Whether you are a guy or a girl, you may be surprised to learn that girls to not actually pee out of their vaginas.
Although you may still be trying to take in this realization, what is more surprising is that the vulva is so taboo that many guys and even girls go through their entire school sex education courses without light ever being brought to the simple fact that they have three holes.
Okay, let’s back it up a second. How does the “vagina” even work, then? Well, I would first like to point out that what most are referring to when they speak about the outer genitalia of a female is actually called the vulva and not the vagina. The vulva has two main openings: the vagina, which deals with all things babies (periods, sex, birthing), and the urethra, which leads to the bladder. And here is a lovely illustration to bring it all together!
Though, this lack of knowledge points to a much more serious situation than not knowing that females have “another hole.” Deeply rooted in all of this is the reality many deem the vulva to be too taboo to be properly discussed in school and at home, and as a result, many women lack proper education regarding their bodies and feel ashamed of their genitalia.
From their first few years, males are taught that they have a “pee-pee,” while females are often vaguely taught about their anatomy, and are very rarely encouraged to explore down there, and in many cases wouldn’t think to out of shame. Men, on the other hand, take pride in their genitalia and have no qualms about discussing or exploring down there.
Although this can seem like more of a fact than an issue, it is important to consider the implications of vague female anatomy education. The ways that females are taught about their own bodies have the potential to greatly impact their personal body images. A female who understands the anatomy of her body will have more of the necessary tools to take care of herself, and will therefore have more respect for her own body. In addition, awareness of her body’s anatomy can empower a female rather than inadvertently teaching her that her body is a source of shame, about which she must never speak.
Understanding her own anatomy could be socially and personally liberating. But understanding female anatomy can also be beneficial when it comes to males. If the vulva is more clearly defined, it can be seen as less of a mysterious entity and be met with more respect.
When it comes down to it, any school or parent who is preparing to give the talk should consider the implications of regarding the vulva as taboo, and the results that it has the potential to yield for both females and males.
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