Sexual Health Counselling & Education Services

Apparently normal ph level for a vagina is between 3.5-4.5. Knowing that, how do I make sure that I’m within those numbers? Is there a way to test it? Also what is a “normal” smell for a vagina and what is “not normal” and what kind of discharge normal/not normal (colour) she we look out for and what I do they mean?

themidwifeisin:

Don’t worry about it! You don’t have to make sure that your vaginal fluid is a certain pH.  You don’t have to make sure it’s a certain smell or color.  Your vagina is going to be different from every other vagina, and it’s OK.

The only thing that’s important is if you feel comfortable.  Here’s your check list:

If no, then you leave it be.

If it DOES itch, burn, smell bad, or cause you any discomfort, then you reach out to a healthcare provider to help you figure out just what’s going on.

Usually (NOT ALWAYS):

• Itch = yeast infection, especially when the fluid is thick, clumpy, white or yellow
  
• Burn = bacterial vaginosis, especially when the fluid is thin, grey, and there’s a lot of it
• Strong fishy odor = bacterial vaginosis (see above)

A healthcare provider can help you figure out exactly what’s going on and if you need it they can prescribe a medication to help treat the problem.

I'm super embarrassed about vaginal discharge and other things. For example, when I get it on with my boyfriend and he starts to do things to me I get scared that my vagina might smell or something like that. I know it's all natural but Is there a way to stop vaginal discharge or any smell ? Or am I just being overly sensitive about the whole situation? Thanks!

themidwifeisin:

Nope, there’s no way to stop vaginal discharge.  It’d be like trying to stop saliva.  It’s a necessary, useful, normal part of your anatomy.  Remember:

Here’s the thing to remember: sexuality is varied and diverse.  Maybe the smell of your vaginal discharge doesn’t turn YOU on, but it likely turns other people on.  It is sexy to see that someone is turned on and getting wet.  That wetness almost always means that they’re excited, that they like what’s going on, that they’re into the person (/people) they’re getting it on with.  [QUICK NOTE: VAGINAL LUBRICATION DOES NOT = CONSENT.]  

If your partner isn’t into you having a wet vagina, then it’s likely that they a) don’t understand bodies and b) don’t deserve to have sex with you.  If you’re dry during sex, that means that it is likely uncomfortable for you.  No good.

Look at this beautiful illustration of the arousal cycle! Vulvas are so cool!

The smell of a vagina is different for each person, and it can be exciting for other folks to get to know their partner(s) smells & textures, the things that get make them moan, the way to touch them just right.  Having sex is a fun exploration of bodies and brains and how to make them feel good.  I know it’s a lot easier to say than to do, but try to be less nervous about your boyfriend not liking normal parts of your body - remember that there are a million people in the work that LOVE vaginas and everything about them.  If he doesn’t like your vagina’s smells & wetness, someone else will!

[One caveat - if your vagina smells strongly with an ‘amine’ odor, somewhat like fish-gone-bad, that can be a sign of an infection.  Get that checked out.]

Hi! Getting a period is a definite yes to not being pregnant right? But is it somehow possible tho? To have period and be pregnant

sexetc:

Hi anon,

Thank you for your question. Having a period is a sign that you are not pregnant. People do not have periods if they are pregnant. There is a small chance that someone might experience bleeding while pregnant.

This is referred to implantation bleeding or decidual bleeding. This is any bleeding that occurs when someone is pregnant. It is very rare and not like a normal period. Anytime you experience bleeding during pregnancy you should visit your health care provider as it can be an indication that there is a medical issue going on.

I hope this helps.

This isnt about sexual health but it is about pleasure. I am able to have very intense orgasms from masturbating but they are even more intense when I watch porn. Is it strange to like different kinds of porn from the lesbian kind to watching guys masturbate or even gay male sex. I usually just rub my clit but I am starting to get into penetration, is that also normal to when going through puberty?

From what you have said this is very normal for puberty. Pleasure is about finding the ways that make you feel good. The best thing is that finding out what feels good to you now will help you be able to say NO to the things that don’t feel good later.