Secret 1: The vagina's natural defense barrier
The labia minora on both sides of the vulva are usually closed, and the anterior and posterior walls of the vagina are pressed together, forming a natural defensive barrier.
Secret 2: The vagina can also "shed skin".
Under the influence of estrogen, the epithelial cells of the vagina undergo cyclical changes and shed, which is a natural metabolic process.
Secret 3: The vaginal pH level is between 3.8 and 4.5.
Due to the action of normal bacteria, the pH of this space is maintained between 3.8 and 4.5, so that most pathogenic bacteria that are adapted to living in alkaline environments cannot grow and reproduce here.
Secret 4: Disliking vaginal discharge also makes you a "vaginal hygiene expert "
The presence of vaginal discharge prevents external pathogens from surviving in the vagina, thus protecting the vagina and promoting its self-cleaning function, medically known as vaginal self-cleaning. This self-cleaning function actually benefits from a large number of beneficial bacteria in the vagina—vaginal lactobacilli. These bacteria convert glycogen contained in the keratinized epithelial cells of the vaginal wall into lactic acid, thereby inhibiting harmful bacteria from invading the vagina. Vaginal lactobacilli cannot grow in a dry environment; they thrive in a moist environment. Vaginal discharge moistens the vagina, thus promoting the growth of vaginal lactobacilli and maintaining the vagina's self-cleaning function. Therefore, normal vaginal discharge is not superfluous, and the idea that vaginal discharge is dirty and requires "vaginal cleansing" is incorrect.
Secret 5: The vagina has a self- cleaning function
"Various glands in the vagina secrete fluids that lubricate and cleanse the vagina," explains Lisa Stan, a registered senior nurse in Los Angeles. It's important to note that excessive washing of the vagina during showering can wash away these natural lubricants and beneficial bacteria, leading to the proliferation of anaerobic bacteria and fungi, resulting in abnormal secretions, odor, and itching. Therefore, rinsing the vulva is sufficient; avoid using vaginal douches.
Secret 6: The vagina secretes 1.55 grams of fluid every 8 hours.
For women of reproductive age, vaginal discharge weighs approximately 1.55 grams every 8 hours. "If the labia are more everted, there will be more mucus secretion," says Beverly Whipple. "The color of the discharge varies. In most cases, vaginal discharge is white, turning slightly yellowish as it dries. If the discharge is greenish when wet, or if you experience burning or itching in the genital area, or if the discharge smells fishy, you should see a doctor for examination as soon as possible."
Secret 7: The vagina "lengthens" under sexual stimulation.
Under normal conditions, the average length of the vagina is 8.5 cm to 12 cm. "After sexual stimulation, the vagina will deform and increase to twice its original size." Sufficient foreplay can further expand the "volume" of the vagina and also continuously enhance sexual sensation.
Secret #8: Being appropriately busy is healthier
Regular sexual activity not only keeps women young but also promotes vaginal health. This is because sex exercises the vaginal muscles, helping to maintain their tightness. Additionally, the more lubrication produced before sex due to arousal, the less likely vaginal injury will occur during intercourse.
Secret #9: Wrinkles can also appear in the vagina.
A woman's vulva changes with age. Decreasing estrogen levels cause the labia to become less full, fat pads to atrophy, and collagen loss to cause the labia to sag and develop wrinkles. These are normal physiological changes and do not significantly affect sexual sensation.
Secret #10: Ejaculation can also occur during orgasm via the vagina.
“This is a skill that needs to be learned to master. Once women understand the mechanisms of their bodies, vaginal ejaculation during orgasm becomes very common. There are many glands around the urethra, especially when the anterior vaginal wall is stimulated, they secrete fluid,” says Professor Beverly Whipple of the Department of Sexual Health Research at the School of Nursing, Rutgers University. This area, composed of glands, blood vessels, nerves, and cavernous tissue, can be described as “the woman’s prostate.”
Secret #11: Not all vaginas have a hymen.
Some women don't bleed on their wedding night but are mistakenly accused of having sex, casting a shadow over their marriage. In reality, some women are born without a hymen. Others have a hymen that is too thick, requiring surgical removal.
In addition, the hymen is usually attached to the opening of the vagina and is easily damaged. For example, exercising and inserting tampons can damage it.
Secret #12: Childbirth will increase "her" size by 5 times.
Normally, the vagina is no more than one inch in diameter. But before the baby is born, the vagina can incredibly expand to four to five inches wide to allow the baby's head to pass through. However, about six weeks after childbirth, the vagina will (or almost will) return to its pre-pregnancy size.
Secret #13: Vaginal swelling during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the vaginal mucosa becomes congested and edematous due to the influence of estrogen and progesterone secreted by the placenta. At this time, the permeability of the vaginal mucosa increases, and exudation is significantly greater than in the non-pregnant state. Simultaneously, the glands in the cervical canal secrete more fluid. Therefore, vaginal discharge during pregnancy is significantly more abundant than in the non-pregnant state, often appearing as a white, pasty substance with no odor. These physiological changes during pregnancy make the woman more susceptible to yeast infections, with an infection rate ranging from 9.4% to 18.5%.
Secret #14: The vagina doesn't change much after childbirth.
The changes in the appearance and tissues of the vagina after childbirth are actually far less obvious than women realize. From an external perspective, unless there was tearing during delivery, few people can tell from appearance whether a woman has given birth. Some women do experience vaginal sagging and noticeable loosening after childbirth. Lisa Lan suggests that these women can strengthen their pelvic floor muscles by contracting them for a few seconds each time, repeating more than 10 times.
Secret #15: She makes sounds during sex.
The vagina can also make sounds during sex, mainly due to the way the partner enters. If he thrusts deeply each time, air will inevitably leak in during the intervals between thrusts. When air is forced out of a relatively enclosed environment, it will naturally make a sound.
