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Fact: All vaginas are amazing. It’s actually pretty mind-blowing to think about the things the vagina does for anyone who has one. Vaginas offer pleasure. They’re the Panama Canal for babies. Perhaps the most impressive fact is that vaginas are self-cleaning. Some of us don’t even have an oven — let alone a partner — that does that.
The list goes on and on (below in the quiz). But before we celebrate everything vagina — ask yourself — if you passed a vagina on the street, would you recognize it? How much do you really know about the secret life of your Walter Mitty?
Read: 15 Minutes With: Ashley Winter, M.D., Talks Urology, Sex and All Things Vaginas >>
Take our quiz to find some answers and really good information about vaginas.
1. The vagina connects the uterus to the outside of the body.
Correct
Incorrect
true. The muscular canal-like organ runs from the cervix — the lower part of the uterus — to the outside of the body. The vagina is also called the birth canal because — you guessed it — it’s the HOV lane during delivery.
2. The clitoris is part of the vagina.
Correct
Incorrect
false. The clitoris is actually part of the vulva, which is outside of your vagina. (But let’s be honest, as long as you know where your clitoris is, that’s what matters most.) Fun fact: New research shows the clitoris has more nerve fibers than previously thought — 10,000 vs. 8,000 — which is more than double the amount of the penis (around 4,000). Bottom line: Vaginas deserve double the fun.
3. The vaginal opening is part of the vagina.
Correct
Incorrect
false. That was a trick question. But it’s good to note that the vulva includes all the outer accessories we associate with the vagina — labia, urethra opening, clitoris and vaginal opening.
4. People can achieve orgasm from vaginal penetration.
Correct
Incorrect
true. One study found more than 18% of people with a vagina had an orgasm through penetration alone. For most of us, the clitoris (part of the vulva!) is the way to O.
5. Vaginas are naturally odorless.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Eau de vagina has tangy notes of yogurt or sourdough bread thanks to all the good bacteria in there called Lactobacilli. The vagina’s natural bacterial ecosystem is always changing, which means the scent can change too. However, if you notice a strong odor or an odd smell, contact your OB-GYN. It could be a sign of a health problem or an infection.
6. All vaginas are the same size.
Correct
Incorrect
false. The size of your vagina is unique to you and the size can change over time for different reasons. For people in perimenopause and menopause, the drop in estrogen can cause the vagina to become shorter and more narrow.
7. Vaginas can change color.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Think of the vagina like an internal mood ring. When you’re turned on, blood rushes to the area and makes the color darker. Also, during perimenopause and menopause, the vulva (outside the vagina!) can become a lighter color because of the reduced blood flow and estrogen.
8. Vaginal discharge is OK.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Vaginal fluid is how the vagina stays clean and lubricated so discharge is normal. It can change consistency and color — for example, during your period and pregnancy — but if it’s clear, white or slightly yellow it’s OK.
9. Vaginas expand when you’re turned on.
Correct
Incorrect
true. The vagina gets bigger and deeper during arousal, also called tenting. Science says the upper two-thirds of the vagina expands to let sperm move into the cervix more easily. Talk about accommodating.
10. Vaginas get “loose” from too much sex.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Nope. Not true. Vaginas are flexible and stretch during sex and childbirth, but they return back to original size regardless of how much sex is had. Vaginas can lose elasticity after multiple vaginal deliveries and over time regardless of childbirth.
This resource was created with support from Merck.
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