By EKalman December 27, 2022 - 1:22am

We still live in a world where sex education is uncommon and rarely addressed openly, even among friends and family. Even more hushed conversational tones are used when discussing "the vagina." The vagina has traditionally been seen as a sacred zone that should not be discussed.

Because of this lack of understanding, there has been an increase in misconceptions and myths about the vagina. While some of them are innocent, others lead you to believe that your lady parts must look and feel a specific way. This can seriously disrupt your peace of mind and have a psychological impact. Here is a list of six myths about the vagina that should be addressed ASAP.

1. You should clean your vagina with special products
For years, manufacturers of feminine hygiene products have made money from the sexist idea that vaginas are fundamentally unclean and should be cleansed of their natural odor with perfumed douches, washes, wipes, and other items. The vagina is supposed to clean itself, and using harsh treatments may cause more damage than good.

When you start using a lot of scented items, especially wipes, and douches, you can significantly upset the normal balance of microorganisms in the vagina. These products can cause irritation and itching, and they can also increase the risk of yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis.

2. If you have a lot of sex, your vagina becomes loose
This myth is both popular and absurd. The vagina is elastic. It is really hospitable and welcoming. It normally expands during sex or delivery. But this will not last forever. Don't worry, it will come back to its former size. It can, however, drop a little with age and after delivery. But this has nothing to do with the number of partners or times you have sex.

3. Intact hymen means virginity
The hymen is a real thing; it's a thin layer of tissue that partially covers the vaginal opening. However, the concept that it may tell whether or not you've had sex is a completely false statement. During your first vaginal intercourse, the hymen might be damaged or stretched.

However, this can also occur as a result of physical exercise, surgical treatments, or tampon usage – and some women are born without a hymen. Because of all of these factors, the presence or absence of a hymen doesn’t signify 'virginity.'

4. Tampons can get lost in your vagina
Tampons can become stuck when their string breaks if you insert a new tampon without removing the old one, or you have sex without removing the tampon. It may become difficult to take out the tampon, but it will not become 'lost' within your body. It can travel deeper into your vagina, but the vagina is the maximum. If you have a problem removing it, contact a gynecologist. It's perfectly normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

5. Vaginal discharge means an infection or disease
Vaginal discharge is typical and safe, and it might vary greatly depending on the time of your monthly cycle. During your reproductive phase, you produce an appealing lubricant to aid the sperm's travel up to your egg, while your vaginal discharge might be thicker and whiter during other times of the month.

Natural lubrication is necessary while experiencing arousal. It is very normal to have clear, elastic mucus that resembles raw egg whites and milky white discharge. However, you should contact a doctor if your discharge is cottage cheese-like, yellow, grayish-green, watery, or more than you normally produce.

6. To maintain a healthy vagina, you should get rid of pubic hair
It is totally up to you whether to keep the bush or not. Regardless of how you keep your pubic hair, your vagina will clean itself. You may either remove them, trim them, or leave them alone. It is entirely your decision. Don't let anyone convince you differently.