The 6 ‘strange’ things that happen to your vagina that are totally normal
VAGINAS play a big part in our health and wellbeing - they help us have babies, enjoy sex and have periods.
But if you've ever wondered whether or not your vagina is normal, you're not alone.
In the last week alone, searches in the UK for "what does a normal vagina look like", increased by over 60 per cent.
It's normal for you to be concerned about your vagina - as any problem can affect fertility and sexual desire.
While water infections and STIs are worrying, there are some things the vagina does that are perfectly normal which might come across as slightly unusual.
1. Discharge
While the unusual substance in your knickers might gross you out a little, vaginal discharge is completely normal.
The NHS says: "It's a fluid or mucus that keeps the vagina clean and moist, and protects it from infection."
Most read in Women’s Health
Discharge is usually nothing to worry about as long as it does not have a strong or unpleasant smell, it's clear and white, thick and sticky and slippery and wet.
Vaginal discharge can differ from person to person and also depends on how sexually active you are and the type of contraception you use.
If your discharge is green or smells fishy then you should get medical help, as this could be a sign of infection.
2. Pain relief
The vagina is actually your very own painkiller and having an orgasm can help you with issues such as headaches.
Endorphins released during orgasm have natural pain-relieving qualities.
In fact, the effect is so powerful that even just thinking about sex might increase your tolerance to pain.
Dr Sherry Ross previously said that sex before your period could help with cramps.
"Orgasms are helpful in reducing any pain you may be experiencing, such as menstrual cramps, headaches, and joint pain", she added.
3. Self-cleaning
Intimate health expert Stephanie Taylor at Kegel8 said you don't need fancy washes for down below - as it cleans up all by itself.
She explained: "While the inside of your vagina is self-cleaning, with discharge acting as a natural way to cleanse your body of bacteria, using any to wash the vulva can disrupt your natural bacterial balance and result in bacterial vaginosis, thrush or even cystitis.
“Meanwhile, vaginal douching, which consists of spraying a mixture of fluid up the vagina is equally as harmful.
“Adding excess fluid to the mix can change the natural acidity of a healthy vagina and can even spur an overgrowth of bacteria.
"Stick to warm water, a washcloth and mild soap when cleaning to avoid irritation and prevent infections."
4. Arousal
You might not know this, but the shape and size of the vagina actually changes when you're aroused.
Pelvic health expert Eleanor Gardner, medical sales manager for the YES Company said: "When you are aroused the tissues of the vagina and vulva (including clitoris) will become engorged with blood and will start to swell and may appear darker.
"Inside the body the top of the vagina will expand. The increased blood flow will facilitate an increase in natural lubrication.
"These changes however are not long lasting. Other more permanent changes may be indicative of a disease."
5. Behaviour
Different parts of your vagina, act differently.
That might sound odd but it's a dynamic organ and two thirds of it actually act differently from the outer third.
Different parts of the vagina also have different functions and behave in different ways.
For example the vagina is the muscular tube that links to the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus.
The vagina allows for the passage of blood and cells in menstruation and the introduction of sperm during sex, it also allows the delivery of the baby, as well as the placenta at the end of the pregnancy.
In contrast, the clitoris has a completely different role and is the gateway to sexual arousal.
6. Appearance
Eleanor added "the vagina is designed to stretch for childbirth - even a larger partner won't have an effect on the size of your vagina".
But giving birth puts a lot of pressure on the vagina and your body in general, so it's normal that it might change in appearance afterwards.
Dr Suzy Elneil, consultant in urogynaecology at University College Hospital, London explained: "The vagina can feel looser, softer and more 'open'."
She added that the vagina might also look bruised or feel swollen after giving birth.
Read More on The US Sun
This is completely normal though and the swelling should reduce after your baby is born.
The NHS added: "Your vagina probably won't return completely to its pre-birth shape, but this shouldn't be a problem. If you're worried, talk to your health visitor or GP."
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at exclusive@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours
Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.