Vagina Summary

Half of the human population has a vagina, but understanding and discussing it has been overshadowed by centuries of myths, misinformation, and silence. Isn't it time to reclaim the narrative?

1. Global Sex Education Falls Short

Sex education around the world is failing, and the consequences are dire. Historically, patriarchal systems suppressed knowledge about female anatomy and sexuality. Midwives in the Middle Ages, seen as threats to such systems for providing contraception and abortions, were labeled as witches and often executed. This climate discouraged open conversations about women’s sexual health.

Today, misinformation persists. A 2016 survey of British women revealed that 40% couldn’t locate their vagina, and 60% couldn’t identify their vulva. When people don’t understand their bodies, it’s hard to notice when something goes wrong. Ignorance can delay treatment for health issues and perpetuate feelings of shame.

Some countries, such as the Netherlands, set an example with their sex-positive educational approaches. Dutch children begin learning about relationships and anatomy early, and teens are well-informed about pleasure and equality. This has led to lower teenage pregnancy rates and less pressure during early sexual experiences compared to more conservative countries like the US or UK.

Examples

• Midwives were killed for educating women about contraception.
• Surveys show that many women can’t correctly identify basic genital anatomy.
• The Dutch sex education model has led to lower teen pregnancy rates and healthier attitudes toward sex.

2. Accuracy Starts with Anatomy

The term “vagina” is often used incorrectly to describe the entire female genitalia instead of just the internal canal. The vulva comprises external organs, including the clitoris, labia, and vaginal opening. Misnaming these affects how women perceive their bodies and reduces their understanding of their sexual organs to merely a “hole.”

Many women misunderstand their anatomy until they seek detailed education. For example, the inner labia, which vary widely in size, are often a source of insecurity. Similarly, the clitoris—unique for its sole purpose of creating pleasure—is frequently dismissed or misunderstood. It wasn’t even fully studied until the 1990s.

Knowing accurate terminology fosters confidence. With clearer understanding comes the ability to advocate for sexual health and seek appropriate care. Mislabeling anatomical parts denies women the ability to fully recognize their bodies as complex and functional.

Examples

• Harriet Lerner called the misuse of terms like "vagina" a “psychic genital mutilation.”
• Swiss studies reveal labia are more diverse in size and shape than women might realize.
• Helen O’Connell’s research expanded understanding of the clitoris in the 1990s.

3. We’ve Misunderstood the Hymen

The hymen is often incorrectly described as a barrier symbolizing virginity, but this is a myth. The hymen isn’t a seal; it’s a stretchy, crescent-shaped membrane. Its form differs from person to person, and some are even born without one. Still, the association of the hymen with “purity” persists.

In some cultures, the expectation that women will bleed on their wedding night can result in shame, ostracism, or even violence if they don’t. This misconception leads to a booming market for “fake hymens” or surgeries to mimic virginity. These practices disregard biological truth to uphold patriarchal control over women’s sexuality.

Understanding the hymen’s actual structure and function is a step to free women from harmful cultural traditions. Teaching people anatomy thoroughly can diminish the stigma surrounding virginity.

Examples

• The hymen can take many shapes, but only rare cases resemble a true barrier.
• Some women face violence if they don’t exhibit "virginity" by bleeding on their wedding night.
• Clinics worldwide offer surgeries to “restore” hymens, perpetuating myths.

4. The Clitoris is Misunderstood and Often Overlooked

The clitoris, the organ designed solely for pleasure, has been ignored and dismissed in science for centuries. Sigmund Freud even categorized the clitoral orgasm as “immature.” It wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers like Helen O’Connell mapped its true structure, revealing its size and complexity.

The taboo surrounding women’s pleasure has cultural consequences. Many women don’t even know the full anatomy of the clitoris, and sex education often omits it entirely. This fosters sexual inequality, where male pleasure is centered and women’s satisfaction is secondary.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) often targets the clitoris, showing how dangerous the neglect of women's pleasure can be. Still performed across 30 countries, FGM has harmed millions of girls worldwide. Resistance is increasing, though, with growing awareness and legal action in affected regions.

Examples

• Freud described clitoral pleasure as "immature," perpetuating stigma.
• Helen O’Connell revealed the full anatomy of the clitoris in 1993.
• Somalia prosecutes FGM practices, signaling growing resistance.

5. The Myth of the “Better” Orgasm

Heterosexual culture has long prioritized vaginal orgasms, framing them as more “mature” or superior to clitoral stimulation. This idea can be traced back to Freud's theories, which labeled clitoral pleasure as immature. Yet, biologically, most women don’t orgasm through penetration alone.

Research has disproven the vaginal-clitoral hierarchy. Orgasms can be multifaceted and don’t fit into simple categories. However, societal pressure still affects many women, causing them to doubt their experiences unless they conform to patriarchal ideals.

By normalizing conversations about orgasms as diverse and personal, people can close the “orgasm gap.” Studies show that lesbian women experience more orgasms than heterosexual women, likely due to open communication and a focus on diverse forms of pleasure.

Examples

• Freud’s theories unfairly prioritized vaginal orgasms.
• The “orgasm gap” affects heterosexual women more than any other group.
• Lesbian women report more orgasms due to communication and inclusive intimacy.

6. Women’s Pain is Often Ignored

Women face unnecessary suffering because doctors and society fail to take their conditions seriously. For example, endometriosis can cause intense pain and serious complications, yet women often wait years for a diagnosis.

Cultural taboos also keep vulvas in the shadows, making issues like labiaplasty—a surgery to change the labia—alarmingly common. Many women feel driven to these procedures because they grew up with unrealistic ideas of what a “normal” vulva looks like.

Medical professionals and society must confront biases against women in pain. Addressing stigma is the first step to creating a culture that values women’s health.

Examples

• Women with endometriosis wait 7–8 years for a diagnosis.
• “Perfect-looking” Vulvas in porn influence rising rates of labiaplasty.
• Women are under-treated for pain compared to men, worsening suffering.

7. Period Stigma Has Real Consequences

Menstruation, a natural and common experience, remains shrouded in shame. In Nepal, taboos force many women to isolate themselves during their periods, leading to serious dangers, including rape and fatalities. Girls in the UK and Kenya have missed school due to period poverty.

Even in progressive countries, misinformation about menstruation can leave women unprepared. Beyond the physical strain of cramps and PMS, secrecy creates emotional burdens.

Combatting period stigma and providing menstrual products are ways to alleviate this unnecessary suffering. Open, honest discussions normalize periods and ease difficulties caused by shame.

Examples

• Nepalese women are banished to huts during their periods.
• UK schoolgirls have missed class because they couldn’t afford sanitary products.
• Period poverty led 10% of Kenyan girls to turn to sex work for menstruation supplies.

8. Fertility Focus is Unfairly Directed at Women

Conversations around fertility constantly emphasize women’s age and choices while ignoring male factors. For example, half of infertility cases have male-related causes like abnormal semen. Yet awareness campaigns rarely highlight male reproductive health.

Hormonal contraception brings another imbalance. Drug trials for male contraceptives are often ended due to side effects—side effects women routinely endure with existing options.

Society must share the responsibility of reproduction between genders. Highlighting male fertility issues and expanding contraception options for men can create fairer family planning.

Examples

• Male infertility accounts for about 50% of non-age-related infertility cases.
• Men abandoned drug trials for hormonal contraception due to mild side effects.
• Public awareness focuses solely on women’s “biological clock.”

9. Menopause and Gender Identity Need More Space

Menopause, often dismissed or ignored, can cause distressing symptoms like severe hot flashes or chronic depression. Many women feel unsupported, particularly at work, where menopause-related issues force some to leave their jobs.

Additionally, gender inclusivity is vital. Trans people with vaginas face unique challenges in conversations surrounding sexual and reproductive health but are rarely included. Recognizing diverse needs promotes better healthcare for all.

Breaking the silence around menopause and expanding inclusivity will help marginalized groups receive the care they deserve.

Examples

• Some women quit jobs due to untreated menopausal symptoms.
• Chronic issues like UTIs or low libido often accompany menopause but are seldom addressed.
• Trans men with vaginas face barriers to informed care due to societal assumptions.

Takeaways

1. Advocate for comprehensive sex education that includes discussions about pleasure, consent, and inclusivity.
2. Challenge myths about the hymen, clitoris, and fertility through accurate, open dialogue.
3. Normalize conversations about menstruation, menopause, and diverse sexual experiences to reduce stigma and improve healthcare.