Although women make up about half of the world's population, the female reproductive organs remain quite a mystery even to medical professionals. Of course, talking to your obstetrician or gynecologist will be incredibly helpful, but it's good to have a basic knowledge of your body regardless of medical help. These facts will help clear up many of the misconceptions you have concerning your body.
Misconception #1: The clitoris is small and bean-shaped.
Truth: Actually, the clitoris is quite large. You only see a small portion of it peeking out o the body. Some people would compare the clitoris to an iceberg.
Misconception #2: You should douche to clean the vagina.
Truth: There is actually nothing healthy about douching. In fact, the process often leads to vaginal infections because it messes with bacteria that are naturally found in the vagina. Pregnant women can also experience complications from douching, and any woman increases her risk of cervical cancer due to this practice. For this reason, gynecologists around the world advocate against douching.
You might be surprised to learn that the vagina has its own cleaning system. You have likely noticed discharge in the past; this is the substance that helps to clean the inside of the body.
Misconception #3: You can lose a tampon inside your vagina.
Truth: It is not possible for an item, including a tampon, to get lost inside the body. The cervix is small enough to keep any items from leaving the vaginal canal. The truth is that you could have a rogue tampon wind its way up in the body so that you cannot fish it out on your own, but a doctor will be able to do it for you.
Misconception #4: It is normal for sexual intercourse to be painful.
Truth: Healthy women should not experience painful intercourse. Chronic pain associated with the vulva or vagina is often caused by an infection or disease — sometimes even cancer. Vulvodynia is another condition that may affect the way you feel during sex.
Misconception #5: Condoms provide protection from every STD.
Truth: Sure, condoms are great. They help prevent many STDs, including syphilis and gonorrhea. Unfortunately, they do not prevent those diseases spread via skin-to-skin contact: herpes and HPV.
Understanding the way your body works is important. If you do not pay attention to your reproductive health, you might find yourself in an unhealthy position. Don't forget to attend your annual or biannual gynecological exam to ensure you are completely healthy.
Share15 December 2014
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