You might think you know all you should know about the vagina, but you may be surprised about the many common misconceptions! Check out these 5 vaginal myths and be in-the-know!
Myth #1: Vaginal discharge means you have an STD (or other health issues).
While having an STD might cause some discharge, having a dischage does not necessarily mean you have an STD or yeast infection. You might be surprised to know that everyone with a vagina experiences discharge. Healthy discharge keeps the vagina clean and lubricated. It also reduces one’s risk of infections. The colour, amount and discharge thickness can change depending on sex, periods, or childbirth. Paying attention to your vaginal discharge is a great way to get to know your own body.
Myth #2: The whole area is called the vagina.
This is probably one of the most common mistakes of all time – calling everything in the southern region as the ‘vagina’. The external parts of the genitals is called the vulva. It includes the labia majora (larger lips on the outside), labia minora (smaller lips on the inside), clitoris, vaginal and urethral opening, and of course, the anus. All “know your body” knowledge that’s especially useful when being able to properly describe what hurts to your doctor.
Myth #3: If it doesn’t smell good, it’s probably dirty.
It’s time to stop using scented wash and wipes and embrace your natural scent! Many vaginal washes advertise themselves to be “pH balancing”. However, your vagina balances your pH and it does not need any help. This means no special products, scented sprays and douching is needed. If you feel like your vaginal scent is abnormal, visit your OBGYN.
Myth #4: Having too much sex will get your vagina “loose”.
Historically, vaginas have been considered to be delicate and private – something that needs to be hidden and revealed only at the time virginity is lost. The concept that a woman’s vagina will be ‘ruined’ after having too much sex is not true. The vagina is incredibly elastic. It doesn’t just stretch to accommodate size, but it also snaps back to its original shape not long after sex or even childbirth.
Myth #5: You can lose a tampon inside it.
Given the anatomical nature of the body, losing a tampon inside the vagina is impossible. The vagina is only a few inches long – if the string gets caught up on the inside, you just have to dig a little more to locate it. Don’t fret, it will not be floating in your stomach by noon.
