Facts About Vaginas You Probably Didn't Know

Written By: Ariel Kurtz

The vagina is a truly amazing body part and it's definitely not talked about enough. We all know they bring life into the world, but there are a lot of other facts about the vagina that you probably don't know. Read on to learn what makes the vagina so interesting. 

It's Not Possible For Your Tampon To Get Lost...Forever

Do you remember when you first got your period and you used a tampon for the first time? Were you ever afraid that while inserting it, it could get lost in there? Not to fear, your tampon can’t get lost! According to the National Health Service website, “It is not possible for a tampon to get lost inside you. It’ll stay in your vagina after you insert it. The only other opening is through your cervix at the top of your vagina. But it is too small for a tampon to pass through.” So, you don’t have to worry about losing your tampon after you insert it!

However, your tampon can get stuck, though! When it's stuck, you may not feel it in there and it will usually make its way out on its own. However, sometimes, you may have to go to the doctor to get it out if it won’t budge.

Your Vagina And Vulva Are Beautiful, Just The Way That They Are

Just like I stated above, there is no right way that your vagina and vulva are supposed to look! The vagina and vulva can be of different colors. It’s ok if your vagina is a different color than you expected, just as long as it doesn’t look like it has a rash or any unusual marks. 

Healthline writes, “It is common for both sets of labia to be darker than the surrounding skin. But there’s no average labia color. Some people may have pink or purplish labia, while others have reddish or brown labia.” Everyone’s labia looks different. It’s also true that your labia can become darker during arousal and can swell because of the increase in blood flow to the genitals.

In terms of vagina size, according to this Medical News Today article, “A report in the BJOG: An international Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology said that the average depth of a vagina is a 3.77 inches (9.6 cm), but that vaginal depth and appearance can vary widely. In fact, the depth of the vagina (from the opening of the cervix) can measure anywhere up to 7 inches (17.7cm).  

The size of your vagina can change depending on the job it needs to do such as being sexually active, giving birth, or putting a tampon in.

The Vagina And The Vulva Are Two Different Body Parts

I know that we talk about the vagina and vulva interchangeably, but just for clarification, they're not the same thing.The vulva is the part of your genitals that’s external and includes your labia, clitoris, vaginal opening and the opening to the uthera.

The vagina is internal and includes the tube that connects your vulva to your cervix and uterus. This is where babies and menstrual blood exits the body through. While the vagina and vulva are connected, they're not interchangeable!  

Should I Keep My Pubic Hair Or Shave It? 

Do I shave my pubic hair or not shave my pubic hair? That is the question! Did you know that your pubic hair actually serves a purpose? Pubic hair provides a protective barrier for our womanly anatomy. Its job is to fend off bacteria from entering the vaginal area. 

This can help prevent you from getting yeast infections, vaginitis, and UTIs. While shaving or not shaving your pubic hair is completely the user's choice, it is helpful to know that having pubic hair does help protect us from having various painful and uncomfortable vaginal experiences.

Another pubic hair fact is that pubic hair can be different colors (black, gray or white). Like the hair on our head, pubic hair can vary in textures, like straight or curly.

Let’s Talk About The Clitoris 

The Clitoris is one of the most talked about parts of the vulva because it is mostly related to female pleasure. The clitoris wasn’t actually discovered or noticed in the health field until 1998, and still today, nobody really talks about its function.

According to this article from Natural Cycles, “The Clitoris is a bulb-shaped sexual organ that’s part of the female reproduction system. It’s known as an erogenous organ, meaning it plays a key role in sexual pleasure. In fact, pleasure is its primary purpose.” One of the most well-known facts about the clitoris is that it “has 8,000 nerve endings.” It is one of the most sensitive parts of the female body. According to a blog on Eve’s Disclosure, “18% of women are able to achieve orgasm with just penetration and no other sexual stimulation”.  So, clitoris stimulation is key! 

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve Pain Related To Menstruation

If you're struggling with pain related to your pelvic, pelvic floor exercises, like kegels and squats can really help ease your pain! Pelvic floor physical therapy is becoming more and more common to help relieve pain during pregnancy, before or after childbirth or to help with conditions like PCOS and ease heavy periods.

According to Web MD, “Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized kind of physical therapy to relieve the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction and help the muscles work the way that they should.” If you're looking to ease some pelvic pain, try and see if there is a pelvic floor physical therapy office near you! 

Choosing The Right Undies Can Protect Your Vulva

It’s important to allow your vagina to breathe, which is why sleeping commando can be a good practice. However, when we are out and about, undies are an important part of our wardrobe. Since undies are a staple that we wear under our other clothing, closest to our skin, it’s important we choose material that is comfortable and good for our bodies. Eve’s Disclosure offers sexy, smooth, and healthy panties with the vulva in mind made out of sustainably-made TENCEL™ fabric paired with an IONIC+ liner that uses natural silver to prevent the growth of bacteria. The choice of your undies can deeply impact your health. Make the right choice for your body.