Vagina myths

{{sex}}
There are many popular misconceptions ('''myths''') about the '''vagina'''.

==G spot==
{{anchor|gspot}}
The "G spot" is, supposedly, an erogenous zone of particular sensitivity on the anterior wall of the [[vagina]].  

===Does it exist?===
There is substantial controversy in published literature about its possible location and also its very existence. Apparently, there is no cluster of nerve endings in any part of the vagina, and 
no large sample studies have been done to determine the existence or location of the G spot
<ref group=note>In this case, "large" would be more than 20 women.</ref> the most extensive study so far has come up negative.<ref>[http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/commentators/joan-smith/joan-smith-call-off-the-search-teams--the-gspot-is-a-myth-7679083.html The Independent: "Call off the search teams — the G-spot is a myth"]</ref>

Most of the evidence for it seems to be [[anecdotal]] at best, often regurgitated as plain fact by TV "sexperts".

A host of [[Sex toys|toys]] of bizarre shape have been made with the intention of "stimulating" the G spot, though most look like they'd do better for picking something out of a giant's teeth. 

Whether or not the G spot exists — and studies on this sort of thing are, to say the least, difficult to conduct — a highly sensitive region in the area claimed for the G spot, the {{wpl|urethral sponge||,}} ''does'' exist, with varying sensitivity from woman to woman. This may be the explanation for why some women can and some women cannot seem to find one, and might be down to [[luck]] and [[genetics]], rather than diet, poor performance on behalf of their partner, or any other [[woo]] explanation.

In short, a "G-spot" may be nothing more than the sexual equivalent of having a particularly ticklish spot in one place, but not another.

===In males===
It is claimed that males have a G-spot as well — in their rectum. This is generally reckoned to be the base of the prostate gland. This raises interesting questions in [[religious]] arguments that claim that [[sodomy]] is evil and that the human body is [[intelligent design|intelligently designed]] by a God who [[homophobia|hates gay men]].

==Steamed vaggies==
{{main|Vaginal steaming}}
Vaginal steaming has recently become more popular, despite having no scientific basis, a plethora of potential bad effects, and most of the proposed benefits being based on misinterpretations of how the vagina, herbs, and steam work.

==Sex permanently stretches the vagina==
One particularly prevailing misconception is that the vagina will become "beat up," worn out,<ref>"First things first: the vagina is a muscle. It's not some flippety-floppedy passive tube, nor is it tissue like your skin." [http://www.scarleteen.com/article/advice/lets_let_this_be_the_last_word_on_worn_out_vaginas_shall_we Scarleteen, sex ed for the real world]</ref> or loose<ref>"The vagina contracts and expands every time you have sex with your partner or masturbate. With repeated contractions and expansions, the vaginal walls would tend to slacken and lose their elasticity. Again, too much force applied during penetration could potentially damage the vaginal opening and walls, causing them to lose their grip and elasticity." [http://www.ladycarehealth.com/home-remedies-for-tightening-a-vagina/ Home remedies for tightening a vagina, LadyCare health]</ref> from [[sex]], especially rough sex, or sex with well-hung guys. In particular, promiscuous single women are said to develop loose, worn-out vaginas, even though women in relationships have sex far more regularly and thus would be more at risk of such a syndrome if it existed.<ref>http://www.the1585.com/concerningvaginas.html</ref> Actually, vaginas can accommodate even the stretching needed for [[childbirth]] and return back to their original state after six months. This misconception may be tied in with [[slut shaming]], as exemplified by a viral 2016 tweet by Jennifer Mayers that compared singer Taylor Swift's vagina to a ham sandwich.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160717035814/https://twitter.com/southern_mayers/status/743257961351385088 The reason I preach #Christianity.  My daughters represent the right.  Taylor Swift's vagina represents the left.] by Jennifer Mayers (6:44 PM - 15 Jun 2016) ''Twitter'' (archived from July 17, 2016).</ref>

In 2018, the [[FDA]] warned seven companies about the danger of misusing approved gynecological devices for alleged rejuvenation treatment.<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/fda-warns-companies-about-deceptive-vaginal-rejuvenation-claims-n895811 FDA warns companies about 'deceptive' vaginal rejuvenation claims: The agency says it has seen complaints about burns and other damage from the unapproved procedures.] by Maggie Fox (Jul.30.2018 / 10:53 AM ET) ''NBC News''.</ref> In some cases, the devices caused "vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sexual intercourse, and recurring/chronic pain" and other damage when used for unapproved treatments.<ref>[https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/AlertsandNotices/ucm615013.htm FDA Warns Against Use of Energy-Based Devices to Perform Vaginal 'Rejuvenation' or Vaginal Cosmetic Procedures: FDA Safety Communication] (July 30, 2018) ''U.S. Food & Drug Administration''.</ref>

==Notes==
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==References==
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