Let’s be honest: our vaginas aren’t generally considered a socially acceptable topic. Of course, everyone knows that women have one, but it’s historically been crude to even say the word. As a result, many women are embarrassed about their vaginas and don’t know how to care for them. That’s where we come in. We’ve got tips on your vagina to help you figure it all out.
But no more! It’s time to start loving and learning about your vagina. This is how you can be proud of this amazing part of your body.
So real talk: here are 5 vagina tips every woman should know and accept.
Pubic hair is natural
For years, women have been told that pubic hair is unhygienic and that not shaving is unacceptable. But the truth is, it’s 100% preference. Each hair in your pubic region is connected to a nerve ending. This actually indicates that it can contribute to your sexual pleasure!
On the other hand, removing those hairs can be painful and often causes cuts and ingrown hairs. So before you cave to social pressure and eradicate your pubic hair again, consider opting for a reasonable and functional trim instead.
It’s essential to know the difference between your vulva and vagina
Do you know the difference between your vulva and your vagina? How about which parts really give you pleasure? According to a 2014 study by The Eve Appeal, 50% of young women can’t label their vagina on a diagram! But if you don’t understand your own vagina, you can’t properly enjoy it.
Your vagina is technically the inside portion of your sexual organs. It’s what leads to your uterus and the part that gets the best end of your orgasm contractions. Everything on the outside is your vulva. Each and every part has a specific purpose.
Learning how to get more sexual satisfaction is okay
Here’s a not so fun fact: 40% of women suffer from sexual dysfunction, yet an overwhelming number of us still are afraid to bring up the topic with our doctor! The desire to be satisfied with your sexual relationship is 100% okay! It is not shameful to want more than children from sex; your vagina was designed for pleasure, and it is your right to know how to get it.
So don’t listen to outdated social constraints about sex: if you’re not enjoying your sexual relationships, talk to your doctor! Or read up on how to get better orgasms and try something new. It’s not up to society anymore to tell you how to behave in the bedroom.
Your labia are perfect the way they are
The increase of porn in relationships has brought an unfortunate rise of anxiety for women about their genitals. While porn paints the “perfect” picture of what genitalia should look like, it’s drastically unrealistic for the majority of women. These insecurities have led to a significant uptick in vaginal bleaching and labiaplasty (cosmetic surgery for your vagina).
But here’s what you have to understand: your labia come in all shapes and sizes. Your vulva can be healthy without being the vibrant pink of Caucasian porn. And anyone who tells you differently doesn’t deserve your time.
Unless your doctor tells you that something is wrong with your vagina and vulva, embrace it. Be proud of what makes it unique. And don’t succumb to the social pressure that both prevents you from discussing your vagina and simultaneously insists that yours has to look a certain way.
You can talk about your vagina without being inappropriate
Think about this: are you comfortable saying the word “vagina,” or are you prone to calling it something silly like your “hoo-haw”? Your vagina is a natural part of your body. Yet, so few of us are comfortable calling it by its name or even discussing it with our doctor because we’ve been indoctrinated that it’s dirty talk! This is a terrible side effect of our society’s “vagina shaming” history.
It’s not only okay to talk about your vagina between girlfriends (their stories may clue you into problems and solutions!), but it’s incredibly important to discuss it with your doctor.
If something feels “off,” it’s a bad idea to hope it goes away because you could be putting yourself at severe risks for infection and even cancer. Many women find that it’s much easier to have these discussions with another female. So if you currently have a male physician, consider finding a female OBGYN whom you can comfortably talk to.
And don’t be afraid to call your vagina by its name (go ahead, give it a try right now)!
Closing Thoughts:
Too many women are living their sexual lives by the constraints of 1800s decorum. It’s time that we embrace the fact that we have vaginas, learn to use and care for them, and get comfortable talking about them.
Discussing your vagina isn’t dirty or inappropriate (unless you make it that way on purpose). It’s smart, it’s natural, and it’s the best way to start enjoying your sexuality to the fullest. Stop letting society define your vagina’s appearance and existence and choose to love and learn about it instead!
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.