Female anatomy
Breasts
Breasts come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here are a few things that should NOT cause you to worry:
Lopsided breasts (one is larger than the other)
Inverted nipples (on one or both breasts)
Little bumps in the areola (around the nipple itself); these are glands
Little hairs in the areola
Large areola
It’s also a good idea to get to know what your breast tissue feels like when you’re young so that you can pick up on changes as you age.
What are the effects of not wearing a bra?
Wonderful question. Every person is different, and (believe it or not) it’s a personal choice whether or not someone wants to wear a bra. For those with larger breasts, bras can provide support by redistributing weight on the back and shoulders. For those who walk, run or perform other exercises that cause breasts to bounce, bras can provide similar back support and ease stretch on the breast tissue itself. Otherwise, medically-speaking, that’s about it!
Not wearing a bra will NOT cause your breasts to sag — that’s gravity. Not wearing a bra will NOT cause any lasting positive or negative changes in breast tissue — that’s just aging. Bras are truly there for support for those that need and prefer it. So you do you!
Body hair, stretch marks and cellulite
Whether it’s private, facial or leg hair, shaving or waxing is NOT necessary. However, many folks wish to do so to some level of hair management. See the link below for shaving tips that reduce skin irritation and ingrown hairs.
Stretch marks happen to most people to varying degrees. There are actually 2 different kinds of stretch marks: striae alba (white) and striae rubra (red). Not only are they different colors, but they’re caused by different changes in the skin. There is nothing wrong with either type of stretch mark, but many wonder if there’s anything to be done about them. Stretch marks generally get better and less noticeable with time, and protection from the sun (with sunscreen) usually helps reduce the discoloration. However, if you find yourself really bothered by them you can talk with your doctor about some options for improvement. There’s a topical medication option as well as dermatology procedures for both types of stretch marks.
Cellulite is another incredibly common skin occurrence. It happens more in females than males, affecting almost 90% of those with female anatomy! Carrying extra weight CAN make it more pronounced, but even thin people get cellulite. It’s just a way our bodies store fat below the skin.
What’s this bump on the inside of my vagina?
This is very likely a Bartholin gland cyst. Vaginas have two little glands close to the vaginal opening, and their purpose is to release good, healthy mucus that lubricates your vagina and the vulva. However, sometimes these glands get plugged up, which can just happen naturally OR happen when there is irritation or trauma to the area (like penetrative sex or use of a menstrual cup). The result is the feeling of a little ball or nodule at the opening of the vagina.
To help unplug your glands, try soaking in a warm bath a couple of times a day. If the gland(s) starts to hurt, interferes with sex or inserting your menstrual cup, causes discomfort or starts leaking pus you should see a doctor (because it might be infected).
Vaginas vs vulvas
Starting with a quick anatomy lesson, the vulva describes the area surrounding the vaginal opening and includes the inner and outer labia. Here’s what’s important to know about a healthy vulva:
Skin can be darker
Skin can be lighter
Labia minora (the inner folds of skin) can be longer or shorter
Labia minora can be wrinkly
Labia minora can be lopsided
Labia can have little dots that look like white pimples—these are sweat glands (Fordyce spots) and are totally normal
Clear-white vaginal discharge every day is normal
Discharge may smell a little sour or vinegary
While odor and discharge can make some people feel uncomfortable, they are both signs of a healthy vagina. The vagina actually works very hard to keep things safe and clean — which is why it’s important to never clean INSIDE the vagina. It’s okay to use a gentle soap on the labia and other folds of the vulva (especially because oil and dead skin cells can build up and cause smegma) but never use soap or water inside of the vagina. It’s got its own self-cleaning system.
There are a few reasons why a vagina might have an especially strong odor, including STIs and BV. However, an easy first step to controlling odor is to improve airflow down there. Check out the link below for “breathable” cotton underwear and talk with a doctor if things still smell (or feel) abnormal.
(Wanna learn more about the hymen? Check this out.)
What are these pimples around my vagina?
There are many reasons you might get pimple-like growths on the vulva. The most likely causes are ingrown hairs, Fordyce spots (little sweat glands) and razor burn. Ten-minute tub soaks can help with ingrown hairs because the water will help loosen the skin and allow the hair to break free. Topical low-dose steroids (like a 1% hydrocortisone ointment) can help relieve the itch and redness caused by razor burn. And finally, there is nothing to do for Fordyce spots, but they are TOTALLY normal and shouldn’t cause you any problems.
Vaginal issues
Because the vagina is essentially the gatekeeper between the outside world and the inside of the body, it’s got a lot of important duties. Good bacteria live in the vagina and produce an acidic environment (which contributes to a vinegar-like smell). Discharge from the vagina and cervix clears out waste and prevents bad bacteria from entering the body. Glands from within and around the vagina produce oils that coat the skin and vaginal opening. But even if we KNOW that discharge and a little smell can be healthy, it doesn’t make them less concerning. Here are a few issues that occur when vaginal function goes awry:
Itching: there are lots of little glands that release oils into the vulva. They can build up and collect dead skin cells, ultimately sticking into skin folds. An occasional itch can usually be helped with gentle vulva cleansing (not IN the vagina). However, if it’s really bad or if you have other symptoms (like a strong odor or funny discharge) check with a doc.
Strong smells: a little sour or vinegary smell is absolutely healthy. However, heavy clothing or lots of sweating can make the odor worse. Keep the air flowing with loose clothing and light underwear. Of course, if you’re at risk of an STI or BV (read on) check with a doc.
Yeast infections: yeast can actually live IN the vagina and be totally healthy! However, sometimes the yeast takes over and causes a yeast infection. This usually looks like white, clumpy discharge with lots of itching and burning. The vaginal skin may also appear red. Bad luck and antibiotics are big causes of yeast infections, so don’t be embarrassed if this is you! You can either get a medicine from the drugstore or a prescription from your doctor.
BV (bacterial vaginosis): while it CAN be spread by sex, BV is more commonly NOT related to sex. It’s when a bad bacteria grows in the vagina and causes a fishy smell. Your discharge might be more green and your vagina more itchy. It’s easily diagnosed and treated by a doc!
UTIs (urinary tract infections): the pee hole (urethra) for females is very short and sits right in front of the vagina, which makes it very easy for bacteria to get into the bladder from the outside world. Anything that exposes the urethra and bladder to more bacteria can be an issue, though some struggle with UTIs (urinary tract infections) more than others. While nothing has been shown 100% to eliminate UTIs, there are some practices that have been shown to be beneficial, including drinking LOTS of water like 2-3 liters a day), peeing after vaginal penetration and wiping from front to back.