Milady, you probably think you know your own body. After all, you’ve been in it all your life. However, as a May 2020 Glamour article explains, you might not know your nether regions as well as you should.
But don’t worry, you aren’t alone: the article notes that 45% of women and 59% of men couldn’t even identify the vagina on a female genitalia diagram (although 71% of women and 69% of men could somehow pick out the clitoris).
Of course, you’ve got to know your own body not only for health reasons, but for your own pleasure—whether you’re with a partner, a toy, or totally solo. Thankfully, the article primes us with 20 great facts about our body lady bits.
1. Automatic cleaning system
The vagina is self-cleaning, creating its own fluids to wash away bacteria and other substances. The article cautions that some types of feminine hygiene products can actually be harmful, so shoppers should pick and choose carefully.
Glamour further suggests that the safest bet is just to let the body organ clean itself, rather than trying to surpass Mother Nature with artificial chemical agents.
2. Orgasms are pain killers
According to the South Illinois School of Medicine, 16% of women experienced either migraine pain relief or actual cure after an orgasm. This is due to the body chemicals released at climax, particularly the ecstasy-inducing dopamine.
3. Small does not equal tight
Contrary to common belief (and locker room talk among the bros), small women do not have smaller, tighter vaginas. The organ is designed to stretch (which is intuitive, since it’s through this channel that we give birth).
As clinical psychologist and sexologist Janice Hiller says, “Smaller, thinner girls have smaller pelvic structure, but there is nothing to suggest that they have smaller internal organs. Sometimes childbirth is more difficult for smaller women, but there is no evidence to suggest that they are tighter; this is a myth.”
4. The G-Spot wasn’t discovered until the 1940s
The “G” in G-spot doesn’t stand for “good” but for Ernest Gränfenberg, the German gynecologist who pioneered work about the female erogenous zone. The exact location, however, was only pinpointed in the 1980s by Italian researchers.
5. Clitoris = Penis (sort of)
In the embryonic stage, the clitoris and penis are formed from the same body tissue. Under the influence of sex hormones they just develop in different directions and shapes within the womb, and that is the tissue you take into adulthood. So your junk and his junk look and feel different, but they’re actually cut from the same cloth.
6. Yeast is not always bad
There is a certain amount of yeast that naturally inhabits your vagina. It only becomes a problem when they grow out of control, normally due to lowered immunity, poor diet, antibiotics, or other reasons. The article suggests lowering bread and sugar intake to counteract yeast overgrowth in your body.
7. The A-Spot
Short for Anterior Fornix Erogenous Zone, this is a sensitive bit of tissue at the end of your vagina, near the cervix. When properly stimulated it generates both orgasms and a lubricating secretion. For best effect, combine it with G-spot stimulation to generate explosive sensations throughout your body.
8. Healthy vaginas aren’t smelly
A healthy vagina shouldn’t have any real smell at all. If you find that yours does, you could be suffering from anything from dehydration to yeast infections. Get a healthy body to eliminate the odor, or seek professional medical feedback if the problem persists.
9. Squirters
Yes, it’s true: women can ejaculate just like men. In common parlance, this is often called “squirting.” The rarity of female ejaculation, however, limits understanding of the process.
Hiller goes into detail on this topic: “Female ejaculation is very rare, and it’s not understood how it happens. It’s not really related to sensations or feeling good, so it’s not something to try and achieve or aspire to with your partner. Chances are, you can’t do it.”
10. Size is irrelevant
Although the average vagina is only three inches in size, it can expand to accommodate even the very largest male equipment. If something is introduced slowly, it can expand by up to 200%.
11. “Vagina” has a misogynistic origin
The term comes from the Latin word for “sheath” or “scabbard,” where, presumably, the Roman would put his “sword.” Both we and Glamour found the term less than enchanting as a descriptor, but there you go.
12. No G-Spot? No problem!
The G-Spot is not always easy to find and stimulate, and the article states that millions of women may not have one at all. However, the authors pointed out that those with G-spots may be up for play more often, as they may have a higher sex drive.
13. Not every G-Spot is alike
Most G-spots are pleasurable, but not all. Some women may even dislike the sensations. As Hiller stated, “Women do have very different experiences, most of it very pleasuring and arousing.
Some have had negative experiences and might feel uncomfortable or anxious and dislike the stimulation, so there are various responses. Most of them are pleasurable, however.”
14. The vagina meets the moment
The vagina gets bigger or smaller, based on what’s coming. So don’t hesitate to try out a large interesting toy. Don’t worry, and take your time with introducing it into your body. Also, yes, you can recover your normal vagina size even after childbirth.
The article reassures us that the vagina can expand up to three times its normal state to ease the passage of a baby, and then return to its original size in a few weeks.
15. Think twice before getting your Brazilian Wax
While some couples enjoy the feeling of skin on skin, nature made pubic hair for a reason: it helps reduce friction and may even prevent skin problems.
16. Tampons cannot get lost inside
Contrary to common belief, though tampons can shift and become inaccessible in some cases, there’s no way they can get lost or move into your abdomen through your uterus. The small opening of your cervix presents an effective barrier.
17. The truth about Kegels:
These do not necessarily involve Jumping Jacks, but do require some of the same muscles. Also, Kegels are not designed just to create a “tight vagina.” As Hiller says, “Kegel exercises are really useful because they strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor. This can help with sexual sensation and keep the area toned and strong.”
18. Vaginas (do not) have teeth!
It’s a long-held myth that was actually turned into a movie. It was probably invented to discourage sexual activity, or even prevent rape, but there is no factual basis to this wrong-headed idea still somehow floating around the world.
19. Discharge is clean:
As the article puts it, “discharge is the exact opposite of dirty” and is packed full of friendly bacteria to protect against infection. Moreover, it helps cleanse and lubricate the vagina. You don’t have to be concerned unless it is discolored or has a foul odor.
20. Orgasms are a mental game
Researchers have shown that orgasms actually take place in the brain, not the genitals. A blast of dopamine in the brain is behind the all-encompassing sensation, and your thoughts, imagination, and mental arousal play as much a role as the stimulation of erogenous tissues, if not more.
Summary:
Hopefully, this recap provided you with a bit of trivia, a bit of fun, and a lot of information and insight. You can find out more from self-education books, movies, your therapist, and your local or online sex shops.
