Vagina: complete guide to solving doubts and getting to know her better

Do you really know what the vagina is? What many people call by that name, in fact, is the vulva, the external part of the organ, which is composed of the clitoris, internal and external lips and the opening to the vagina, which is the internal canal. In addition, the complete organ is also made up of the fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries.

As the vagina is complex and can generate several questions, we spoke with gynecologist and obstetrician Marieli Dosso, from Clínica Duo and with Leila Campos, sexologist and sex therapist to answer some common questions related to the subject.

12 questions about the vagina answered by a gynecologist

It is common to have many questions related to the vagina, even for those who visit a gynecologist frequently. For this, you can check out some of the most frequently asked questions in this specialist’s office.

1. Is my vulva normal?

Marieli says that there is no “normal” vulva. According to a study recently carried out in Switzerland, there is a wide variety of sizes and shapes. “Many women seek the gynecologist today because they feel uncomfortable with some characteristic and during the consultation, it is evaluated if any intervention is necessary”.

2. Is it normal to have pain during sexual intercourse?

The short answer is no! “Pain during sexual intercourse can be related to emotional and pathological issues. Factors such as the relationship with the partner, decreased libido, postmenopausal vaginal atrophy and pathologies such as endometriosis are frequent causes”, says the gynecologist. Also according to her, as this is a complaint that affects the quality of life of women, those who feel pain should seek a gynecologist to identify the cause and thus start the appropriate treatment.

3. Is it normal to have bleeding after sexual intercourse?

No! Marieli states that “bleeding after sexual intercourse is usually caused by an injury to the cervix or vaginal walls. Most of the time, it does not have a serious cause, but it should be investigated and treated. Vaginal infections, cervical polyps and the presence of ectopia in the cervix are frequent causes. Ectopia is very common in contraceptive users and is defined by the displacement of the endocervical mucosa, which is more fragile towards the external part of the cervix, being more exposed to the trauma of the relationship”.

4. Is it normal not to have lubrication during sexual intercourse?

Here, the answer is also no. “The absence of lubrication is more related to arousal in the moment. That’s why foreplay is so important. Among the physiological causes for decreased lubrication are the menopause phase and the use of contraceptives, which, due to the decrease in circulating hormones, leave the vaginal mucosa less vascularized, thus decreasing the production of secretion”.

5. Is female ejaculation myth or truth?

According to sexologist and sex therapist Leila Campos, female ejaculation has not yet been scientifically proven. For her, when talking about this, it is important, first, to understand the famous G-spot. engorgement caused by a certain kind of fluid that serves for vaginal lubrication. The theory also suggests that, for some women, orgasm can result in female ejaculation, in which there would be a spurt of this fluid through the urethra.”

On the other hand, there are studies that claim that the liquid is urine. Still, according to the sexologist and sex therapist “There are several possible explanations for the issue of female ejaculation and for the issue of particular areas of the vagina that feel better than others. In your proposal of growth and discovery of your own sexuality, it is important that you formulate what is reality in your case, and not what the media promulgates as a presumed “fact”.

6. When should I be concerned about discharge?

The woman should be concerned when the secretion has yellowish or greenish tones or when it is related to itching and bad smell, says Marieli. According to her, “many women have white and odorless vaginal discharge, in smaller and larger amounts, which are often uncomfortable, but it is not an infection and most of the time does not need treatment”.

7. Can I lose my virginity using tampon?

Loss of virginity is culturally recognized when the hymen is ruptured. For women who have never had sexual intercourse and wish to use a tampon, it is recommended to use the smallest size and if placed properly, it will rarely cause hymenal rupture, says Marieli.

8. Is it normal to have itchy vagina?

Itching is most often associated with candidiasis, caused by a fungus, says Marieli. She also says that the treatment is simple, and can be performed through vaginal creams or oral medication.

9. Is it normal to have strong odors in the vagina?

The strong odor in the vagina can also be related to vaginal infections and may require topical treatment, with vaginal creams or oral medication, says the gynecologist.

10. Is it normal to feel burning in the vagina?

Vaginal burning can be related to infections, allergies, injuries such as cracks or even hormonal changes, but it’s not normal. Marieli emphasizes that the evaluation of her gynecologist is important to obtain the correct diagnosis.

11. How should I wash the vagina?

Marieli says that the intimate region must be sanitized with water and normal soap during the bath, only the external part. The use of vaginal douches is not recommended, as well as intimate soap should not be used daily. “These two practices lead to alteration of the natural vaginal microbiota, increasing the chance of opportunistic infections.”, argues the gynecologist.

12. Does my vagina return to normal after natural childbirth?

What happens in the vagina after childbirth has more to do with pregnancy than with the birth itself. “Pregnancy hormones cause all the pelvic muscles to loosen. To try to minimize this effect, pelvic physiotherapy is recommended to strengthen these muscles. During vaginal delivery, some events can contribute to this muscle weakening, such as large perineal lacerations or episiotomies performed without indication.”, points out Marieli.

The answers listed above are very important for you to get to know your vagina and deal with it in the best possible way, so you can avoid unpleasant situations and even diseases. Not to mention that it also avoids unnecessary fuss.

female genital anatomy

You already know that the vagina is located on the inside of the female reproductive organ and the vulva is outside, but that’s not all. Check out the entire female genital anatomy below:

external bodies

• Labia majora: These are folds covered by skin and hair that extend from the pubis to the perineum.
• Labia minora: These are two thin ends, which are on the inside of the labia majora. They are thin, innervated and vascularized. In addition, they are made up of mucous membranes.
• Pubis: It is the region located between the abdomen and the clitoris.
• Clitoris: Found on the upper part of the vulva, it is close to the urethra and the connection of the labia minora. It is largely responsible for female pleasure.
• Urethral meatus: this is where urine comes out. It is located between the entrance of the vagina and the clitoris.
• Vaginal introitus: partially covered by the hymen, it is located inside the vestibule.
• Hymen: It is formed by a membrane covered by a mucous membrane. It may vary in size and shape.
• Perineum: it is the part that is located at the bottom of the vulva and goes to the anus.

Internal organs

• Vagina: The vagina is a canal that extends to the uterus. It measures approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters. This is the channel that the penis enters during intercourse. It is also through him that the menstrual flow comes out. Just like the baby in a normal birth.
• Uterus: It is in the uterus where the embryo is housed and develops until birth. It has the shape of an inverted pear, but can vary in size, position and structure. As it is formed by muscle tissue, it can increase in size during pregnancy. If fertilization of the egg does not occur, its inner wall, the endometrium, undergoes desquamation, which is eliminated during menstruation.
• Tubes: Also known as fallopian tubes, the tubes are responsible for transporting eggs to the uterus. They are made up of two channels, each on one side of the uterus.
• Ovaries: Women have two ovaries, each on one side of the uterus, just below the fallopian tubes. They are responsible for the production of eggs and sex hormones, called estrogen and progesterone. It is these hormones that control the menstrual cycle, as well as the growth of the endometrium.

Clitoris: the great responsible for pleasure

The clitoris is made up of approximately 8,000 nerve endings, 4,000 on each side, says Leila. Also, according to her, besides the fact that he has a lot of nerve endings, they are compressed in a small space, which makes him so sensitive. Its shape is pyramid, but the size can vary from woman to woman.

It is compared by many people to the penis, as they have many biological similarities. Both are formed by the same tissue, in addition, it has a foreskin, a skin responsible for its protection. However, its only function is to provide pleasure for the woman, and when that happens, it fills with blood, increases in size and hardens. This may resemble a small erection. It is through him that many women reach orgasm.

What you can and can’t do with your vagina

As the vagina is a delicate organ, you need to be aware of what you can and cannot do with it. In the list below, you can see some of the things you don’t have to worry about and others that you should avoid.

Can not

• Internally washing the vagina: Internal washing can alter the natural vaginal microbiota, which increases the chance of developing an infection.
• Douche vaginally: douching is another type of cleaning performed on the inside of the female reproductive organ and should be avoided for the same reason mentioned above.
• Putting food or chemicals that can harm it: the use of chemicals and even food can cause irritation in the vagina. If you want to spice up sexual intercourse, you can use specific products for the practice.
• Use daily tampon every day: the use of daily protectors causes the temperature and humidity of the vaginal region to increase, which makes the environment susceptible to the proliferation of microorganisms that cause diseases.
• Vaginal steaming: Vaginal steaming can cause irritation and even burns due to temperature, so the technique should be avoided.

He can

• Performing pelvic exercises: known as pompoarism, the practice of pelvic exercises helps to maintain…