The Vagina Your vagina; get to know it better.

The vagina is the opening that is located directly below the urethral opening (w here you pee from). The opening is called an orifice, as are other openings in y our body. Directly outside of the vaginal opening are the labia minor, the smoot h inner lips of the vulva. Outside of the inner lips are the labia majora, the f leshier outer lips that are typically covered in hair. Females tend to know less about their genitals than males because they cannot see them as easily - fairly obvious. There is nothing wrong with using a mirror and taking a look at what i s down there. It's easy to see if you put a mirror between your legs and look, espec ially if you are trying to insert a tampon for the first time. (See Sexual FAQs 15 for that information). The clitoris is a sensitive organ and its function is to provide sexual pleasur e. It is a hard round button at the top of the vulva. It's often so concealed th at it may only to viewed when the lips of the vagina are separated. It is struct urally connected to the labia minora or inner lips of the vagina. The visible gl ans of the clitoris, which is hooded by a prepuce -- (formed by the meeting of t he labia minora) -- is only the outward and visible part of a much more extensiv e structure of erectile tissue. The clitoral structure surrounds and extends int o the vagina. The structure contains erectile tissue, very similar to the male p enis, so when a women gets sexually aroused, it engorges with blood. The clitori s is densely packed with nerve endings, while similar in number to the penis, th ey are much more concentrated and closer together. The role of the clitoris in orgasm has been the subject of heated controversy fo r years. There is even controversy as to its pronunciation, whether it should be clitt-oris or cli-toris. Dictionaries vary and some list both as correct. H owever, this infers to some that this variation may cause hesitation in referrin g to this organ openly while speaking to others, (even to your health care provi der). The anatomy of the clitoris was first described in 1559 by Renaldus Columb us of Padua, who claimed that previous anatomists had overlooked the very existe nce of so pretty a thing. When a woman is sexually aroused, the vagina begins to produce lubrication to ai d in penetration. Your bartholin glands produce that lubrication. Most vaginas a re only four inches in length. At the top of the vagina is what kind of feels li ke a semi-hard round ball. This is your cervix, the neck of your uterus. In th e middle of the cervix is a small round opening, called the os, that leads to th e uterus. The os is the small opening through which menstrual blood flows from t he uterus into the vagina. This is the same small opening that expands during ch ildbirth. This is also where cells for a pap smear will be taken to make sure th ey are healthy. Many females have very sensitive cervixes, some do not.

Keep in mind that the vagina is a potential space. The walls of the vagina are normally in contact with each other. In other words, they are touching unless s omething is inserted between them; contrary to what most anatomy illustrations l ike the one here illustrates. This drawing looks like the vagina is an open ca nal. It is not. The vaginal opening is normally closed. It's important to realize that the vagina isnt a hole or cavity inside the body. When something enters th e vagina, the body must make room for it, no matter how small or large it may be . How to care for your vagina? The vaginal walls are continually producing secretions necessary to provide lubr

ication, to cleanse the vagina, and to maintain the proper acidity to prevent in fection. You will notice during different part of your menstrual cycle that your vaginal discharge will vary, (see Menstrual Cycle for more on that). The vagina tends to be fairly acidic (sperm tend to be more of a base or alkaline). The va gina is a naturally self-cleansing body part, so douching isnt necessary to kee p the vagina clean. Some women chose to use a vinegar and water douche after the end of their period, but this is not necessary. Women who like to douche, howev er, should do so with products that are unscented. It is not normal to have a va gina that smells like a field of flowers and can you imagine the chemicals used to create that "fragrance"... not good for you at all. If you have a strange o dor from you vagina, see a gynecologist! Wash your vagina when you shower or bath with a gentle soap or cleansing bar. Do nt over-do-it or you can irritate the sensitive lining and it is not a pleasant feeling, but it will heal. I'm sure you've seen many TV ads for products that claim to care for your vagina, most are not necessary, unless you have a vaginal infe ction. The vagina is sometimes referred to as the front door to life, one day you may even deliver a baby through it. Hard to believe that a baby can fit through tha t canal, but it can stretch (and tear) and they do. Of course, let's not forget th at the vagina is where you have vaginal sexual intercourse or oral sex (cunnilin gus). For information on the the infamous G-Spot, see that article. Check out female orgasm for that information. Benefits from orgasm, masturbation and kissing? Yes! Sexual health answers at S ex Stuff! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------These are from the Sex FAQ pages: Q. Are vaginal secretions normal? A. Yes. Its normal to have secretions at times of the month other than your per iod. These secretions keep the vagina clean, help prevent infection, and provide lubrication during sexual arousal and intercourse. You may notice clear sticky discharge about 2 weeks after your period. This is very normal and is a sign tha t you have ovulated. (Which may come in handy when you want to get pregnant, or if you choose to abstain during that time). If your discharge itches, burns, smells bad or changes color, you should see a h ealth care provider promptly since you may have an infection. Dont stress over it, not all infections are STDs and even virgins get yeast and bacterial infecti ons. When in doubt or worried, see a gynecology, or practitioner. No one can diagnose over the Internet. For more on your hymen, see that page. For more on yeast inf ections, go there. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Q. Why is my vagina so dry? A. At one time or another all women experience vaginal dryness. Before you feel sore, in pain, and or frustrated with yourself, you should know that normal estr ogen fluctuations often cause vaginal dryness. Some women believe that vaginal l ubricants are only for women who are not sexually aroused, or who are going thro ugh menopause, or if they are not very sexually experienced. Lubricants are for

all of those reasons and for masturbating too. Vaginal dryness often occurs duri ng your period, if you are stressed-out, and if you are using a condom with no l ubrication! Yes, vaginal dryness can cause painful sexual intercourse. Make sure you are using the right amount of lubrication, especially when using a condom.