Vagina, do you really know yours? The truth is that this fundamental part of the female anatomy is a subject that deserves much more attention and clarification.
Doubts and curiosities are absolutely normal. More than that: they are healthy. After all, when we question ourselves, it is because we realize that new knowledge can make us safer and point out the solution of problems.
In addition, we need to be aware that the journey in search of self-knowledge necessarily involves a keen understanding of the body itself. Expanding the understanding of the vagina is, therefore, empowering, bringing reflexes to quality of life and self-esteem.
In this post, we have collected 11 information about vagina and sexual health . Even if you know a lot about the subject, there is always something new to learn, isn’t it? So, check out the text!
- Vulva and vagina are different things
Starting with the basics: do you really know what a vagina is? Although the term is often used to describe the entire female intimate area, this definition is not correct.
The external and visible part – comprising small and large lips, clitoris and urethra – is the vulva.
The vagina is the non-visible, internal part that connects the vulva to the cervix. It is, therefore, the tubular canal that receives the penis during sex, eliminates menstruation and enables the baby to leave, in normal births .
- Care for hygiene of the vagina and vulva
The outside should be cleaned with a small amount of water and neutral soap. The internal part, that is, the vagina itself, dispenses with any artifice.
Normal secretion, produced by the body, cleans the vaginal canal, keeping the region healthy.
The use of intimate showers is not recommended by doctors, as it compromises the natural pH balance and the vaginal flora, increasing the risk of infections.
- Tips for keeping your intimate area healthy
- Pee after sex. Sexual fluids can contaminate the urethra with bacteria, causing urinary infections. Peeing helps to keep the urethra clean and free from these problems.
- Avoid panties made of synthetic fabrics, which drown out the region. Prefer cotton ones and sleep without panties when possible.
- Replace the pads (internal or external) every 4 hours, even if the menstrual flow is not intense.
- When using toilet paper, wipe from front to back, preventing fecal matter from coming into contact with the vagina.
- Avoid toilet paper and wipes with perfume.
- Types of vagina
The vagina is not very variable. The muscular canal is, on average, 8 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter, with an expansion capacity of up to 200%.
Between adolescence and menopause, the vaginal lining is slightly rough. Before puberty and after menopause, the tissue is smooth.
The vulva … is as unique as the fingerprint! It is precisely the appearance of this external part that instigates aesthetic doubts and concerns.
Against the backdrop of growing plastic surgeries, which establish beauty standards for the vulva, the English artist Jamie McCartney produced, in 2011, the work entitled “ Great Wall of Vagina ” (in free translation, “Great Wall of the Vagina”), where he sculpted , in plaster, 400 different types of vagina (or vulva, to be sure), from the real mold of volunteers.
It is worth checking out McCartney’s work, to understand that variety is the rule!
- Smell and vaginal discharge
Both smell and discharge are normal situations. Depending on the clothes you wear, the food and the phase of the menstrual cycle, slight variations in odors, as well as in the texture and amount of discharge may occur.
The warning sign occurs when these changes become more evident, such as a significant change in the smell or color of the discharge. In such cases, it is always important to consult a doctor, to find out the causes and treat possible infections.
- Itching in the vagina is not normal!
Itching in the vagina can indicate the presence of thrush, infections or other diseases, such as candidiasis.
When itching is located in the vulva, it can be caused by an allergic reaction to products, hair removal methods or even underwear fabrics.
Regardless of the region affected by the itch, seek medical attention for guidance and appropriate treatment. Do not use any medication without a prescription and stay away from “home made solutions”.
- Curiosities about the clitoris
- Located at the top of the vulva, the visible part of the clitoris measures between 0.4 cm to 4 cm in height. But it has an unseen part too! It is estimated to reach 9 cm in height.
- It is the most sensitive part of the female body, with more than 8,000 nerve fibers – twice the end of the penis.
- The only function of the clitoris is to give pleasure to the woman!
- During sex , the clitoris can double in size, making it longer, thicker and erect.
- Types of female orgasms
- Clitoral orgasm : as the name implies, it is caused by the stimulation of the clitoris. It is the most common type.
- Vaginal orgasm : another popular type of orgasm, occurs with penetration. Experts claim that the penis causes a vaginal massage that reaches the hidden part of the clitoris, which would also make it responsible for orgasm in this circumstance.
- Anal orgasm : as the anus has several nerve endings, its stimulation can trigger intense pleasure and promote orgasms.
- Breast orgasm : the breasts are another erogenous area of the female body, so touching them can provide orgasms without the need for any further stimulation.
- Multiple orgasms : it occurs when the woman reaches the climax several times, during the sexual act, in a short period of time.
Female pleasure has a great connection with attunement to the partner, a state of excitement – which involves the imagination and relaxation of the body – and self-knowledge.
Each woman has her own rhythm and responds to stimuli in different ways. Therefore, there is no “sure method” for reaching orgasm, considering only the body.
Thus, the ideal is to learn to recognize what excites, which movements and positions are more favorable, how the sensitivity responds better and, of course, to be at ease with the body itself, guiding the partner with some tips.
- Changes in the vagina and vulva during sexual arousal
During vaginal sex, the body triggers a series of reactions. In the intimate region, the main changes are as follows:
At the beginning of the excitement
Lubrication begins and the vaginal tube begins to expand. The big lips start to separate and the small ones to swell. It is already possible to observe changes in size in the clitoris.
At full excitement
The vaginal canal is expanded and the size of the entrance to the vagina decreases by 30%, due to the swelling of the vaginal walls.
The large lips part, leaving the entrance of the vagina more visible, while the small lips become more evident and red.
At that time, the clitoris reaches the height of its size and erection.
During orgasm
The vagina has rhythmic muscle contractions, which persist for a few seconds. A kind of ejaculation can occur .
- Pain and discomfort during sex
Eventually, discomfort can occur, without meaning more serious problems. In these cases, the discomfort can be perceived as a result of the position adopted by the couple, incompatibility of rhythms, lack of adequate lubrication at the time of penetration or little relaxation on the part of the woman – head is very important for the pleasure of sex !
All of these situations can be easily resolved, as they only require adaptations from the couple . Therefore, the next intercourse should happen normally, without the presence of pain.
However, there are persistent physical or psychological problems that require different attention. Among them, we can highlight vaginismus (involuntary spasms of the vagina , which prevent penetration) and dyspareunia (genital pain during and / or after sex).
Thus, it is essential not to ignore the body’s signals! Although the discomforts are not intense, they indicate that something is not working properly. Therefore, it is essential that the doctor is consulted.
If the problem has no organic cause, it will indicate the search for psychological treatment , which should not be neglected. Platforms like Vittude offer the opportunity for you to find a sexologist online and schedule sessions that take place at a distance, by video consultations. Everything with maximum secrecy, in an environment of absolute security.
Sex is health and quality of life. That is, pain is not part of any healthy condition. Therefore, nothing to delay the consultation with the professional who can assist you in resolving disorders.
- More pleasure and health in sex life
Using condoms, maintaining periodic visits to the gynecologist, carrying out tests and vaccinations indicated by the doctor, in addition to following the hygiene care indicated in this post, are just some of the measures you should take to preserve your sexual health.
However, don’t forget that health is also synonymous with pleasure. So, invest in resources that can provide you with this kind of benefit!
In this sense, the main tip is: seek knowledge! The sex therapy , conducted by psychologists specialized in sexology , is an excellent alternative.
The demand for this type of service is an upward trend. With the breaking of taboos , men and women want to expand their self-knowledge and expel obstacles and inhibitions, which prevent the experience of sex to its fullest.
In addition to sex therapy, topics such as tantric massage and pompoirism have received important attention. Everyone follows the same goal: to make sex more pleasurable, fluid and natural. That is, exactly as it should be!
In our blog, you will find several articles about sexuality . This post, with information and curiosities about the vagina , is just an example!
That is, explore other readings and sharpen your understanding of the subject. Knowledge is power! And in this case, pleasure too!
