Vagina Love - Three Ways to Love Your Vagina

By: Quiana LaRae

First things first, let’s be sure we're all on the same page when we say, VAGINA. The vagina is the muscular tube or canal that sits between the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus, and the vulva. The vagina may serve as a pathway for menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.

The vulva (the external part of the female genitalia) sits below the pubis, just outside the vagina. The vulva is made up of the clitoris, labia majora and labia minora (outer and inner lips of the vulva), the vestibule (surrounds the opening of the vagina), urethra, and perineum (the area extending from beneath the vulva to the anus).

The cervix sits at the base of the uterus. According to Teach Me Anatomy, the cervix performs two main functions: it facilitates the passage of sperm into the uterine cavity; and maintains sterility of the upper female reproductive tract. The cervix, and all structures superior to it, are sterile. This ultimately protects the uterine cavity and the upper genital tract by preventing bacterial invasion. This environment is maintained by the frequent shedding of the endometrium, thick cervical mucus and a narrow external os.

The vagina is also a part of the Sacral Chakra, also known as our womb space, along with the bladder, kidneys, and other reproductive organs. The Sacral Chakra is the second energy center. It is associated with the color orange and located below the belly button. When the Sacral Chakra is balanced, we experience a sense of power.

Speaking of power, we have been told so many different things about the vagina – some things true, some things false; leaving many of us feeling confused and powerless on how to best care for such a vital part of our sacred womb from day to day. Today, let's set the record straight on three things about the vagina. The areas we address today are some of the most common areas of confusion as it relates to vagina.

• Vaginas are supposed to smell like a vagina and there are thousands of scents. According to the Oregon Clinic, a vagina should smell like a vagina and the smell of the vagina will vary and each person’s vagina will have its own signature aroma. The smell of the vagina depends on the type of clothing and underwear you wear, personal hygiene, diet, water intake, weather, and sexual activity just to name a few factors. The smell of the vagina changes depending on the life stage as well.

• Vaginas are self-cleaning, so let her do what she does well, cleanse herself. In an article on the National Health Service site, it says, “The vagina is designed to keep itself clean with the help of natural secretions (discharge).” While every vagina is different, as a rule of thumb it is a healthy practice to stay away from douches, scented wipes and perfumed soaps. If you would like to use a feminine wash, check out The Honey Pot Co in the BLK + GRN marketplace. Not the typical, chemical-filled hygiene product in grocery aisles, this feminine wash is the revolutionary new way of feminine hygiene. Made for girls and women who easily experience irritation.

• Vaginas like to breathe, so let it breathe. Again, each vagina is different; however, if you have time to be in the nude or go bottomless, it can really give way for your vagina to breathe and be free.

After a long day out and about or after work, whether it be after a nice shower or choosing to freshen up with the Honey Pot Sensitive Feminine Wipes, which are plant-based and fragrance-free, allowing your vagina to be naked could be a wonderful act of self-care to round out your day.

What practice can you begin today to love your vagina?