21 Things Gynecologists Want You To Know About Your Vagina

Minkin: “In general, it’s not weird. Many women cannot orgasm from vaginal action — it’s usually clitoral. If it’s turning you off, there may be something going on pain-wise and you should check in with your OB-GYN.” Dweck: “Some women do like the feeling of the full vagina during sex, and some women consider that their G-spot’s being stimulated during sex. Some women do get stimulation from vaginal penetration. Something like 70% of women only orgasm from clitoral stimulation.”

Minkin: “Many lubes can be quite safe and when you do buy a lube, don’t buy the giant economy size. See if it agrees with you first. If you’re not liking something your partner is doing, tell them. Communication is important. There are certain times when moisture is an issue (certain birth control pills may decrease moisture) — check in with your provider. You may have a low-grade vaginal infection that may be affecting the moisture, but again, check in with your provider.” Dweck: “Lube is a good option. But also get to the bottom of what is causing the dryness. It could be birth control pills, antihistamines, or hormone changes (breastfeeding, menopause). Make sure there’s no infection, then consider a lubricant. You could use coconut oil or saliva if you don’t want to use over-the-counter lubricant.”

Minkin: “Check in with your gynecologist/practitioner. There are conditions in which the pelvic organs are not so mobile because of something like endometriosis. So, if you’re experiencing pain from penetration, check in with your provider.” Dweck: “Go to your gynecologist, because you might have a cyst on your ovary or fibroid on your uterus — something that’s getting bumped around mechanically during sex. Yes, the cervix and uterus can become low and relaxed in certain people. It could also just be the position of your uterus or cervix. Some people have a backward-pointing one. If you change positions or get on top, it could help you guide the penetration.”

Minkin: “People who are heavy can sweat more. Some people are just major sweaters, and there’s not much you can do.” Dweck: “Make sure you talk to your gynecologist and rule out any signs of infection.”

Minkin: “A clean vagina DOES have a scent! There’s a normal smell. It doesn’t smell like fish, but it also doesn’t smell like water or nothing. It’s hard to describe.” Dweck: “The vagina is like a self-cleaning oven. If there’s a strong odor, you need to get it checked out. Everyone has an individual odor or aroma.”

Minkin: “That is normal — and what many women will notice is, around ovulation, mucus changes. You get a sort of sticky, stringy mucus coming from the cervix.” Dweck: “This sounds normal to me. Most women get mucus discharge mid-cycle. If it has a bad odor, or if it persists all cycle long, and is copious, get it checked out.

Minkin: “Yes — I tend to stay away from anything that’s scented. It’s just that the vulvar tissue is THE most sensitive tissue on the body, and I don’t want people getting an allergic reaction.” Dweck: “Some woman can use anything — others need all hypoallergenic. Vigorous cleaning is not needed.”

Minkin: “You can always get a lubricant to make it helpful. Or, next time you go to your primary care doctor, have them go through it with you — bring your tampon with you and say, ‘Can you help me guide it in?'” Dweck: “There is a chance you could just be nervous, which causes your muscles to tighten. You could also have a structural issue; for instance, your hymen might be too thick. Start with the smallest or most slender junior tampon. Or go to your OB-GYN: A doctor would be more than willing to help you.”

Minkin: “Skipping can be alarming and if that keeps happening check with your provider. There are many things that can cause a skipped period — exercising, weight gain, stress from school or work, your thyroid. It’s a very delicate balance.” Dweck: “Other things that can cause you to not have a period could be stress, altered thyroid, if you have an eating disorder, or are exercising excessively. It could also be polycystic ovary syndrome, which usually goes along with other symptoms like acne and hair growth on the face. It’s something that should be checked out if you’ve missed your period more than one month.”

Minkin: “Nope, no difference.”

Minkin: “Unfortunately, I don’t know — there’s some controversy around this topic that once you get up to 180 pounds some literature suggests it might be less effective. But there’s also literature that says it’s not a problem. Check with your provider; you can also look into an IUD.” Dweck: “It’s possible. While there’s a lot of wiggle room in terms of what will be effective, these products may be less effective on those who are significantly above their BMI.”

Minkin: “With PCOS in general, you are not ovulating well, but you’re always having your uterus stimulated — I usually suggest taking progestin to clients not on birth control pills. And you can get a prescription for that from your provider.” Dweck: “The very nature of PCOS is that you don’t get your period frequently or at all. You should see your gynecologist because they’ll be able to recommend treatments.”

Minkin: “It’s almost always safer to give birth vaginally for all conditions. Uneven legs should not be a problem.” Dweck: “If it’s just a strict orthopedic issue, you’re probably fine to go forward with regular delivery. But, if it’s something like you have a spine malformation or neurological problem, then I can’t comment without knowing the exact nature of your problem.”