By Danika, TeenSource Blogger
For the Ladies
There can be some super awkward questions when it comes to vaginas. For some girls, even saying the word “vagina” can be awkward. Even TYPING it can be awkward. Lucky for you, all you have to do is stumble on to this site and I’m here to do all the work for you. While I can’t answer every single awkward vagina question you’ve ever had in this single blog post, here are a few you might’ve wondered before:
Should I shave?
- This is a total and complete preference type of question. If you feel more comfortable completely shaven, shave! (But make sure to be gentle and use warm water to prevent ingrown hairs). If you like it trimmed, trim! If you prefer to go au natural, you go sister! What’s most important is that you practice proper hygiene by washing gently with soap and warm water, but be sure not to douche! Douching can interfere with your vagina’s natural balance of chemicals, making it more prone to getting infections.
Why does it hurt when I pee?!
- Most commonly, this could be a urinary tract infection, basically just caused by bacteria—either from not wiping front to back, not urinating after you have sex (it prevents infection!), or numerous other irritants. However, there are also other possibilities, including an STD, so get yourself tested and don’t wait to see if the pain stops on its own.
Here’s the most awkward of all, and I’ll say it, because someone has to: FISH?
- You might’ve noticed a sort of “fishy” vaginal odor. It happens. Unfortunately, that can be a sign that something is really not right. And all those feminine hygiene products you see swearing that they’ll eliminate all those embarrassing smells? Those are completely terrible ideas because they’re not at all getting to the root of the problem, and may even make them worse. If there’s something that doesn’t smell right going on down there, or any other terribly strange odor, you’re not a freak of nature, but it can be a sign of an infection and may require antibiotics. To find a clinic near you, check out our Clinic Finder Map.
For the Guys
While I do not have a penis, I cannot attest to knowing first hand the daily questions or experiences those with penises have. However, I’ve done my research and asked around, and from what I’ve gathered from those I do know with said penises, these are some of the questions they find themselves asking:
Why do my balls shrink when it’s cold out?
- Basically, your body will do anything to protect your sperm, and sperm is made in your testicles! Under cold conditions, the scrotum retracts and draws the testicles closer to the body. It’s just trying to keep your sperm warm and healthy!
Why do I get an erection when I wake up?
- Commonly referred to as “morning wood”, scientifically known as Nocturnal Penile Tumescence (it’s okay if you don’t remember that), waking up with an erection is not uncommon. As it turns out, this doesn’t just happen in the morning, but it can actually occur a few times throughout the night as your body goes through a series of neurological and hormonal changes throughout the sleep cycle. Just your body regulating itself, no worries!
What’s that smell?!
- A common cause of an odorous penis (with an easy solution) is sweat. Perhaps you are not washing closely enough (and remember to dry yourself fully too!), or maybe you should try wearing looser clothing.
- Another issue that comes up a lot for those uncircumcised folks is something called “smegma”, which is a white discharge produced underneath the head of the penis and can build up and begin to smell a little not-so-good when not cleaned regularly. Just make sure to fully retract the foreskin when cleaning yourself, wash closely with soap and warm water and you should be fine.
So, some of these facts may have enlightened you, some may have scared you, but fear not! Any that might’ve freaked you out are not something to worry about. Just go to this page right here, and you can find the clinic nearest to you and get checked out today!