10 facts about the vagina every woman should know by heart

If there’s something all women must be proud of, it is their vagina. Yes ladies, instead of treating it as Voldemort, “she who must not be named”, it’s time to come out and celebrate it. Why may you ask? Well, it goes through so much, and yet shows resilience like no other. Come on, it even pops a child, and that’s no easy feat. 

But do most of us know everything about this essential piece of reproductive machinery? The answer is a big NO. That’s why we are here to tell you all about it. So, are you ready?

1. What you see on the outside is NOT the vagina

Oh no, we aren’t kidding. When we say the word ‘vagina’, most women tend to consider it as a collective term used for private parts. Well, that’s a mistake, because it is a muscular tube that runs from the vulva to the cervix. And most people don’t know much about its size; it ranges from 2.7 to 3.1 inches, and during sexual arousal, can increase to as much as 4.7 inches!

2. It is self-cleaning

Yes. it’s true. That’s why it is important not to put anything in the vagina. Steer clear of douching, scrubbing inside, or using any kind of scented products. Experts suggest using soap and water is enough to keep the vagina fresh and hygienic. You don’t need anything else!

3. You can’t lose a tampon in there

Relieved, aren’t you? We’ve all heard stories of how a tampon can get lost in a vagina, but thankfully that’s all wrong. Because your vagina is too small for it to escape through! That doesn’t mean a tampon can’t get stuck. If it happens with you, make sure to consult a doctor at the earliest. 

4. You can work out your vagina

Oh no, we don’t mean to say ‘sex’, although it does help to keep your vagina healthy. Here, we are talking about Kegel exercises that are specifically tailored to work out your vagina. You can do these exercises regularly to manage urinary incontinence and improve sexual satisfaction. They are also considered helpful in tightening the vagina. 

5. Your vagina is full of good bacteria

Doesn’t bacteria sound gross? Yes, it does, but this one’s essential to keep your vagina in good shape. That’s why it is important not to douche because it disturbs the balance of microbes in your vagina, along with its natural acidity, potentially leading to growth of harmful bacteria. In fact, douching might just exacerbate vaginal irritation. So, steer clear of it ladies!

6. Your vagina doesn’t need a spa or facial

We know the latest fad to hit the wellness market is a ‘vajacial’ or a facial for a vagina, but ladies, that’s a big NO! For those of you who have watched The Bold Type, you know how one of the lead characters, Jane Sloan, tries out a vajacial and ends up with a yeast infection. Well, that’s the last thing you’d want, right?

7. What you eat affects the smell of your vagina

Don’t know if that’s interesting, but it’s definitely going to make us more conscious of what we eat throughout the day! So, if you find your vagina smelling odd or not-so-usual, think of what you’ve consumed; there lies the answer! 

8. Your vagina needs to breathe

Yes, it’s true. Make sure to wear cotton underwear that lets your vulva breathe. Because a moist and warm environment is going to breed yeast and bacteria, and that’s not a good sign. If you like wearing thongs, you can continue to, as long as they are not causing chafing or irritation. Oh, and you must sleep without underwear to give your vagina plenty of airflow. 

9. Sex helps your vagina stay healthy

Isn’t this super exciting? Well, we all know sex has plenty of benefits. It burns calories, reduces stress, improves immunity and brings you closer to your partner. Moreover, it also keeps the vagina alive and lubricated, especially as women get older and the estrogen levels drop. Now you have many more reasons to have a steamy sex sesh in the bedroom! 

10. It’s not all about the G-spot

For as long as we can remember, there have been several conversations around the G-spot, the erogenous zone of the vagina that is said to help with sexual arousal and orgasm. Have you heard of the A-spot? Also called the anterior fornix erogenous zone, it is believed to be located deep inside the vagina, between the cervix and bladder.