There are many beliefs about a woman’s vagina. Some of them stem from cultural and societal beliefs. Others are marketing gimmicks put forward so that companies can sell their products. We have easy access to information than ever before but still misinformation persists. This has made it harder for the average person to distinguish between facts and old wives’ tales. This is especially true concerning the sexual and reproductive function of a woman’s body.
In any case, you need to be able to distinguish what is true from what is false and potentially harmful.
In this article, we will be covering five vaginal myths and the truth behind them.
Myth: All vaginal discharge is abnormal
Fact: Vaginal discharge is a normal, natural process
Your womb, cervix, and vagina release a clear, off-white or white fluid. This fluid varies in consistency at different parts of your menstrual cycle. It can be watery, slippery, or slimy. The fluid contains old vaginal cells and bacteria and is the vagina’s mechanism to cleanse itself. Changes in this discharge can tell a lot about your health, so please pay attention to the colour, smell, and consistency every time you use the bathroom.
Myth: Yoni eggs are good for your vagina
Fact: Yoni eggs have no benefits for your vagina
Yoni eggs have been touted by celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow to be this all-natural solution for cramps, hormonal imbalance, and a better sex life. Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams has been seen using Yoni eggs to strengthen the walls of her vagina on the show.
Contrary to these claims, using Yoni eggs is an easy way to introduce bacteria and other infections into your vagina or even get it stuck there. None of the purported benefits of the yoni eggs is supported by science. They’re just gemstones. You can decorate your house with them or use them to make other things like jewellery. But whatever you do, do not insert them into your vagina.
Myth: Vaginal steaming cleanses your vagina
Fact: You only need water to cleanse your vagina.
Steaming your vagina has no scientifically proven benefits. Instead, it could cause burns, rashes, or upset the pH of your vagina, leading to bacterial growth and other infections.
Your vagina can clean itself. The only other thing you have to do is use water: no steam, no soap, or any other special “feminine” product.
Myth: Vaginal itching is a sure sign of a yeast infection
Fact: Vaginal itching could be a symptom of many conditions
Don’t be too quick to reach for over-the-counter medication for yeast infection when you’re itchy down there. Vaginal itching could also be a sign of bacterial vaginosis, an STI, vaginitis, an allergic reaction to a tampon, and many other conditions. Consult a doctor to be sure of the cause of your itching before spending your money on drugs that may not work.
Myth: You’re only a virgin if you have an intact hymen
Fact: A hymen can be lost without sexual intercourse.
The hymen is a vestigial tissue that partly covers the vaginal opening. It is widely believed that it is destroyed only through sexual intercourse followed by bleeding. We know now that the hymen can also be destroyed by vigorous exercise, physical activity, or using a tampon. Some women can experience pain or bleeding when the hymen breaks, but many people do not notice. Some women don’t even have a hymen.
Therefore, bleeding after having sex for the first time cannot be a test of a woman’s virginity.
There are many more myths where these came from. The important thing for you is to be wary of health information that comes from unverified sources.
Celebrities and influencers are not the authority on health information of any kind. Always consult a medical practitioner before acting on something you’ve newly learned about.
