Not sure if that discharge or smell is normal? Stressing about whether or not to shave down there? If you're not sure if your vagina is normal but you're too embarrassed to poll your friends, read this to find out what's really going on down there.
1. It's uneven.
Have you truly looked? It might feel funny, but the best way to get comfortable with your vagina is to grab a hand mirror and take a look. Mostly what you'll see is the vulva (everything on the outside), which can be all shapes, sizes, and colors. So maybe one lip is longer, or it's a little wrinkly. But don't sweat it, because those variations are normal, and it's totally okay if yours looks different from other ones that you've seen. Remember, half of the world has a vagina, it's what makes you a woman, and just like any other part of your body, it deserves to be accepted!
2. You have a lot (or a little) pubic hair.
Some girls have a lot of pubic hair and other girls not so much—and what you decide to do with yours is your call. If it makes you feel better to wax or shave, go for it. Not into it? That's okay, too. There's no "standard" you need to be following. And despite what you've heard guys like or expect—relax. If you're hooking up with your BF, the state of your bikini line is the last thing on his mind.
3. It gets sweaty.
Believe it or not, there are tons of sweat glands in your groin, so you might perspire down there even when you're not working out! Wearing 100 percent cotton underwear, instead of a silky or nylon material, will keep you dry, and pantyliners help, too.
4. It smells.
Vaginas have a natural scent, which may be musky, or even metallic-y if you have your period. Both are healthy. A strong fishy odor, though, could be a sign of an infection. Get checked by your doc, just in case. Don't try to mask the smell with scented soaps or excessive washing. Overcleaning can actually hurt you: Scented soaps and shower gels can irritate you down there and cause a nasty infection. All you need to do is wash the outside with warm water (no soap) while you're in the shower and you're good to go.
5. You have discharge.
It's normal to have a clear, whitish, or yellowish wet discharge that dries on your undies — and sometimes it can be a lot. Totally NBD. The clear-ish discharge you see sometimes is actually your vagina cleaning itself. The only time you need to worry is if it's grayish, greenish, or chunky—those are signs of something more serious. (Again, call your doc.)
6. There are bumps on your vagina.
Chances are a bump on your labia (the lips) or vulva (the skin around them) is just a pimple or an ingrown hair. But you should always get it looked at by your doc to make sure—especially if you are having sex or have had the bump for more than a few days.
From: Seventeen
