Three common myths about the vagina

A few weeks ago, I was at the Reproductive Health conference held every other year for midwives in Sweden. It was like being washed over by a tsunami of PUSSYTIVE energy as everyone there works for the same thing – the best for women. Over 500 midwives participated during two fantastic days with the latest research, interesting lectures, and thought-provoking debates covering everything from women's genitals to pregnancy and childbirth as well as sexual health. I myself handed out pink "Stay Pussytive" goodie bags with great joy and had many exciting conversations. One of these conversations was about myths about the vagina that still persist. Nowadays, there are actually several myths about the vagina that continue to circulate, despite increased access to information and education. I thought it was time to bust at least three of them ❤

MYTH NO 1 - THE VAGINA SHOULD BE ODORLESS

There is a widespread misconception that the vagina should be completely odorless and that any form of natural smell is a sign of poor hygiene or an infection. In reality, the vagina has a natural scent that varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as diet and hormones. A strong or unusual odor can be a sign of an infection, but a mild scent is normal. The myth that the vagina should be completely odorless is a common and potentially harmful misconception that affects many women's self-confidence and sexual health. Let's dive a little deeper into this topic:

🌺The natural vaginal scent

The vagina is a complex body part that has its own unique scent and the natural scent varies from person to person. This scent is usually mild and can resemble a combination of sour and sweet. The scent depends on several factors, including hormone balance, diet, age, and genetics.

🌺Why does the vagina smell?

The natural scent is part of the vagina's self-cleaning process. The vagina has its own bacterial flora that helps keep it clean and healthy. This flora produces lactic acid, which creates an acidic environment that prevents harmful bacteria and infections. The natural scent is a result of the acidic environment and the substances secreted by the vaginal mucous membranes.

🌺Foul-smelling discharge

A mild, constant vaginal scent is considered normal and healthy. It is important to understand that a certain scent does not necessarily indicate poor hygiene or an infection. However, an unpleasant fishy odor can be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, which is a common vaginal infection.

VagiVital BV Kit that diagnoses & treats bacterial vaginosis can be found here!

🌺Negative consequences of the myth that the vagina should be odorless

• Women may feel insecure and ashamed of their natural bodily scent, which can affect confidence and sexual self-esteem.
• It can create an unnecessary fear of being intimate with someone due to fear of smelling "wrong."
• Women may try to hide or mask their natural scent with various products, which can lead to an imbalance in the vaginal microflora and increase the risk of infections.

MYTH NO. 2 - THE SIZE AND APPEARANCE OF THE VAGINA ARE IMPORTANT

Some women worry that the size or appearance of the vagina is important for sexual pleasure or their partner's enjoyment. The size and appearance of the vagina vary from person to person and have absolutely no direct connection to sexual satisfaction. The myth that the size and appearance of the vagina are crucial for sexual pleasure or a partner's enjoyment is a misconception that affects many women's confidence and sexual self-esteem.

🌺Why this myth is incorrect

• Just like with all body parts, the size and appearance of the vagina naturally vary from person to person. This variation is normal and is part of human diversity. There is no "ideal" size or shape for a vagina.
• The vagina is a flexible and adaptable part of the body. It can both expand and contract. The size of the vagina is not at all relevant to sexual pleasure.
• Sexual pleasure involves many factors, including emotions, communication, and sensitivity rather than just the physical characteristics of the vagina. Open and honest communication between sex partners, trust, and intimacy play a much bigger role in achieving sexual satisfaction ❤

Get inspired by the blog about sex, desire & pleasure here!

🌺Negative consequences of the myth that the size and appearance of the vagina are important

• Many women may feel insecure about their bodies and have negative feelings about their sexuality if they believe their vagina does not "measure up" to alleged norms.
• This myth can create a sense of pressure and performance anxiety related to sex, which can reduce desire and sexual pleasure.
• If this myth is present in a relationship, it can hinder open and honest communication about sexual satisfaction, which can be harmful to both parties.

MYTH NO. 3 - VAGINAL INFECTIONS ARE THE RESULT OF UNPROTECTED SEX

There is a misconception that vaginal infections occur if a woman has had unprotected sex or many sexual partners. Infections can arise for various reasons, including imbalance in the vaginal microflora or other factors unrelated to sexual behavior. The myth that vaginal infections are a result of unprotected sex or some form of promiscuous behavior is therefore a false notion that needs to be highlighted and dismantled. It is therefore important to understand that the causes of vaginal infections are multiple and can have many different reasons:

🌺Vaginal microflora and pH balance

The vagina has a delicate balance of bacteria and yeast that together make up its microflora. If this balance is disturbed, it can lead to an overgrowth of certain bacteria or fungi, which in turn can cause an infection. This can happen for many reasons, including hormonal changes, antibiotic treatments, or stress and has no direct connection to sexual behavior.

Read the blog about vaginal flora here!

🌺Weak immune system

A weakened immune system can increase the risk of vaginal infections. This can be due to illnesses, medical treatments, or other factors unrelated to sexual activity.

🌺Allergies 

Contact with allergens or chemicals can cause irritation and infections in the vagina. This can include the use of certain products such as perfumed intimate wash products, which can cause allergic reactions.

DEMYSTIFY THE VAGINA

Understanding the natural vaginal scent and dispelling the myth that the vagina must be completely odorless is important to promote a healthy view of women's bodies and sexual health. Being aware of what is normal and what is not can also help women take care of their intimate health and feel confident with their bodies without falling victim to harmful misconceptions. The appearance of the vagina makes no difference to either you or your partner. Actually, it doesn't. Most people also value honesty, trust, and intimacy with a partner over stereotypical body norms, and the whole purpose of sexual experiences is to be able to enjoy without unnecessary worry or stress. Through increased awareness, we can help demystify the vagina and promote a more realistic and positive view of women's bodies and sexuality. Your vagina is amazing as it is – just like you ❤

Take care of yourself & Stay Pussytive ❤

/Fanny