10 Facts About Vaginas That You Didn't Know

From "vajayjay" to "hoo-ha," there are a million ways to refer to vaginas. However, there's a prevalence of misinformation, among adults who have one. For instance, the word "vagina"—which is the name of the internal canal that goes all the way up to the cervix—is frequently misused to refer to the outer anatomy, which is actually the vulva. The vulva encompasses a whole bunch of other parts of genitalia that we frequently fail to refer to specifically, including the mons pubis, clitoris, and inner and outer labia.

It's no wonder (and yet still quite distressing) that in a survey of 1,000 British women, 44% were unable to identify the vagina on a medical illustration of the female reproductive tract. Even fewer (60%) were able to identify the vulva. Overall, only one-third of the people questioned could correctly place the six labels—vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries—on the diagram.1

Why ‘vagina’ should be part of every young woman’s vocabulary. The Eve Appeal. 2016.

This lack of knowledge about female anatomy and biology absolutely needs to change. People deserve to be thoroughly educated, confident, and positive about their own bodies. More understanding of female genitalia and sexuality can only lead to being more empowered when it comes to health, body image, wellness, and pleasure. Plus, vulvas and vaginas are pretty amazing. So, here are 10 must-know facts about vaginas.

1. When It Comes to the Clitoris, There's More Than Meets the Eye

Although size varies greatly from person to person, the glans clitoris measures about 0.5 to 3 centimeters. However, the clitoris extends much further internally. These internal parts include the bulbous internal extensions (the vestibular bulbs) and wings on either side (the corpus cavernosum). The entire clitoris measures around 4 inches. Interestingly, the clitoris also continues to grow throughout life.

2. The Outer Labia Is Homologous to the Scrotum

While fully developed male and female anatomy may look quite different, they are actually much more similar than they appear. In fact, these body parts develop from the same embryonic cells before becoming sex-specific anatomical parts. In females, those fleshy folds of tissue that extend down from the mons pubis and surround the vaginal and urethral orifices are referred to as the labia majora. Amazingly, this body part is actually derived embryologically from the same tissue as the scrotum.3

The same parity holds true for the clitoris and penis. Both start out as an ambisexual genital tubercle that differentiates into a penis if exposed to androgen hormones. If not, a clitoris develops.

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3. Much Is Still Unknown About the G-Spot

The G-spot, a highly sensitive area in the vaginal wall, has been a hot topic of discussion since 1950. It was named for the researcher Grafenberg who "discovered" it and its relationship to female ejaculation. It is thought to vary in size from person to person, and some researchers believe that the difference in its size and function could be related to physiologic variability in female sexual response.5

Some studies (and substantial anecdotal evidence) document that the G-spot is real, the medical literature does not aways agree on its location, size, nature, or even how it works. Some researchers have found that it's part of a larger "clitourethrovaginal complex" that plays a role in orgasm; some continue to dispute its existence.5 However, about half of women report their G-spot does exist and plays a role in their sexual pleasure.

4. Vaginas Have the Ability to Adapt and Grow

The vaginal canal changes size over the course of a person's development and life. But it also can change in shape from moment to moment. Factors that can cause a vagina to change include sexual arousal, pregnancy, and childbirth. The vaginal canal is usually 3 to 6 inches long,6 but its elastic tissue has the ability to expand by 200%. Fluctuations in blood flow to the area account for much of this change.

5. The Clitoris Exists Solely for Pleasure

The clitoris has almost 8,000 nerve endings, about double the number in a penis. All those nerve endings make the clitoris extremely sensitive to touch, pressure, and temperature. Researchers often point out that the female orgasm has an exclusively sexual function, aka pleasure.

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6. Clitoral Stimulation Is Often Needed for Orgasm

While many people with vaginas feel less than if they don't orgasm during penis-in-vagina sex, they shouldn't! It's actually very normal not to climax from vaginal stimulation alone, and it's nothing to be ashamed about. The truth is that most people with vulvas need clitoral stimulation in order to orgasm. In fact, research shows that approximately 70% of all females never reach orgasm from penis-in-vagina intercourse without clitoral touch. Only around 26% can climax from vaginal stimulation alone.8

7. Vaginas Don't 'Stretch Out' or 'Get Loose'

Despite a pervasive stereotype about the postpartum "loose" or "stretched-out" vagina, vaginas don't necessarily get permanently bigger after childbirth; the vaginal canal expands and contracts over time. Plus, sexual arousal causes increased blood flow to the pelvic area, which may result in a "tighter" feeling vagina during sexual intercourse.9 In other words, the more turned on a person is, the tighter the vagina may become.

That said, multiple births and aging can cause the vagina's muscular elasticity to weaken. But it doesn't have to stay that way. Improving the tone of the surrounding muscles is a very effective way to tighten and strengthen the entire pelvic area. Kegels and other pelvic floor exercises can bolster these essential muscles, which support the bladder, uterus, rectum, and small intestine.

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8. Vaginas Have Their Own Version of 'Blue Balls'

Just like prolonged arousal without climax can cause discomfort in the scrotum, similar effects can be felt in the vagina. People with a vagina can get "pink balls" or "blue walls," which doctors refer to as vasoconstriction.12 This phenomenon is defined as "the narrowing (constriction) of blood vessels by small muscles in their walls." It's not dangerous, but it can feel uncomfortable.

9. Having an Orgasm May Help Relieve Menstrual Cramps

Upon orgasm—whether through partnered or solo sex—blood flow increases, uterine muscles contract, and the brain gets flooded with a rush of endorphins (or feel-good hormones). This bodily response may help relieve pain, such as that from headaches or menstrual cramps.14 Interestingly, some research indicates that having an orgasm during labor may also reduce the pains of childbirth as well.

10. Most Vaginal Discharge Is Normal

Healthy vaginas begin to produce discharge during puberty. This fluid is vital to the organ's function. It's how the vagina stays, clean, lubricated, and primed for reproduction. Normal vaginal discharge is clear to white in color and has a minimal or very mild odor. Vaginal discharge changes during the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. Also, as anyone who has ever tried to conceive knows, monitoring your secretions or cervical mucus is a must to pinpoint your prime ovulation time.

In fact, your vaginal discharge adjusts throughout your cycle to support a potential pregnancy. Soon after your period, you might notice a sticky or "tacky" vaginal secretion. Immediately prior to ovulation, most people usually detect increased vaginal secretions that are wet and slippery (similar to the consistency of raw egg white). If you're trying to get pregnant, this fluid facilitates the sperm's journey to the uterus.

Generally, your body produces the greatest amount of this type of vaginal discharge on the day of ovulation. Without this lubricating discharge, conception would be much less likely. Following the day of ovulation, vaginal discharge gradually becomes thicker in consistency, and less is secreted.