20 Things Women Should Know About Vaginas (But Don't)

There are some women whose mothers never uttered the word “vagina,” and instead simply pointed and whispered, “down there.” Some might not have even gone that far and simply left it up to their daughters to figure out on their own. Hey, that’s what friends and health teachers are for, right?

Today, we can get information through a simple search — but because sex education isn’t prioritized, the level of knowledge varies. It can be a little shocking how little we know about what’s going on with our lady bits and bobbles. From vulvas to vaginas, breasts to buttocks, periods to perimenopause and beyond, here’s what you need to know.

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Vaginal discharge is normal

So normal, in fact, there are like nine kinds. Clear discharge means you're likely ovulating, but if it's more yellow or green, it could be STI-related and a visit to your doctor is in order.

RELATED: Explainer: STIs, what they are and what they do.

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Vaginas change colour

Think of it as a mood ring. When you're aroused or pregnant, that increased blood flow to the genitals affects colouring. Vaginas can become a deeper, darker hue. It's all good, though, as it's only temporary.

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The real reason you’re getting those ingrown hairs

It's simple: don't cheap out on your razor. Whether it's leg or pubic hair, avoid using those disposable single-blade razors if you want everything all smooth. Aside from ingrown hairs (which you can prevent and treat by exfoliating regularly), there's the stubble, dry skin and those annoying little bumps that come with them. And always shave in the direction opposite the way the hair is growing. Nowadays, though, with all the hair removal options, waxing, sugar, and laser could be the way to go. For some, the pubic hair comes back softer, so that's a bonus. But go to a pro. In many cases, this is not a DIY kind of deal.

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Good bumps vs. bad bumps

There are bumps from a rush shaving job and there are more worrisome ones. Raised, hard bumps that are near the vagina are ingrown hairs but if they resemble a blister or are a little floppy, it's likely herpes or warts. The bumps' location is the dead giveaway here. If it's not where hair grows and is inside of your labia, chances are it's an STI. To be sure, it's best to talk to your doctor if you're concerned or if things don't look/feel right.

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Go commando to bed

Sleeping naked allows for sweat and moisture to evaporate rather than remaining against any clothing, thus on the skin. So if you're prone to itching or irritation, remove the undies. Hell, go commando all day if you want that freeing feeling to last.

SEE ALSO: Just some other reasons to sleep buck naked.

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Masturbating is good

A little self-love goes a long way. It teaches you what you like and how to achieve an orgasm on your own or with the help of a vibrator. Masturbation can increase desire or achieve more intense arousals and ups the chance of orgasms with a partner. Also, never forget that masturbating regularly can improve female health.

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Labia come in different sizes

Our lady parts come in all lengths, sizes and even colours so, ladies, if your labia doesn't resemble the porn stars of today, don't worry. Because their normal might not be your normal. The labia minora refers to the thinner, inside lips which start below the clitoris, while the labia majora is the fleshier outer lips of the vulva. They're meant to look different and the only time you should actually be concerned is if it's causing you physical discomfort.

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Your vagina can clean itself

Ignore what Gwyneth Paltrow says — the vagina is the only self-cleaning organ and is designed to cleanse itself. Leave it alone and let it do its thing.

SEE ALSO: 29 stars who regret the work they've had done.

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Your vagina’s pH levels are important

A healthy vaginal pH should protect you from infection and be able to regulate itself and stay in the normal acidic range (somewhere between 3.5 and 4.5). When your When your pH is unhealthy, you will likely notice an unpleasant odor, which is a sign of an imbalance — you may find yourself with a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

As for any stinging or uncomfortable sensations, they could be the result of an STI, not enough lubrication or your vibrator use. Ensure you're using quality toys and water-based lubricants and see if it gets any better.

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Yeast infections aren’t always the same

Just like every woman is different, so are her lady parts which means that we don't all experience the same symptoms from a yeast infection. Depending on your sensitivity, a small area could cause a crap ton of itching and burning, while for others, it takes a bigger buildup to cause that annoyance. But that also means you might not realize you have a yeast infection — until those aforementioned symptoms — or, additionally, swelling around the vagina, burning during sex or while you pee, soreness, redness or a rash — hit you. That's why it always helps to know your body and the signs of what may come.

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Your menstrual cycle can sync up with those to whom you are close

Whether it's a myth or an actual thing, there's no denying that for sisters, close friends, and mothers and daughters, period syncing does happen. There's no scientific explanation as to why and, hey, maybe it's coincidence but menstrual synchrony happens way more than we think.

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Your period can come and go

There are some women who can set their watch by their periods, while there are others who need an app to keep track or be on birth control pills to regulate their cycles. If you go off the pill, your period might not come back as your body is still trying to balance out your hormones. After childbirth, your period will typically return in six to eight weeks if you aren't breastfeeding. If you do, it could return after a couple months or it might not come back until you're done.

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Your post-baby vagina isn’t too dry

No matter how aroused you are, after having a baby, it can be like a desert down there. But that's perfectly normal and, rather, merely a sign that your hormone levels are still balancing themselves out. Intercourse might have to wait but when you're feeling ready, load up on the lube.

SEE ALSO: These habits can help improve your sex life.

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Sex hormones need food

High levels of niacin promotes blood flow and can increase sexual sensitivity so add fish, liver, peanuts, avocado, mushrooms and whole wheats to your diet to spice things up.

RELATED: 20 pescatarian dinner ideas that make seafood the star.

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Working out too much isn’t always good

While exercise can help alleviate cramps and other menstrual issues, it can also affect your flow — which seems like a good thing but isn't always. Overdoing it in the gym can lead to irregular bleeding, spotting and hormonal imbalances so just manage your time wisely and aim for moderate workouts balanced with equal rest time.

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Pelvic stress is a thing

As if women didn't have enough to worry about, add maintaining your pelvic health to the list. For some, they hold their stress in their shoulders and back. For others, it's stored in their pelvic floor. But in many ways, they're linked. You can alleviate lower back pain by strengthening your pelvic floor.

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Pelvic therapy is also a thing

Yes, there are professionals who specialize in the pelvic floor, which is responsible for a variety of functions. These muscles support the pelvic organs, assist in bowel and bladder control, and contribute to sexual arousal and orgasm, so one can seek treatment for everything from painful intercourse, endometriosis, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, and even soreness in the glutes and inner thighs.

SEE ALSO: 10 stress-busting techniques that actually work.

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You have a big(ger) butt and we can not lie

Women tend to have larger butts than men and it's because of the estrogen thing. Our bodies naturally direct fat straight to our behinds instead of our stomachs, whereas it's the opposite for men. No junk in the trunk for them.

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Listen to your nipples

Your breasts say a lot, whether it's the size (maybe you're gaining or losing weight, even if you're not trying to), your nipples are itchy (you need a new bra or go back to your old detergent), or perhaps you're pregnant and need to go get a test ASAP. It can be menopause-related or a benign tumour, but it can also be something more serious like Paget's Disease, a rare form of breast cancer that starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the nipple and nearby area. It can be mistaken for eczema so consult a physician to make sure.

RELATED: 10 widely-believed pregnancy myths.

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Drink more water

It's been long hammered into our heads that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day but not just for the obvious reasons. Like the rest of the body, breast skin needs to stay hydrated to look their best so if you're slacking on the water intake and not replenishing the area with moisturizer, your breasts will appear shrunken and saggy. So, drink up.

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