Vagina Talks: Health and Sex

This article is part of our Fall 2020 print issue. See the full, digital version of the issue here.

In our younger years, the word “vagina” was often replaced with a more child-friendly euphemism. Whether it was known as your lady bits, cookie or simply “down there,” the word vagina likely induced a subconscious shudder the first few times you heard it. 

To put it plainly: there’s no reason to shy away from vagina talk. As young adults soon entering the real world, we’re expected to become responsible for our own health. That includes being knowledgeable of personal care…even down there.

A survey conducted among U.S. college students found that a staggering 62 percent of women were unable to correctly locate the vagina. With the lack of a comprehensive national sex education system, it comes as no surprise that many young Americans aren’t equipped with the proper knowledge of their own bodies.

In hopes of clearing up the maelstrom of misinformation that often surrounds the vagina, we spoke with Dr. Ginette Archinal, the medical director of Student Health at Elon University. Archinal obtained her primary medical degree in Sydney, Australia, before receiving further qualifications in OB-GYN and family planning. 

Many young women are under the impression that they should first visit a gynecologist either at the age of 18 or after becoming sexually active, whichever comes first. Archinal offers us different advice, saying it’s not always necessary to seek a gynecologist. 

“If your pediatrician is comfortable dealing with those issues of [menstruation and birth control], then you can certainly stay with your pediatrician as long as you are able,” says Archinal. “When I was in private practice, my patients only saw a gynecologist if they wanted to get pregnant, were pregnant, or if there was something more complex that I couldn’t help them with.”

Essentially, it’s up to you if you’d like to stay with your pediatrician or primary care doctor or start seeing a gynecologist. So, what should you expect when you do go to the gynecologist?

“It’s important to know that you have control over your body even during a medical exam,” says Archinal. She says if you can share your symptoms and history with a gynecologist in detail, there may be no need to undress for an exam. “If you do need to be examined, the provider should explain why you’re being examined, what’s going to be involved, and leave the room to give you the privacy to change and drape.”

While a gynecologist visit may seem like a daunting task, it’s important to remember that they are professionals, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure a helpful—and comfortable—visit.

Archinal also cleared up a common mispractice when it comes to vaginal health: cleaning with unsafe products. You may have heard of the vagina referred to as a self-cleaning organ, but what exactly does that mean? It means that those feminine washes, wipes, and douches you have piling up in your bathroom have got to go.

“We all have bacteria in our vagina all the time, just like we have bacteria on our skin. This bacteria stays in balance through the acidity of our vagina,” says Archinal. This is where those phony island splash- and delicate blossom-scented products do more harm than help. Archinal says some of the things that can throw pH off balance are douching, scented body soaps, or shaving creams and bubble baths, all of which can increase the risk of infection.

The self-cleaning aspect comes into play with vaginal discharge… Yes, that annoying substance that discolors your favorite underwear actually serves a purpose. Vaginal discharge is fluid from your cervix and vagina that carries out dead cells and bacteria, keeping your vagina clean and free of infection. 

While the vagina is self-cleaning and requires no extra internal cleaning (unless recommended by your doctor), you can certainly clean the external areas. Archinal recommends using a bland soap and water. That’s it! “Avoid using scented and colored products. The fewer colorings, artificial scents, and fragrances, the better,” she says. 

The words “it’s not one size fits all” resonated long after meeting with Archinal. “There are generalizations, and then there is what’s right for the individual,” she says. While our vaginas are all unique, it’s important to know general information about vaginal anatomy and functionality. This way, you can maintain your vaginal health and seek medical attention if you have concerns. They say knowledge is power, and it’s certainly empowering to know and understand your vagina. 

If you’re seeking women’s health services at Elon, students can get breast checks, Pap smears, STI testing, vaginal infection testing, and general guidance at Elon Health Services.

References

Volck, William et al. “Gynecologic knowledge is low in college men and women.” Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology vol. 26,3 (2013): 161-6