By EKalman July 13, 2022 - 7:13am

People have believed a lot of strange things about vaginas throughout human history. It looks absurd in the twenty-first century, yet it was totally typical for humans in previous centuries. Many of these bizarre notions about women's genitalia appear to be the result of a particular combination of ignorance and sexism.

People didn't truly grasp how reproduction worked; things that seem so obvious now — what sperm does, what an egg is, what occurs during ovulation, and so on — just weren't understood. As a result, they came up with a variety of ridiculous explanations for why the female body performed particular things or had specific characteristics of anatomy. Here are six myths about the vagina that should be addressed ASAP.

1. The vagina is everything "down there"
The vulva is the exterior component of the female sex organ. The vagina is just the inner tube that connects the uterus and cervix to the vaginal opening. The vulva, on the other hand, refers to the full external shebang, including the clitoris, urethral entrance, inner and outer labia (lips), and vaginal opening. The vaginal tube, which goes from the vulva to the cervix, is formed of both muscle and elastic tissues.

2. Tampons can become "lost" within your body.
The cervix hole is too narrow for a tampon to pass through. Women, on the other hand, frequently forget to remove a tampon, and it might become lost in the sense that they can't get it out.

It basically becomes entangled at the top of the vagina and the string can no longer be felt. A neglected tampon will most likely make its presence known with a foul odor. If you can't reach a tampon that's caught in your vagina, see a doctor.

3. Douching is beneficial for the woman’s health
Many women flush a scented liquid into their vaginas with the intention of cleaning the region. One of the most prevalent errors is this. Douching is not suggested since it might alter the pH balance of healthy acid and bacterial composition in the vagina.

Douching can make you more susceptible to infections and discharge. Some vaginal bacteria and yeast are typical. Douching, on the other hand, can result in an overgrowth of harmful bacteria (bacterial vaginosis) and fungi (yeast infection).

4. Vaginas with pubic hair are unclean
It is entirely up to you whether you shave, use a trimmer, get hair removal, or leave your pubic hair alone, and everyone has their own reasons. However, accusations that those of us who want to wear our hair down is 'unsanitary' are untrue. A lack of hygiene and proper care is unhygienic.

5. Vaginal itching always means yeast infection
Many women believe that every symptom in their genital area is caused by a yeast infection. However, vaginal itching can be caused by hormonal fluctuations, bacterial vaginosis, public lice, STDs, allergic reaction, or irritation.

Most of these issues have similar symptoms so self-treatment can be even harmful. That's why it is recommended to contact your gynecologist before you use OTC medications to treat a yeast infection, especially if your symptoms don't improve.

6. If you have vaginal discharge, something is wrong
Having vaginal discharges is natural and healthy. Your discharge might vary depending on the time of your monthly cycle. During ovulation, you produce an appealing lubricant to aid the sperm's trip north to your egg, while your vaginal fluid might be thicker and whiter during other times of the month.

It is essential to have natural lubrication when experiencing arousal. It is very normal to have clear, elastic mucus that resembles raw egg whites and milky white discharge. Consult a gynecologist if it is cottage cheese-like, yellow, grayish-green, watery, or abundant.