There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about the vagina. For example, many people think that it is essential to wash the vagina with soap or it is possible to lose a tampon in the vagina. That’s why it is essential to learn accurate information and debunk myths. In this article, we have gathered eight surprising facts about the vagina you may not know about.
1. The vagina is a bit sour
There are a lot of bacteria in the vagina. Lactobacilli are the “good” bacteria that manage vaginal balance. They help maintain a sour pH in the female parts of the body and prevent the growth of bacteria that cause infection. When lactobacilli levels decrease, the vaginal pH can rise above 4.5, which is an ideal environment for vaginal infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis to develop. V-Luxe probiotics help balance pH level and fight bacterial vaginosis.
2. You can’t lose a tampon in your vagina
There is a common misconception that you can easily lose a tampon in your vagina or it can travel throughout your reproductive system. But the reality is that the vagina ends with the cervix, a passageway that connects the vagina and the uterus. The size of the cervical opening is usually a few millimeters so the tampon can’t slip through it. However, some women can forget to take the tampon out and this can result in abnormal discharge, unpleasant smell, pain, and even fever.
3. Douching and scented soaps can be quite dangerous
Many women practice douching and use scented soaps to clean the vagina and get rid of the smell. But you should understand that the vagina has its own smell that is completely normal. If you have noticed that your vagina has an unpleasant odor, it can be a sign of a certain infection or disease. Additionally, douching can disrupt the natural pH balance in your vagina while scented soaps can cause irritation and allergy. Regular douching can also result in bacterial vaginosis and increase your risk of getting the pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
4. The vagina should be lubricated during sex
Insufficient lubrication during sex can cause a lot of unpleasant complications. The most common of them is discomfort and pain during sex, irritation, microcracks, and vagina bleeding. That’s why it is essential to prolong foreplay or use additional lubrication. But if you experience a lack of lubrication regularly, it can be a sign of vaginal dryness. In this case, it is better to visit a gynecologist.
5. Vaginal orgasm is quite rare
Many people think that vaginal orgasm is achievable for almost every woman. But the reality is that only 18 percent of women can reach vaginal orgasm without clitoral stimulation. The other 82 percent of women need to stimulate the clitoris. Additionally, some women may have vaginal and clitoral orgasms at the same time which may seem rare but achievable. You should also know that there are many healthy women that can’t reach orgasm at all.
6. The vagina can change its size
The length of an unstimulated vagina ranges from 2.75 inches to about 3,25 inches. When a woman becomes aroused, the vagina increases to 4.75 inches. However, it can increase more, depending on the penis size. Indeed, it is possible to tear the vagina if sex is rough or when you deliver a baby. But in most cases, the vagina just stretches during sex or childbirth and then turns back to its normal size.
7. You can tighten up your vagina with the help of exercising
If you have never heard about Kegel exercises, it’s high time to spend a few minutes and read about them. Kegel exercises help strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Women who have urinary incontinence, pelvic organs prolapse, and have trouble holding in their stool or gas can benefit from these exercises. Many women who practice Kegel exercises admit that exercising helps them reach and orgasm more easily. That’s why you can start practicing them even if you don’t have any problems with the pelvic floor.
8. Abnormal vaginal discharge can be a sign of a disease
The female reproductive system produces vaginal discharge throughout the menstrual cycle. These discharges can change a bit during ovulation. But if your vaginal discharge becomes abnormal (changed color, odor, and/or texture), it can be a sign of the following conditions:
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial vaginosis
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Cervicitis
- Cervical cancer
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
If you have noticed that your discharge has changed, don’t delay your check-up with a gynecologist. Timely and proper treatment can help ease your symptoms and prevent the development of severe complications.
The bottom line
It is essential to understand that every woman is unique and the size, smell, or color of the vagina can vary. You should also know that there is no need to douche or wash the vagina since it is self-cleaning and this can do more harm than good. But if you have some unusual symptoms like abnormal discharge, vaginal bleeding between periods, unpleasant vaginal smell, it is better to make an appointment with your gynecologist.
