Let’s talk pelvic floors, acidic vaginas and the unsung power of the clitoris.
We all know the female body is a bit of a mystery — and not just to men. Most of us didn’t get the education we should have had when it comes to what’s happening “down there”. And when you’re trying to conceive naturally or understand your cycle through charting, there’s a lot to learn.
So today, I want to demystify the vagina — and actually, the vulva — with five surprising things you might not know about your anatomy, and how this all ties into your fertility, sexual health and beyond.
Let’s dive in.
1. Every vagina is different (and that’s totally normal)
Just like faces, bodies and personalities — no two vaginas are the same. Internally, the length can vary from 4 to 10 cm, and research has tried (and mostly failed) to categorise vaginal shapes. Spoiler: it turns out most aren’t symmetrical or shaped like anything recognisable.
The external vulva — which includes the labia, clitoris and vaginal opening — also varies hugely. Yet thanks to porn and filters, there’s a standardised, “aesthetic” version of what we think a vulva should look like. It’s damaging. And it’s not real.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your vagina looks normal, let me reassure you — normal doesn’t exist. Every vagina is as unique as the woman who owns it.
2. Your pelvic floor can make or break your sex life
Your pelvic floor is a sling of muscles supporting the bladder, bowel and uterus — and it wraps right around the vagina.
If it’s too weak, you might experience less sensation during sex, tampons that fall out, or even bladder leaks when sneezing or exercising. But if it’s too tight? That’s no good either. Painful sex, trouble using tampons, or difficulty emptying your bladder could all be signs of a pelvic floor that’s holding too much tension.
And no — a “tight vagina” isn’t something to aspire to (no matter what certain films suggest).
Strengthening your pelvic floor through regular exercises can improve sensation, blood flow and even orgasm intensity. As a fertility coach, I always say: daily pelvic floor exercises are non-negotiable. Not leaking isn’t the only benefit!
3. A healthy vagina is an acidic vagina
You read that right. In its natural state, the vagina is slightly acidic — which is a very good thing. This acidity helps fight off bad bacteria and yeast, maintaining a healthy internal environment and reducing the risk of infections that can affect your fertility.
But during your fertile window (when you’re most likely to conceive naturally), the environment changes. Cervical mucus becomes more alkaline to help sperm survive and reach the egg — a beautiful example of your body working with you during your cycle.
Your vaginal pH can be disrupted by things like soaps, douches, tight clothing, synthetic underwear, hormonal contraceptives, stress, or even a lack of sleep. So if you’re working to support your natural fertility, keep things simple: warm water, breathable fabrics, and skip the fancy scented products.
4. Your vagina will change throughout your life
Pregnancy, birth, menopause, hormonal shifts — they all influence the appearance, texture and feel of your vagina and vulva. Even if you’ve never given birth, the weight of a baby during pregnancy alone changes your pelvic floor and vaginal tissue.
After menopause, lower oestrogen levels can cause the skin of the vulva to thin and the vagina to become drier or more prone to infection. And darker pigmentation during pregnancy? Totally normal.
Here’s the takeaway: if something changes and doesn’t feel right, ask about it. Find a doctor you feel comfortable with, and advocate for your body. Don’t rely on Google (or worse, Google Images).
5. The clitoris is WAY bigger than you think
You might think of the clitoris as just a small nub, but it’s more like an iceberg — most of it is below the surface.
The clitoris is made up of a head, two arms (called crura) and a whole internal structure that surrounds the vaginal opening. Some studies show it has twice as many nerve endings as a penis, and its only function is sexual pleasure.
How amazing is that? We literally have an organ just for enjoyment.
Getting to know your anatomy — including the clitoris — helps you better understand your body’s responses, arousal, and how things shift across your menstrual cycle.
So, what does this have to do with natural fertility?
Understanding your body — your anatomy, your cycle, your fertile window — is everything when it comes to trying to conceive naturally.
Whether you’re cycle charting to track ovulation, working with a fertility coach to optimise your hormones, or just want to feel more connected to your reproductive health, it starts with education.
When we talk about our vaginas openly (and accurately), we strip away shame, build body confidence, and empower ourselves to make informed choices. That’s what natural fertility is really about — learning the language of your body and knowing how to respond.
So get curious. Grab a mirror. Ask questions. And if something doesn’t feel right? Don’t wait to speak up.
Your vagina is not a mystery — it’s a masterpiece.
And you deserve to know how it works.
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