricant and maintains a healthy pH balance. Excessive cleaning with soap or douching can actually disrupt this balance and lead to infections.
3. The size and shape of the vagina can vary greatly.
Contrary to popular belief, there is no ‘normal’ size or shape for a vagina. Vaginas come in all shapes and sizes, just like any other body part. The length and width of the vagina can also change depending on factors such as arousal, childbirth, and age.
4. The clitoris is much larger than it appears.
The visible part of the clitoris is only a small portion of the entire organ. The rest of the clitoris is located inside the body, with two ‘legs’ that extend along the vaginal walls. The clitoris contains over 8,000 nerve endings, making it the most sensitive part of the female body.
5. The vagina can expand up to 200% during sexual arousal.
The vagina is a highly elastic organ that can stretch to accommodate different sizes, such as during childbirth. However, even during sexual arousal, the vagina can expand up to 200% of its resting size to accommodate a penis, sex toy, or childbirth.
6. The hymen is not a sign of virginity.
The hymen is a thin membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a sign of virginity and does not ‘break’ during first-time penetrative sex. The hymen can be stretched or torn from various activities such as exercise, tampon use, or even just sitting down.
7. Vaginal discharge is normal and healthy.
Vaginal discharge is a normal and necessary part of vaginal health. It helps flush out dead cells, bacteria, and other harmful substances from the vagina. The amount, texture, and color of discharge can vary throughout the menstrual cycle, and changes in these factors can indicate different stages of the cycle or potential health issues.
8. The vagina is a major source of pleasure.
While the primary function of the vagina is for childbirth and menstruation, it is also a major source of sexual pleasure. The walls of the vagina are lined with nerve endings, and the clitoris is a highly sensitive organ that can lead to intense orgasms when stimulated.
9. Vaginas are not supposed to be odorless.
Many people believe that vaginas should have no odor, but this is not true. A healthy vagina has a slight odor that can vary from person to person. It is only a cause for concern if the odor is strong, fishy, or accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, burning, or discharge.
10. Vaginas can change after menopause.
As women age and go through menopause, their bodies go through significant hormonal changes. This can lead to changes in the vaginal walls, making them thinner, drier, and less elastic. This can cause discomfort during sex, but there are treatments available to help with these changes.
In conclusion, the vagina is a complex and fascinating organ that plays a crucial role in both reproductive and sexual health. By understanding its anatomy and functions, we can better appreciate and care for this essential part of the female body. It is important to educate ourselves and others about the vagina to break the stigma and misinformation surrounding it.
