5 Vagina Questions You’ve been too Embarrassed to Ask

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I get it. You feel most comfortable when you’re pouring over detailed spreadsheets or killin’ em’ with your boardroom presentation but you’re more reserved when it comes to divulging the intimate details about your sexual health with your girlfriend or doctor that you may only see once or twice year. No need to feel uneasy. I’ve got the answers to 5 of the most embarrassing vagina questions that you’ve been too afraid to ask.

1. Why does one of my Labia Lips Hang Lower Than the Other?

The short answer because it’s normal. It’s not uncommon for your labia– or vaginal lips to vary in shape, size, and color. These variations are normal for both your outer labia and inner labia.  Honestly, if you are not experiencing pain or discomfort “down there”,  chances are everything is fine. If you are dissatisfied with the look of your labia have a chat with your healthcare provider (trust me, we’ve seen it all). While it is possible to have surgery to safely change the shape of your labia, most times it’s usually not necessary.

2. Is it ok That I Don’t Have an Orgasm Every time I Have sex?

If you’re ok with it, then yes. Some women have an orgasm every single time they have sex and some don’t and that’s totally fine. Most women experience orgasm through clitoral stimulation rather than vaginal penetration (if you’re interested in learning more check out my previous blog post). If you really want to reach your peak,  have your clitoris stimulated. I’m sure your partner won’t mind giving you a hand. No partner? No problem! Grab a toy, (or your own hand-no judgment) and explore your body to figure out how you like to be touched. You might find that having an orgasm becomes easier over time when you become more familiar with your body and more comfortable expressing your desire to your partner.

3. Spotting After sex, is That Normal?

Sometimes a little light bleeding or spotting that is not related to your period happens after sex.  Up to 9 percent of premenopausal women experienced bleeding after sex with 51 percent of the cases stopping on their own.

If you are premenopausal women who occasionally experiences vaginal bleeding after sex- and you have had normal PAP and sexually transmitted infection (STI) test results are normal most likely your bleeding is harmless. Honestly, there are many reasons for bleeding after sex like:

• Not having enough lubrication during sex
• Vaginal irritation
• Too much friction during sex
• Vaginal thinning and dryness
• Vaginal polyps
• Vaginitis or vaginal inflammation caused by the change in the normal balance of vaginal bacteria or an infection.

More serious reasons for bleeding after sex include:

• Cervicitis or inflammation to the cervix caused by STI or an allergic reaction to a product
• Damage to the uterine lining
• Genital sores like herpes or syphilis and
• Cervical cancer

If you are at all worried about your bleeding, or if you think that you have been exposed to an STI schedule an appointment with your doctor for a check-up. We’re here to help.

4. Can you end the Debate Once and for all, Should I be Shaving “Down There”?

So here’s the thing, shaving your pubic hair is really a personal preference. You don’t HAVE to shave! Honestly, there are no health benefits to shaving but if decide that prefer a “baldy” remember that your skin in this area is sensitive. You should trim your hair first, then apply shaving cream. You should definitely be using a new razor and shaving in the direction that your hair grows. It’s also best if you don’t repeat your strokes. This can cause razor burn, cuts, blisters, itching, and ingrown hairs. When you’re done apply a moisturizing cream or lotion to your skin.

The reality is, shaved hair grows back after a couple of days, and can be prickly or itchy which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. So you might want to think about waxing or using depilatories on your hair instead but remember, these methods also have their downside.

5. Can sex Give me a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?

So the short answer is yes. Your anatomy makes you more likely to get a UTI because the opening of your urethra (the tube that carries urine from your bladder out of your body) is in front of your vagina. When you have sex, bacteria from a penis, finger, or toy can find its way into your urethra and causing an infection. You are also more likely to get a UTI if you’ve recently just started having sex, or if you’re having A LOT of sex. Using spermicides or a diaphragm can also cause more UTIs.

So how do you know if you have a UTI? Glad you asked. Symptom include is having a strong urge to pee that can’t wait (urgency) and running to the bathroom often (frequency). You may also experience other symptoms while urinating like a sharp pain or burning while going.

Other symptoms that you may notice in your urine include:

• A strong odor
• A cloudy appearance, or
• Traces of blood

If the bacteria spread to your kidneys, you might experience:

• Back pain or pain in your sides
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms. Infections that spread to your kidneys are serious and need to be treated quickly.

Your doctor will run a test to see if you have an infection and you will be given antibiotic treatment. You should expect your symptoms to go away in 1-2 days. You might be tempted to stop taking your medicine when your symptoms go away. Don’t! It is important to take all your medicine even if you are not experiencing any symptoms because stopping your treatment early, can cause your infection to come back.

Embarrassing Vagina Questions

Most women shy away from talking about their “below the belt”  health concerns. But becoming more knowledgeable about these common issues can make your next convo with your gal pals or your gyno a little less frightening.

What sexual reproductive health questions have you put off asking? Comment below.