From that first wide-eyed glimpse of our lady bits (usually as teenagers, squatting over a hand-mirror) we\u2019ve all worried that our vagina is not quite the same as everyone else’s. And if it isn\u2019t the appearance of our vagina that worries us – it\u2019s everything else; its smell, its itchiness, its relentless staining of our undies – everything!<\/p>\n
With so many taboos and stigmas shrouding women\u2019s bodies and bodily functions, we\u2019re still not asking the questions that bother us. Well, we say it\u2019s time for some vag-ucation! Consider INTIMINA your vagina-spirit-guide, here to answer 5 of the most common concerns women have about their lady bits.<\/p>\n
By far the biggest and most overriding concern for women is whether or not their vagina, or rather, their vulva, looks normal. The answer is no, no it doesn\u2019t – and that\u2019s because there is no normal!
\nIn a study conducted by the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 50 women had the entirety of their internal and external vagina and vulva measured with a resounding conclusion that, \u2018women vary widely in genital dimensions\u2019.<\/p>\n
Despite the nip-and-tucked look so predominant in the media (read: porn), the reality is that the vulva and its labia majora and minora can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. As the above study reports, \u201c[w]ith conspicuous availability of pornography in everyday life, women and their sexual partners are increasingly exposed to idealized, highly selective images of the female genital anatomy\u201d, when in fact, around half of all women<\/a> have a labia minora that is longer than their labia majora, and virtually no vulva is totally symmetrical.<\/p>\n So before you go worrying about your vulva\u2019s appearance or even apologizing for it (yes, that happens), check out this awesome gallery<\/a> of vulvas and labias that display them in all their glory and infinite variety.<\/p>\n You and me both, sister! But seriously, no vagina smells like a spring meadow or a bouquet of roses, no matter how much you shower or spritz yourself with perfume (stop that, by the way.) Why? Well because your vagina is busy maintaining its awesome natural ecosystem of good bacteria and pH-maintaining discharge which can give off a slightly musky but very much healthy odor.<\/p>\n Gynecologists report that a normal, healthy vagina can be smelled from 1 foot away, however if you\u2019ve had a particularly vigorous gym sesh, your aroma may have piqued a little. During your period, you may also experience an unpleasant odor as a result of menstrual blood oxidizing on your pad or tampon. This can be avoided by using a menstrual cup<\/a> as they create an air-tight seal with the vaginal walls, collecting menstrual fluid instead of absorbing it.<\/p>\n Moral of the story? Smell is only something to worry about if it is particularly pungent or accompanied by burning, itching<\/a> or an abnormal discharge<\/a>, in which case you should get checked out by your doctor.<\/p>\n Lots and lots of reasons. So many, in fact, that we had to compile them into a whole article of their own, \u201cWhy Do I Have Such an Itchy Vagina?\u201d<\/a>. Ultimately though, the most common reason for being itchy down there is hormones and yes, it\u2019s totally normal.<\/p>\n During your menstrual cycle, hormones progesterone and estrogen are low in the days preceding your period as your body declares, \u2018Nope, not pregnant!\u201d When these hormones are low, the walls of the vaginal canal thin and become inflamed causing an itchy, burning sensation. This can occur as long as 10 days before your period begins and can last well into your period too.<\/p>\n To minimize itchiness, ditch those skin tight jeans and latex catsuits for more loose fitting clothing and avoid absorbent period protection that compromises your natural moisture.<\/p>\n If you feel like you\u2019re literally itching ALL the time, it\u2019s disrupting your daily life or is coupled with other troubling symptoms – go see that doctor.<\/p>\n Can\u2019t remember the last time your undies didn\u2019t have some sort of stain? Guess what? We\u2019re all in the same, discharge-surfing boat.<\/p>\n As mentioned before, the vagina operates a pretty tight ship, balancing a delicate ecosystem of good bacteria that keep us happy and healthy below the belt. This involves maintaining an optimum pH of 4.5<\/a> and a sophisticated self-cleaning system performed by natural secretions, ie. discharge!<\/p>\n Discharge changes in appearance throughout the menstrual cycle but is usually either white or colorless and doesn\u2019t usually have any odor. If you notice a drastic change in the appearance or smell of your discharge, your body might be trying to tell you something. Check out our article, \u201cWhat is Normal Vaginal Discharge?\u201d<\/a> for more info.<\/p>\n Although sex has a reputation for being delightful from start to finish, the reality is not always so with many women experiencing literal burning loins rather than the figurative kind. It\u2019s important to remember that when it comes to sex and getting turned on, your brain plays a huge role<\/a> in setting the perfect psychological and physiological environment. If you\u2019re thinking too much or not focusing enough at the task at hand, your brain is going to lose interest and not help you get to where you want to go. It\u2019s always a good idea to let a lubricant or feminine moisturizer in on the action to make things more comfortable and enjoyable.<\/p>\nSmell: My vagina always smells weird!<\/h3>\n
Comfort: My vagina is often super itchy – why?<\/h3>\n
Discharge: My underwear is RARELY totally clean<\/h3>\n
Sex: Sometimes it\u2019s actually painful and I find it hard to orgasm<\/h3>\n
\nDiscomfort or pain during sex is most likely due to a lack of vaginal lubrication. This can occur when there has not been enough foreplay, you are anxious or are not relaxed enough.<\/p>\n