If you would like to make a room full of people uncomfortable, say one word, “vagina”. Better yet, ask them to say it. The vagina has been such a taboo topic for so long. Not only is the word largely seen as offensive, the organ itself is shrouded in so much myth that it leaves women questioning their body, and self esteem more often than not. People are only now starting to discover what exactly is true and what isn’t and even with that there’s still a long way to go. Believe it or not, once upon a time the vagina was thought to be a penis reversed. Male ego may have gotten in the way of science eons ago, but we don’t have to allow ourselves to keep being suppressed by untrue facts. Here are 8 myths about the vagina that are simply not true, educate yourselves, so you can educate others around you.
The word “vagina” is a collective term for everything down there
It took almost 19 years for me to learn that what I called my vagina was actually my Vulva. It is common for people to use the word “vagina” when referring to the vulva which includes, the clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, and the opening to the urethra. The truth is that only one part of this area is counts as the “vagina”.
Healthy vaginas have no smell
A healthy vagina has a mild, musky, almost sour, or tangy smell—not necessarily an aromatic bouquet. So if you get the occasional waft of a somewhat fermented product when you lower those undies, don’t panic. It is completely normal.
Vaginal discharge always means you have an infection
Yes, vaginal discharge can be an indication of an infection. However, it’s important to note that discharge is generally normal and healthy. Vaginal discharge is made by glands inside the vagina and cervix, which carry away dead cells and bacteria that could cause infections. This keeps the vagina clean and prevents infections. Abnormal discharge may be yellow or green, chunky in consistency, or foul-smelling—these are signs of a yeast infection or bacterial infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately!
Intact hymen equals virginity
The hymen is a thin layer of tissue that lies just inside the opening of a woman’s vagina. It has been mythologized as a kind of virginity test in popular culture, but that’s not always true: Not everyone is born with a hymen, and even those who are can tear theirs during normal daily activities like tampon insertion or exercise. Intercourse does not need to occur for a hymen to break. I believe I broke mine doing the splits. This all means virgins can have broken or no hymen at all.
Lots of sex loosen the vagina
One vagina myth that is responsible for oppressing women is the lie that sex loosens the vagina. Even today, men are applauded for their sexual conquests while women are shamed. Most men want to sleep with as many women as humanly possible but they want their partners to be “pure” and “untouched”. So, they lord this inaccurate fact over women who are also raised and taught by society to believe this. “There is no evidence or science out there that proves that lots of sex loosens the vagina over time. The vagina is temporarily more open before, during, and after sex” but it always returns to its original shape and size.
It is abnormal to not have orgasms from vaginal stimulation
Vaginal stimulation or penetrative sex is advertised by the media as a sure way for women to achieve orgasm. Growing up I believed it was the only way and even after I discovered the clit and all its earth-shattering nerves I still believed that intercourse would give me a deeper level of pleasure. I was certain the clit would have nothing on the feel of a penis inside my vagina. Sadly, like it is for many women out there that wasn’t even close to being true. Don’t get me wrong, intercourse can be amazing- has been amazing but you don’t need to have an orgasm to have amazing sex. A 2017 study found that only 18% of women said they could orgasm from penetration alone. That was compared to 37% who said they needed clitoral stimulation to orgasm. Many women out there feel ashamed or inadequate because just like I did, they believe a vaginal orgasm far outweighs a clitoral one. Your vagina isn’t broken or abnormal because intercourse can’t make you cum. It is the definition of normal.
Your vagina needs to be thoroughly washed everyday
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. It does not need cleaning products of any kind (and likely won’t like them). Gently wash the outside of your vulva with mild soap and warm water, but do not attempt to perform any sort of internal cleaning or douching.
All vulvas look the same
We’ve all seen those “normal” pictures of vulvas that look like Barbie dolls — bright pink, symmetrical, and pert. But real-life vulvas come in a rainbow of colors, shapes, sizes and textures. If you’ve ever worried about the appearance of your own vagina or had friends make jokes about their own parts, then it’s time to put an end to the stigma surrounding vaginas. Your vagina is beautiful just the way it uniquely is.
For more answers to questions surrounding the vagina, check out the rest of our articles on vaginal health