A woman's vagina is one more part of our female human body, so it is necessary -and natural- that you become familiar with it and learn everything you need to know how to care for it, protect it -from infections-, and at the same time be able to **enjoy your** sex life more. It is possible that today you think that you know everything about your vagina, but today you may realize that you do not... so do not miss the following vaginal secrets.

5 secrets of your vagina that you cannot miss

  1. The clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings. The clitoris is located at the top of the vagina and has 8,000 nerve endings, while the male penis only has 4,000. This is the reason why this tip of the iceberg is considered the most sensitive part of a woman's erogenous zone. The sensations that can be experienced in the clitoris and in the vagina can be incredible and spread through the pelvis and affect 15,000 other nerve endings at the same time, wow!
  2. The vagina expands. The vagina is like ringed muscular ridges, this is so that it can expand whenever necessary, for example when you have sexual intercourse, when you stop... they are capable of expanding up to 200 percent during intercourse or childbirth.
  3. Your vagina has something in common with a shark. Your vagina has something in common with a shark, surprised? Both contain a substance called squalene. In the shark it exists in its liver and in your vagina it is a natural lubricant.
  4. The vagina can be a trap for the penis. Vaginas if trained with exercisescan be strong enough to trap a penis, this is known as penis capture. This is unusual in sexual relations, but when the muscles of the vagina strongly embrace the male penis, it is impossible for it to withdraw from the vagina.
  5. The vagina is self-cleaning. The vagina is designed to be kept clean by natural secretions and discharge. When washingyour vagina, it's best to avoid perfumed soaps, gels, and antiseptics, as this could affect the healthy balance of bacteria and pH levels, and even lead to irritation.
## How to keep your vagina healthy: an actionable care plan Knowing these five facts is useful, but the next step is applying them to protect your health and sexual wellbeing. Below is a practical, evidence-informed care plan you can use daily, weekly, and when problems arise. - Daily basics (every day) - Wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid tight non-breathable fabrics for prolonged periods. Example: choose cotton briefs for nights and long work days; reserve synthetic, tight leggings for short periods. - Avoid scented washes, perfumed panties sprays, and strong soaps on the vulva. Use plain water or a gentle pH-balanced cleanser meant for the vulva only (not the vagina). If you shop for these, look for unscented, sulfate-free formulas in our [shop](/shop). - Wipe front to back after using the toilet to reduce transfer of bowel bacteria to the vulvovaginal area. - After sex, urinate within 20–30 minutes to decrease urinary tract infection (UTI) risk. Wash the external genitalia with water if you prefer. - Weekly check-in (once per week) - Inspect your vulva and note any changes in color, lumps, sores, or areas of persistent redness or itching. If you shave or wax, check for recurrent ingrown hairs or persistent bumps. - Track your usual discharge pattern. Normal discharge varies across the cycle: clear and stretchy around ovulation, thicker and white after menstruation. If you notice a sudden change in color, consistency, strong fishy odor, or green/yellow discharge, schedule an appointment. - If using intravaginal products (like pessaries or menstrual cups), clean them according to manufacturer instructions and replace when recommended. - Monthly & cycle-aware actions - Use your menstrual product of choice correctly. For tampon users, change at least every 4–8 hours and use the lowest absorbency needed to reduce risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). - Keep a symptom diary for any recurring issues (itching, discharge, odor, pain). Note timing related to your cycle, which can help diagnose conditions like cyclic vulvovaginitis or contact dermatitis from products. - When to use lubricants and moisturizers - For sexual dryness, use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant. Example: water-based lubricant is convenient for most activities and compatible with condoms; silicone-based lasts longer (good for longer sex sessions) but may leave a residue. - Vaginal moisturizers (applied regularly, e.g., 2–3 times per week) are different than lubricants and can help with chronic dryness, especially in perimenopause/menopause. If you have estrogen deficiency symptoms, consider discussing local vaginal estrogen with your gynecologist — it is effective for many and safe for most women. - Preventing infections - Avoid douching. It disrupts the vaginal microbiome and increases bacterial vaginosis (BV) risks. - If you get recurrent BV (more than 3 episodes per year), ask your provider about suppressive therapy options (e.g., metronidazole gel twice weekly) and evaluation of partner treatment in certain circumstances. - For recurrent yeast infections, confirm diagnosis with microscopy or culture before repeated treatment; other conditions can mimic yeast. - Probiotics and pH balance - The healthy vaginal pH is typically 3.8–4.5 in reproductive-age women. Lactobacillus species dominate and produce lactic acid, which keeps bacteria in check. - Evidence for oral probiotics is mixed; some intravaginal Lactobacillus formulations (L. crispatus) show promise for preventing BV recurrence. Discuss options with your clinician before spending on over-the-counter probiotics. - Avoid alkaline soaps and bubble baths directly on the vulva. Practical example: Maria, 36, had three episodes of BV in a year. She switched to cotton underwear, avoided scented wipes, started emptying her bladder after sex, and used topical metronidazole for suppression. She also tracked triggers (heavy menses, new sex partner). After discussing with her physician, she used a twice-weekly metronidazole gel regimen for three months and reduced recurrences. Small behavioral changes combined with medical therapy improved her quality of life. If you're reading deeper on prevention and products, see our [related topic](/blog) for product reviews and further guidance. ## Pelvic floor and sexual function: advanced, practical guidance The pelvic floor muscles (levator ani group including pubococcygeus) play central roles in continence, sexual sensation, orgasm, support of pelvic organs, and childbirth recovery. Strengthening and understanding these muscles is a key vaginal "secret" to using it in your favor — for health and pleasure. - How to find the muscles - The simplest way: next time you urinate, try to stop the stream midflow. The muscles you contract are your pelvic floor. (Note: don’t make a habit of stopping urine regularly; this is only for identification.) - Another method: insert a clean finger into the vagina and squeeze around it — you should feel a gentle squeeze and lift. - Kegel training (evidence-based protocol) - Technique: tighten pelvic floor muscles for a count of 3–5 seconds, then fully relax for 5–10 seconds. Start with 8–10 repetitions per session. - Frequency: aim for 3 sessions per day (morning, midday, evening). That's 24–30 squeezes daily to begin. - Progression: increase hold times to 10 seconds and work up to 3 sets of 10 if comfortable. Add functional holds during standing tasks once you’re confident. - Avoid common mistakes: don’t hold your breath, don’t clench buttocks or thighs, and don’t use your abdominal muscles. - Expectation: improvements in urinary symptoms can appear within 6–12 weeks of consistent practice; sexual function benefits can vary. - When Kegels aren’t enough or cause pain - Overactivity (hypertonicity) of pelvic floor muscles can cause pain with intercourse (dyspareunia), difficulty with tampon insertion, and urinary symptoms. If squeezing is painful or increases symptoms, stop and see a pelvic floor physical therapist. - A pelvic floor PT can use manual therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation strategies, and provide tailored home exercises. - Devices and biofeedback - Vaginal weights and external trainers can help progress strength for stress urinary incontinence. Consider devices cleared by health authorities and follow guidance from a specialist. - Biofeedback devices (clinic-based or at-home with clinician oversight) help you learn correct contraction and relaxation patterns and can accelerate progress. - Sexual function — practical tips - Strengthening the pelvic floor can increase vaginal tone and may enhance orgasmic contractions. However, sexual satisfaction is multifactorial: communication, arousal, lubrication, and psychological factors also matter. - If you experience pain with deep penetration, try positions allowing partner-controlled depth, use plenty of lubrication, and consider pelvic floor relaxation techniques before intercourse (e.g., breathing, massage). - Example: Elena, postpartum, had reduced sensation and difficulty climaxing. She started pelvic floor exercises, scheduled intentional sexual sessions with extended foreplay and lubrication, and noticed improved sensation in 3 months. She combined exercises with pelvic massage and open communication with her partner. - Postpartum recovery - After vaginal birth, start gentle pelvic floor contractions (when your provider says it’s safe). Pelvic floor strength often decreases with delivery; guided rehabilitation helps prevent long-term prolapse and incontinence. - Perineal massage and scar mobilization (if episiotomy or tears) guided by a clinician can reduce pain and improve tissue mobility. ## When to see your gynecologist: red flags and what to expect Knowing when to seek care prevents complications and leads to quicker symptom relief. - Red flags — make an appointment if you have: - New, strong, persistent foul or fishy odor not improved by hygiene changes. - Thick cottage-cheese–like discharge with itching (possible yeast) or watery green/yellow discharge (possible trichomoniasis). - Pain with intercourse or persistent pelvic pain. - Abnormal bleeding between periods or after sex. - Recurrent UTIs (more than two in six months or three in a year). - Bulging or pressure in the vagina, urinary leakage, or difficulty emptying bowels. - What to expect at your visit - History: your gynecologist will ask about symptoms, sexual history, contraception, and local hygiene practices. - Examination: visual inspection, speculum exam, and bimanual pelvic exam to assess uterus and adnexa. - Testing: wet mount microscopy, pH testing, PCR testing for STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea), cultures if needed, and possibly a high vaginal swab or HPV testing depending on age and symptoms. - Treatment plan: may include short courses of antibiotics or antifungals, topical therapies, or referral to pelvic floor PT or dermatology for vulvar skin disorders. - Follow-up: if symptoms recur or don’t improve, further evaluation for conditions like lichen sclerosus, vestibulodynia, or endocrine causes may be necessary. Real-life scenario: A patient with burning and itchy vulva was treating herself with over-the-counter antifungals for months without improvement. At the clinic we found a vestibular dermatitis likely due to scented wipes. She stopped irritants, used a bland emollient, and improved rapidly. This illustrates that self-diagnosis can miss contact dermatitis and that a clinician assessment is valuable. ## FAQ ### Can I clean my vagina with soap or should I use special products? You should not use regular soap inside the vagina. The vagina is self-cleaning; the vulva (external genitalia) can be gently washed with water. If you prefer a cleanser, choose a mild, unscented, pH-balanced product labeled for vulvar use only. Avoid douching — it alters pH and increases infection risk. ### How do I know the difference between a yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis (BV)? - Yeast infection typically causes intense itching, thick white "cottage cheese" discharge, and burning, often without a strong odor. Microscopy may show budding yeast or hyphae. - BV usually causes thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor, especially after sex, and has an elevated pH (>4.5) with clue cells visible on microscopy. Accurate diagnosis often requires testing. If you have recurrent episodes, see your provider rather than treating repeatedly without confirmation. ### Are Kegel exercises safe after childbirth and how soon can I start? Yes, Kegels are generally safe after childbirth once your provider has confirmed that major bleeding has stopped and any perineal wounds are healing. Many women start gentle contractions in the first days to weeks postpartum; formal strengthening programs are often recommended starting at the 6-week postpartum visit or when cleared by your clinician. If contractions cause pain or you are unable to contract properly, refer to a pelvic floor physical therapist. ### I have vaginal dryness during sex — what can I use and when should I worry? For intermittent dryness, use a water-based lubricant at the time of activity or a silicone-based lubricant for longer duration. If dryness is persistent (especially in perimenopause/menopause), consider regular vaginal moisturizers and discuss local vaginal estrogen with your gynecologist, which is effective for most women and typically has minimal systemic absorption. If dryness is accompanied by itching, burning, or bleeding, seek medical evaluation. ### Is it normal for the vagina to smell? What is a normal smell? A mild, non-offensive smell is normal and varies with your cycle, hygiene, and sexual activity. Strong fishy odors, particularly if accompanied by discharge changes, suggest BV. Foul or very unpleasant odors should prompt an evaluation. Good hygiene (clean underwear, avoidance of scented products, proper washing) helps, but persistent odor needs testing. ## Practical troubleshooting and product guidance - Choosing lubricants: - Water-based: good general use, safe with condoms, easy to wash off. Example product type: glycerin-free if you are prone to yeast infections (glycerin can increase yeast risk in some). - Silicone-based: longer-lasting, compatible with latex condoms, avoid with silicone sex toys as it can degrade them. - Oil-based: avoid with latex condoms and some intra-vaginal devices; can trap bacteria and increase infection risk. - Vaginal moisturizers vs. lubricants: - Moisturizers (e.g., polycarbophil-containing) are applied regularly to restore moisture; lubricants are used at the time of intercourse. - If you have chronic dryness, trial of a moisturizer for several weeks may help. - Over-the-counter tests and home kits: - There are home tests for pH and some infections — they can be helpful but are not definitive. If in doubt, or if symptoms persist, seek clinical testing. - Sexual health and communication: - Tell partners what feels good and what doesn’t; guide them on pressure, speed, and depth. - If you have pelvic floor tightness, prioritize relaxation and extended foreplay to reduce pain with penetration. - Use positions where you control depth (e.g., woman on top, spooning) if deep pain occurs. - Menopause-specific advice: - Vaginal atrophy causes dryness, thinning tissue, and increased susceptibility to microtears and infections. Local (vaginal) estrogen therapy is highly effective and often preferred to systemic estrogen when symptoms are limited to the vagina. - Non-hormonal options include moisturizers, lubricants, and pelvic floor therapy. ## Final practical checklist before your next gynecology appointment - Bring a timeline of symptoms and any treatments you've tried. - Note frequency of occurrences (e.g., recurrent BV: 4 episodes in 12 months). - List all products you use in the genital area (soaps, washes, lubricants, menstrual products). - Be prepared to discuss sexual history and contraception — it helps diagnosis. - If you have photos of visible lesions (taken discreetly and securely), they can be useful but bring them on your phone at the visit rather than emailing. Category: Tips & Tricks Topic: Five vaginal secrets that you have to know For further reading on related conditions and how to choose products, visit our [related topic](/blog) page or browse trusted items in our [shop](/shop).