Vagina 101

Vagina Basics & Must-Knows

Having a uterus doesn’t come with a manual, and many people with uteruses are not always given proper information. This lack of education is so prevalent, that Orange Is the New Black had to have a scene where a trans woman explained that there are, in fact, three holes! Let’s discuss AFAB (assigned female at birth) health things that every person with a uterus should know about their body, but isn't necessarily told growing up or even by a doctor. 

Please note all of these are for people born with vaginas. If you had one manufactured, they may require special care.

Basic hygiene

Always pee immediately after sex. This helps get rid of any unwanted bacteria and can prevent bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Your vagina naturally has bacteria, which is kept in balance by maintaining a proper pH. This pH of your vagina is vitally important. 

This leads to the next tip. Never use scented products near your vagina. No scented tampons, pads, or douche. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Soaps and chemicals can throw off your pH balance. Yes, this includes bubble baths and bath bombs. A bubble bath may be a wonderful form of self-care, but for some vaginas, these bubbles can throw off the pH balance, and cause a yeast infection.

A yeast infection occurs when the pH of your vagina is too high. Yeast infections can be diagnosed by a doctor and cured with a prescription pill or with an over-the-counter cream. If you’ve had several yeast infections, you can check your pH at home and treat accordingly. Signs of a yeast infection include itchy, white creamy discharge and a yeasty smell. Yeast infections can also be caused by antibiotics. If your pH gets too low (often due to sex, or other objects in the vagina), you may develop bacterial vaginosis (BV). This is when the bacteria in your vagina that is always there overgrows. Symptoms of BV include pain when having intercourse and a fishy smell. BV must be diagnosed by a physician and treated with antibiotics.

It’s not supposed to hurt

Speaking of painful sex, it is important to note that sex should not hurt your vagina. If it does, you may have an STI, have not used enough lube, have BV, a UTI, or other medical problem such as endometriosis. If sex is painful, it is important to see your doctor. Most of these conditions are easily treatable or curable, except endometriosis. Endometriosis is a disease where uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, and can be extremely painful and debilitating. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people with uteruses have endometriosis. If you routinely have debilitating periods, you should speak to your doctor. Yes, periods will often hurt, but extremely painful periods can be sign of endometriosis, PCOS, or other medical conditions. Endometriosis can be treated with birth control, but it has no cure.

Preventing pregnancy

Birth control pills can be an amazing way to make your periods less painful, as well as preventing pregnancy, but it can have unexpected side effects. Something your doctor might not tell you is that birth control may kill your sex drive or decrease your ability to orgasm. Another way to prevent pregnancy is with an Intrauterine Device (IUD). You can get these IUD’s even if you’ve never had a child, contrary to popular belief. The Mirena IUD has hormones in it, and can also help periods. The copper IUD contains no hormones, and may increase cramping, but will prevent pregnancy and can also be used as emergency contraception is placed within 72 hours of unprotected sex. 

Other forms of emergency contraception include two types of pills. The traditional morning-after pill is the most commonly used method and is available over the counter in the United States, or by mail. The traditional morning-after pill works by delaying or preventing ovulation. This pill may not be effective if you’ve already ovulated or if you have a BMI of over 25. People who have already ovulated or have a BMI over 25 should use Ella, a prescription-only morning-after pill that will prevent a fertilized egg from implanting, thus preventing pregnancy. It can also be obtained by mail, including a medical consultant who will provide the prescription. It will take several days to arrive, so if you need it immediately, you should go to a pharmacy. Pharmacists in some US states can prescribe these to you, or you can obtain a prescription online.

Test, test, test

Even when engaging in safe sex, it’s important to get your yearly papsmear, mid cycle, to test for cervical cancer and other abnormalities. You should also get vaccinated for HPV if you are eligible.

Taking care of a vagina isn’t always easy - but if you take care of it, it will take care of you - and allow you to indulge in whatever pleasures you enjoy!