This archive report was first published on 23 August 2020.
The Problematic Vagina: A Legacy of Misinformation ¶
Published on August 23, 2020, by The New York Times, this article highlights the long-standing issue of women being shamed for their vaginal wetness. The fear of vaginal wetness has been a persistent issue across cultures and eras, with women being shamed for their natural bodily functions.
As a gynecologist, the author notes that she regularly encounters patients who are concerned about their vaginal lubrication, despite having no symptoms other than their concern about the volume of their vaginal discharge or that they're overly lubricated during sex.
The author attributes this fear to a system built and maintained by those without vaginas, which revolves around the culture of the problematic, shameful, and wet vagina. This culture is perpetuated through various sources, including men, mothers, friends, magazines, and social media.
One of the most damaging consequences of this misinformation is the promotion of vaginal hygiene measures that blur dryness with health and cleanliness. These measures, such as douching and vaginal steaming, can cause physical damage to the vaginal ecosystem, leading to dryness and a range of other issues.
The author notes that the concept of vaginal health and dryness became synonymous, especially given the core belief that women's bodies were too wet. This belief has led to the development of products that dry the vagina, which can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections and reduce sexual enjoyment for women.
The article also explores the history of vaginal therapies, including the use of pessaries and fumigation, which were often ineffective and damaging to the vaginal ecosystem. The author notes that these practices were often exoticized as ancient wisdom, but in reality, they were based on a flawed understanding of women's bodies.
Today, the legacy of this misinformation continues to affect women around the world. The author notes that many women learn these practices from their mothers, sisters, and girlfriends, and that social media platforms like Instagram are filled with women selling vaginal detoxes and promoting accouterments for vaginal steaming.
The article concludes by highlighting the need for a shift in the way we think about vaginal health and wetness. Rather than shaming women for their natural bodily functions, we should be promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding.
