10 More Amazing Vagina Facts

Some more incredible facts that should be common knowledge in my view...

1. The hymen is not an indicator of virginity. There is in fact no 'test' that can determine whether a person has had sex or not. The hymen is thin fold of mucous membrane around the vaginal opening and has historically been seen s as sign of virginity and purity, and for many women yes the hymen does indeed break the first time they have penetrative sex. However it can also break in a variety of other ways, like riding your bike or playing sports - and when it does, it's totally normal. 

2. Not all women have vaginas and not all people with vaginas are women. Genitalia does not equal gender. Many people identify as women who were not born with vaginas and also many people with vaginas identify as men. 

3. Many people don't climax from vaginal penetration. As with most things, everyone is different and gets turned on in different ways. For many people clitoral stimulation is necessary, although for some people vaginal penetration can get them to the Big O.

4. Some people have two vaginas. Uterus didelphys is a rare condition which affects a very small number of people who have two vaginal canals. They are still able to get pregnant and delivery a baby but there are many more risks involved.

5. Your vagina can lift weights. Yes that's right, you can actually insert an ‘anchor’ into the vagina that’s attached to a weight on a string. This is one way that some people use to strengthen their pelvic floor.

6. Kegel exercises work and we should all be doing them. Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which support the uterus, bladder, small intestine and rectum. You can do Kegel exercises, also known as pelvic floor muscle training, just about anytime and anywhere. To identify your pelvic floor muscles simple stop peeing in midstream. These are the muscles you need to use to do these exercises. Once you've found your pelvic floor muscles you can do the exercises in any position and discreetly. Try to hold your squeeze for between three and 10 seconds and release for three seconds. Try to make it part of your daily routine as there are so many benefits - they can prevent urinary incontinence as well as making your orgasms more intense.

7. Your vagina does change, especially after childbirth. While vaginal tissue stretches during labor, it should return to its same size without much intervention.

8. Vagina means sheath. The word "vagina" dates back to the 17th century. In Latin, it means "sheath." 

9. Pubes are there for a reason! The hair serves as a protective barrier to genital tissues, particularly the sensitive vaginal opening. As well as providing a protective barrier, it also acts as a buffer against friction. 

10. Orgasms can relieve pain. Orgasm releases a wave of oxytocin, which makes you feel happy and can also help to relieve pain associated with everything from headaches to arthritis. So yet another reason to make time for self loving.

I would love to hear from you with any comments or questions. 

Stay safe. Have fun. Issy x