Your
vagina; get to know it better.
The
vagina is the opening that is located directly below the
urethral opening (where you pee from). The opening is called
an orifice, as are other openings in your body. Directly
outside of the vaginal opening are the labia minor, the
smooth inner lips of the vulva. Outside of the inner lips
are the labia majora, the fleshier outer lips that are typically
covered in hair. Females tend to know less about their genitals
than males because they cannot see them as easily - fairly
obvious. There is nothing wrong with using a mirror and
taking a look at what is “down there”. It’s
easy to see if you put a mirror between your legs and look,
especially if you are trying to insert a tampon for the
first time. (See Sexual FAQs 15
for that information).
The clitoris
is a sensitive organ and it's function is to provide sexual
pleasure. It is a hard round 'button' at the top of the vulva.
It’s often so concealed that it may only to viewed when
the lips of the vagina are separated. It is structurally connected
to the labia minora or inner lips of the vagina. The visible
glans of the clitoris, which is hooded by a prepuce -- (formed
by the meeting of the labia minora) -- is only the outward
and visible part of a much more extensive structure of erectile
tissue. The clitoral structure surrounds and extends into
the vagina. The structure contains erectile tissue, very similar
to the male penis, so when a women gets sexually aroused,
it engorges with blood. The clitoris is densely packed with
nerve endings, while similar in number to the penis, they
are much more concentrated and closer together.
The role
of the clitoris in orgasm
has been the subject of heated controversy for years. There
is even controversy as to its pronunciation, whether it should
be 'clitt-oris' or 'cli-toris'. Dictionaries vary and some
list both as correct. However, this infers to some that this
variation may cause hesitation in referring to this organ
openly while speaking to others, (even to your health care
provider). The anatomy of the clitoris was first described
in 1559 by Renaldus Columbus of Padua, who claimed that previous
anatomists had overlooked the very existence of “so pretty
a thing”.
When
a woman is sexually aroused, the vagina begins to produce
lubrication to aid in penetration. Your bartholin glands produce
that lubrication.
Most vaginas are only four inches in length. At the top of the vagina is what kind of feels like a semi-hard
round ball. This is your cervix, the 'neck' of your uterus.
In the middle of the cervix is a small round opening, called
the os, that leads to the uterus. The os is the small opening
through which menstrual blood flows from the uterus into the
vagina. This is the same small opening that expands during
childbirth. This is also where cells for a pap
smear will be taken to make sure they are healthy. Many
females have very sensitive cervixes, some do not.
Keep in
mind that the vagina is a 'potential' space. The walls of
the vagina are normally in contact with each other. In other
words, they are touching unless something is inserted between
them; contrary to what most anatomy illustrations like the
one here illustrates. This drawing looks like the vagina is
an 'open' canal. It is not. The vaginal opening is normally
closed. It’s important to realize that the vagina isn't
a hole or cavity inside the body. When something enters the
vagina, the body must make room for it, no matter how small
or large it may be.
How
to care for your vagina?
The vaginal
walls are continually producing secretions necessary to provide
lubrication, to cleanse the vagina, and to maintain the proper
acidity to prevent infection. You will notice during different
part of your menstrual cycle that your vaginal discharge will
vary, (see Menstrual Cycle for
more on that). The vagina tends to be fairly acidic (sperm
tend to be more of a base or alkaline). The vagina is a naturally
self-cleansing body part, so douching isn't necessary to keep
the vagina clean. Some women chose to use a vinegar and water
douche after the end of their period, but this is not necessary.
Women who like to douche, however, should do so with products
that are unscented. It is not normal to have a vagina that
smells like a field of flowers and can you imagine the chemicals
used to create that "fragrance"... not good for you at all.
If you have a 'strange' odor from you vagina, see a gynecologist!
Wash your
vagina when you shower or bath with a gentle soap or cleansing
bar. Don't over-do-it or you can irritate the sensitive lining
and it is not a pleasant feeling, but it will heal. I’m
sure you’ve seen many TV ads for products that claim
to care for your vagina, most are not necessary, unless you
have a vaginal infection.
The vagina
is sometimes referred to as the 'front door to life', one
day you may even deliver a baby through it. Hard to believe
that a baby can fit through that canal, but it can stretch
(and tear) and they do. Of course, let’s not forget that
the vagina is where you have vaginal sexual intercourse or
oral sex
(cunnilingus). For information
on the the infamous “G-Spot”,
see that article.
Check out female orgasm for
that information.
Benefits from orgasm, masturbation and kissing? Yes! Sexual
health answers at Sex Stuff!
These are
from the Sex FAQ pages:
Q.
Are vaginal secretions normal?
A.
Yes. It's normal to have secretions at times of
the month other than your period. These secretions keep the
vagina clean, help prevent infection, and provide lubrication
during sexual arousal and intercourse. You may notice clear
sticky discharge about 2 weeks after your period. This is
very normal and is a sign that you have ovulated. (Which may
come in handy when you want to get pregnant, or if you choose
to abstain during that time).
If your
discharge itches, burns, smells bad or changes color, you
should see a health care provider promptly since you may have
an infection. Don't stress over it,
not all infections are STDs and even
virgins get yeast and bacterial infections.
When in
doubt or worried, see a gynecology, or practitioner. No one
can diagnose over the Internet. For more on your hymen,
see that page. For
more on yeast infections, go there.
Q.
Why is
my vagina so dry?
A.
At one time or another all women experience vaginal dryness.
Before you feel sore, in pain, and or frustrated with yourself,
you should know that normal estrogen fluctuations often cause
vaginal dryness. Some women believe that vaginal lubricants
are only for women who are not sexually aroused, or who are
going through menopause, or if they are not very sexually
experienced. Lubricants are
for all of those reasons and for masturbating
too. Vaginal dryness often occurs during your period, if you
are stressed-out, and if you are using a condom
with no lubrication! Yes, vaginal dryness can cause painful
sexual intercourse. Make sure you are using the right amount
of lubrication, especially when using a condom.
Antihistamines
and other medication (some antidepressants) can dry out your
vagina too.
Check out A Girl's Guide to Vaginal Symptoms
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