Vagina is not a dirty word
Infections are common for women of all ages. This is part of having a vagina.
Infections are common for women of all ages. This is part of having a vagina.
Getting to
know yourself
Getting to know yourself and your vagina is a vital part of building body confidence. Because when it comes to the human vulva, we’re all unique3. So natural smell, sweat, pubic hair and labia of all shapes and sizes should not be a source of shame for anyone4. Spend some time getting to know what your vulva is like, and if anything feels remotely unusual in or around the vulva and vagina, or you think you may have an infection, never feel ashamed to share concerns with a doctor. It’s important to seek out medical advice if you are worried because infections are common for women of all ages. This is part of having a vagina – and it definitely isn’t your fault.
De-shaming
the vagina
Why is it that so many of us feel raw shame when it comes to discussing the ins and outs of our genitalia? Shame is the result of a deep need to be accepted by the people around us, especially if we happen to think that social ‘norms’ are broken5. Added to which, so many of us have picked up on a lifetime of moral taboos around sex and the vagina: there are some things you don’t talk about, down there. But shame shouldn’t be a foregone conclusion. How you feel about your vagina and its health, in reality, should have nothing to do with anyone else.
Fighting Shame
Overcoming how your brain responds to shame is all about awareness6. As a first step, be aware of how you feel and where those thoughts have come – for example, pornography might have influenced your attitude to your body or behaviour7. Surround yourself with positive messages8 and immerse yourself in realistic, body-positive imagery that reflects the beautiful diversity of vulvas. Break the persistent negative inner voice and find more freedom to be the person you want to be.
Ref:
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-more-than-two-thirds-of-millennial-women-have-turned-down-sex-because-of-concerns-about-vaginal-scent-300904624.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/womens-blog/2015/aug/21/dont-be-embarrassed-to-talk-about-vaginas-with-your-doctor
- https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/03/226659/vagina-attitudes-survey
- https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/vagina-shapes-and-sizes/
- https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-scientific-underpinnings-and-impacts-of-shame/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/intense-emotions-and-strong-feelings/201104/shame-concealed-contagious-and-dangerous-emotion
- https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/what-is-labiaplasty-and-what-is-influencing-demand-in-surgery_uk_595a01b1e4b02734df334095
- https://wellbeingtrust.org/news/10-ways-to-practice-body-positivity/
You might
also want to read:
There are no ‘normal’ vulvas. They’re all different.
Where did you begin to learn about what the vulva and vagina look like? Was it formed from...
