What is true?
Although half the population has one, there is still a lot to learn about the vagina. Is there a standard model, can you get rid of a tampon in it and how do you keep her healthy? Eight facts and fables about the female genitalia explained.
1. The vagina consists of several parts
That is not true. The vagina is only the internal part of the genital tract. It is a tubular, elastic structure between the cervix and the outside of the body. The external part, so the labia, clitoris and exit of the urethra, is called vulva. When we talk about the vagina, we often mean the internal as well as the visible parts of the female genitals.
2. Vaginas brush themselves
A fact. The vagina has a great self-cleaning capacity. The environment in the vagina has an acidity where most germs cannot survive. Washing with soap or special agents is therefore not necessary. Soap and scrubbing actually disrupt the acidity, which puts you at greater risk of infections.
3. All women have one
That doesn’t apply to all women. Every year in the Netherlands, four girls are born without a vagina and uterus, because they suffer from MRK syndrome. They do have external genitalia and ovaries. Sometimes there is a dimple where a vagina should be.
This congenital abnormality often only becomes apparent during puberty, when it is noticeable that menstruation is absent. Some women with MRK syndrome choose to create a vagina surgically or using rods.
4. They all look different
An absolute fact, a standard model vagina does not exist. They are all different, just like other body parts. A vagina is about 6 to 12 centimeters deep. When excited, a few more centimeters can be added. The width varies and can stretch enormously during childbirth. Everyone looks different from the outside too. Labia come in all shapes and sizes. In many women the ‘small’ labia are larger than the ‘large’, but in other women they are barely visible.
5. A lot of discharge indicates an infection
fable. One naturally produces more secretion than the other. It is therefore difficult to say what a normal amount of vaginal discharge is. The amount also changes during the cycle. For example, you often have more trouble with it during ovulation and just before menstruation.
Does the smell, color or quantity suddenly change a lot? Or is it bloody, while you’re not on your period? Do you have abdominal pain, itching or a burning sensation when urinating? Then there may be something wrong and a visit to the doctor is recommended.
6. Vaginal complaints are rare
Unfortunately, that is a myth, as many as four in five women sometimes suffer from vaginal complaints. For example, itching, irritation or abnormal discharge. In addition, more than 60 percent of women have had a vaginal yeast infection, according to a study.
7. Exercise Improves Orgasm
Fact. The pelvic floor muscles play an important role in sex. When you are aroused or ejaculating, they unconsciously contract rhythmically. If you know where they are, you can tighten them on purpose during sex to increase the arousal. In addition, there seems to be a correlation between the strength of contractions and the intensity of orgasms.
Pelvic floor exercises train your pelvic floor muscles. We also call these exercises Kegel exercises, after the gynecologist Arnold Kegel who invented them.
8. You can lose a tampon
Not really, because he has nowhere to go. A tampon does not fit through the cervix and therefore cannot possibly end up in the uterus. A forgotten tampon and the string can slide a bit. Especially if you leave a tampon in place during sex or insert a second one.
Such a ‘lost’ tampon is a breeding ground for bacteria and should therefore be removed as soon as possible. Squeezing while squatting can help get it out. Or feel carefully with two clean fingers whether you can grab it. If that doesn’t work, go to your doctor. You’re really not the first to come up with this embarrassing problem.
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