20 Vagina Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
It doesn’t matter if you are the proud owner of one, live with someone who has one, or are curious about them… vaginas are fascinating things. As a part of the female anatomy, everything from vaginal health to learning about vulva diversity have typically been shamed throughout a history that projected patriarchal views and male dominance on the female body. With the dawn of a new era brimming with information, we are lucky to have access to such things as ‘vagina facts’ to educate everyone better. After all, if you don’t have one yourself, chances are, you care about someone in your life that does.
Whatever you choose to call it — vajayjay, bits, pussy, punani — here are 20 vagina facts that you may not have known about.
1. Not everyone with a vagina is a woman
Not all women have vaginas. Not everyone with a vagina (or who menstruates) is a woman. Not every transgender person wants ‘bottom surgery,’ and that’s nobody else’s business!
2. The urethra, vagina, and anus are three different holes
The nether regions of the female anatomy consist of various parts and openings, including three separate holes. The urethra is used for urination, while the vagina is a passageway for menstrual blood and childbirth, or to receive a penis or sex toy. The anus is for passing bowel movements or, if you’re into it, the ‘entrance’ used for anal sex.
3. They vary in size and depth
Though there is a range of sizes, the average vagina depth is about 9.6 centimetres (3.77 inches), which lengthens with arousal. Variations in this length are typically not noticeable by a sexual partner.
4. Having sex doesn’t permanently stretch you out
The vaginal muscles naturally expand when aroused, making room for whatever object (penis or sex toy) is going to be inserted. However, post-sex, the vagina returns to its normal state. Regardless of how often this happens, the default ‘tightness’ remains the same, but can be improved with Kegels (more on that below).
5. There’s plenty of vulva diversity
The vulva is the outer part of the vagina (the urethra, labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening) and everyone looks different. Some people have long or short labia that can appear puffed or tucked, clitorises that can be large or small, and vaginal openings that vary from wide to narrow. Don’t worry, it’s all ‘normal.’
6. Vaginas can change colour
We’re referring to the colour of the vulva, which may not match the overall skin tone. Both sets of labia are often be darker than the rest of the skin, with the vulva becoming even darker with arousal. However, if you notice abnormal discolouration in addition to itchiness, swelling, and unusual discharge, reach out to your doctor.
7. The vagina’s walls are pleated
The pleated walls of the vagina allow for it to expand to accommodate things larger than its regular size — something like a penis, a baby, or a sex toy.
8. Not every woman is born with a hymen
The female anatomy is certainly impressive. Did you know that not every woman is born with a hymen, the thin piece of skin that stretches across part of the vaginal opening? Well, it’s true.
9. Sex isn’t the only way to break the hymen
The World Health Organization has made it clear that there is no test to confirm whether someone is a virgin. The hymen can tear (that’s right, it tears, it doesn’t “pop”) from many ways that do not involve sex — sports, horseback riding, or inserting a sex toy.
10. Getting wet does not always mean getting aroused
Factors including medication, fluctuating hormones, stress, infections, and even certain underwear can affect how wet a vagina gets. It’s not always an indication of sexual arousal.
Thus, consent is not a physical ‘sign.’ Consent must be verbalized.
11. The clitoris has a vast network of nerves
Located above the urethral opening, the clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings that can often bring you to orgasm. Stimulation can happen with fingers, the tongue or mouth (oral sex), a vibrator, or even a shower head
12. Most women don’t orgasm from vaginal penetration alone
The erogenous area of the vagina, known as the G-spot, isn’t an instant turn-on for every woman. One of our useful vagina facts? The best way to achieve vaginal orgasm is by stimulating the clitoris simultaneously!
13. Your vagina can help relieve pain
With the release of endorphins (a hormone responsible for boosting your mood and even relieving pain) post-orgasm, mood increases and physical pain is alleviated.
14. There will be discharge
Discharge, whether thick or thin and ranging in colour from clear to whiteish, is normal. However, a doctor should be consulted if it changes in consistency, colour (turns green, yellow, or grey), or is stained with blood.
15. They’re self-cleaning
A typical vagina has a pH ranging from 3.8 to 4.5. Because of this more acidic environment, bacterial and fungal infections cannot start. This is why you should never try to disrupt your vaginal pH by putting scented soaps or products near it!
16. Vaginas have plenty of good bacteria
Lactobacilli bacteria thrive in the aforementioned acidity of the vagina, secreting lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide that maintains the pH levels and keeps infections at bay.
17. It’s normal for vaginas to have a smell
Bacteria have a smell, meaning that vaginas will have a ‘tanginess’ to them. However, a doctor should be consulted if the scent changes to something pungent or fishy.
18. You can’t lose anything in the vaginal canal
The vagina is a dead-end ending at the cervix (the opening to the uterus). Since the cervix only dilates (opens up) during childbirth, objects like a tampon won’t just disappear.
19. You can exercise your vaginal muscles
Kegel exercises strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, contracting as if lifting a heavy object. Over time, they will tighten the muscles surrounding the vagina and make orgasms more likely.
20. Proper vaginal health is crucial
By keeping an eye on the vagina — being aware of changes in discharge, scent, sensations, and appearance — optimal vaginal health can be achieved.
From vaginal health to learning about vulva diversity, we hope that the vagina facts we shared with you have enlightened you in some way. The more you know about the female anatomy, regardless of your gender identification, the better. Of course, the same goes for learning about male anatomy, including the penis!
The more you know, the more aware and educated you can be.
Have you learned anything new about the female anatomy? Are there any questions about the vagina that you have? Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments below.
