5 facts about your vagina you should take pride in

The vagina is the most mysterious and intimate yet most integral part of being a woman. When it comes to the vagina, there is a lot of misinformation out there, especially because it is the least discussed organ. We are often clueless and have limited information, though it is a very important aspect of our reproductive health because of the taboo associated with it. It’s high time we ask ourselves how much do we know about this essential part of our body? Here we are doling out some awesome facts about vagina

Procreation is the most important component of evolution, and the vagina is the gateway for the beginning of new life. There are tremendous evolutionary advantages given by mother nature for the existence and survival of the vagina. Our belief in nature and trust in science will help us to stay positive, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

For the uninitiated, here are 5 facts about the vagina that we probably were unaware of:

1. Your vagina can clean itself independently

Like a modern woman, the vagina is so independent that it keeps itself clean and healthy. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ due to its natural secretions. Vaginal discharge is a normal healthy bodily function, the body’s way of cleaning and protecting the vagina. Due to the hormone estrogen, the vagina is colonized with healthy bacteria like lactobacilli that maintains its ideal acidic pH balance. This acidic pH makes it difficult for breeding of bad bacteria thus reducing risk of infections.

Protective tips:

1. Use of intimate feminine hygiene products inside the vagina should be avoided.
2. Avoid douching of the vagina which disturbs the vaginal environment.

2. Your vagina can shapeshift

A woman has the ability to stretch herself to achieve her goals, so is her vagina at the time of childbirth. It is true that the vagina stretches during childbirth, to accommodate the passage of the baby through the birth canal. The pelvic floor muscles are designed to stretch to the extent required based on how big your baby’s head is. Also, consider if you have had past deliveries or any other complications. Remember that the vagina is resilient and totally flexible as it is like an elastic rubber band that expands and returns to its original shape and size.

Protective tips:

1. It is a good idea to do some pelvic floor exercises also known as Kegels to help strengthen the muscles of the region.
2. If you experience weakened pelvic muscles that cause urinary or fecal incontinence, connect with your doctor

3. Sex has no effect on its elasticity

The woman has the right to choose when and how and so does the vagina without the fear of getting loose while having sex. As you have understood now, the vagina is a muscular organ hence when you have sex, it has no impact nor causes any permanent changes. When it can accommodate a baby, it can accommodate the ‘organ’ as well. When you are aroused, the muscles relax thus making room for penetration. It would tighten again post intercourse, thus if you are worried about getting loose from sex, please note that’s not a thing that exists.

Protective tips:

1. Don’t get influenced by myths that can dampen your sexual life, as it can have far reaching effects on your relationship.
2. Virginity is not a physical but a perceptual definition and has nothing to do with the looseness or tightness of the vagina.
3. There could be medical reasons for an extremely tight vagina, called vaginismus for which u can take medical help.

4. Your vagina can heal itself

A woman knows how to bounce back from adversity or when hurt so also her vagina heals well after tears from delivery. Vaginal tears are not uncommon during childbirth as the baby stretches the vagina and can cause a tear in the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus). The tears can range from first-degree to fourth degree depending on the amount of tissues involved. Mostly they are easily healed over time after stitches given by the doctor after delivery. Recovery varies from person to person, with some women experiencing more pain that can be easily managed.

Protective tips:

1. Don’t be afraid of the deliberate cut given at the perineum to assist delivery (episiotomy) if the doctor chooses to give one.
2. Medications and painkillers may be given to overcome the pain.
3. There is no reason to choose elective C-sections for fear of vaginal injury

5. Vaginas are diverse in shapes and sizes

In the modern era, there is no room for body shaming as beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Just like an elegant woman of substance and function, the vagina comes in all shapes and sizes. The vagina varies in shapes and sizes, there is no specific dimensions to it just like any other body part. One should know that any shape or size is absolutely normal with variations in colour and texture.

Everyone is unique and there is no need to be ashamed and unhappy about the shape or size of the vagina. Our perception of a small vagina may be one of the commonest causes of dyspareunia or painful intercourse. In addition, a woman may not necessarily bleed when they have relationship for the first time because the hymen comes in different shapes and may just stretch while having sex for the first time.

Protective tips:

1. The perception of your body is crucial for your self confidence and thereby better sex life.
2. Don’t get fooled by the fascination for vaginal cosmetic surgeries unless your doctor feels it’s necessary