Rated VG
The Vagina Owner’s Manual is rated “VG” for “Vaginally Graphic” and is meant for mature eyes and minds.
The Vagina Owner's Manual
Getting Started
1. A canal in the female mammal that leads from the uterus to the external orifice of the genital canal.
Technical Specs: Learn It. Love It.
Nearly 70% of women are unable to identify the five major parts of their vaginal area. Take the “ID the V” quiz and find out how well you do.
Take the quizCare & Maintenance
Underwear for a Healthy Under There
Cotton underwear (or at least cotton in the crotch) allows for proper air circulation and wicks away moisture. Some experts even recommend going commando. Either way, save the leather and lace for special occasions.
How to Wipe Properly: It’s Just Like Reading a Book
Always wipe front to back. This prevents bacteria from entering the vaginal area and will help prevent urinary tract infections.
Once a Year, Get a Smear
While not the most anticipated event of the year, a Pap test (or Pap smear), along with a pelvic exam, is a must. It checks for the presence of abnormal cells in the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer. Tell your doctor everything that’s going on with you and your vagina – and ask questions. Trust us, they’ve heard everything.
A Dynamic Duo: Sex and Menstruation
It turns out that sex can relieve cramps and even speed up menstruation. How? Having an orgasm causes your uterus to contract and move out menstrual blood more quickly. So don’t be shy. In bed.
How to Shop for Feminine Hygiene Products
March right down “that” aisle, head held high, grab whatever product you’re looking for (there’s plenty from Summer’s Eve to choose from) and place it on top of everything else in your cart.
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How to Keep Clean During Your Period. Period.
Start your day with our pH-balanced cleansing wash. In case you don’t feel so fresh during your period, freshen up throughout the day with our cleansing cloths. Also, remember not to leave a tampon in for too long – this could lead to infection.
See cleansing clothsOperating Instructions
Service Locations: G-Spot and Clitoral Stimulation
Until the discovery of the G-Spot in 1950 (yes, it took that long), the clitoris was thought to be the only part of the woman’s body capable of sexual stimulation. It’s time to get in touch with your G-Spot, and make sure your partner does, too.
Great Expectations: First Trimester
You’ll see an increase in vaginal discharge. And your pubic hair may grow, too. Watch out for ingrown hairs. A spike in blood volume will also occur, which can leave your vaginal area a bit swollen. All that blood flowing may turn your vulva a bluish hue, called Chadwick’s Sign. The good news? That could also result in your feeling a little frisky.
Great Expectations: Second Trimester
With hormone levels going a bit crazy, you could experience more intense orgasms (yay!) or a lost libido (boo). Also common are yeast infections because of an imbalance in vaginal pH levels, vaginal itch because of secretions, skin tags (which are harmless and can be removed) and varicose veins on your vulva because of the pressure your growing uterus puts on your blood vessels.
Great Expectations: Third Trimester
As your body prepares itself for birth, you may notice a not-so-fresh scent coming from down under. Make sure to stay clean to prevent bacterial issues from arising. It will also keep your vulva from breaking out with acne (for real). If you are planning for a vaginal delivery, one of the last vaginal experiences before giving birth is losing your mucous plug, a mass that blocks the cervix during pregnancy. And then, you start to push...
Don’t Worry, It Shrinks Back*
Although childbirth changes the size of your vagina, the change is only temporary.
- *
- Most vaginas go back to their original size.
Please see vaginal prolapse in the Summer’s Eve V Glossary.
The Birthing Workout: Stay Strong with Kegels
Kegel exercises prepare the vagina for the stress of childbirth and help prevent vaginal prolapse. Added benefit: Kegel exercises can help reduce urinary incontinence and can increase sexual gratification for your partner.
How to Kegel: Step 1
To locate the right muscles to work out, try stopping the flow of urine. If you have trouble locating these muscles, just ask your doctor to help you.
How to Kegel: Step 2
Contract for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Repeat. Do a set of ten. Then work up to 10-second holds.
How to Kegel: Step 3
Do three sets of 10 reps a day. You can do them anywhere: checking email, at a family dinner or watching TV. So no excuses – why not do them right now?
Detailing
Pubic Hair Trimming: Hair Do’s and Don’ts
Pubic hair is there for a reason. It traps dirt and bacteria, helping to prevent it from reaching the vagina, where it could cause infections. However, keeping it trimmed is a good thing as well. One word of caution: To prevent nicks and ingrown hairs, be careful when shaving or waxing. Use pH-balanced products for this oh-so-sensitive area.
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Here Comes the Grooming
Pubic hair grooming is nothing new – it dates back to 3000 BC – but it has come a long way since arsenic paste. Today, you can remove unwanted hair in many ways (or go au naturel).
Here Comes the Grooming: Shaving
The most common, cheapest way to remove hair. Watch out for razor burn and ingrown hairs.
Here Comes the Grooming: Waxing
This technique lasts longer than shaving, but is more painful. Hot or cold wax is spread on the skin, and hair is pulled out with a cloth.
Here Comes the Grooming: Depilatory Creams
If you want a super-smooth finish without the nicks that come with shaving, use a depilatory (a fancy-sounding word for “hair-removing ability”) cream. Just smooth on the bikini area, wait a few minutes and wipe off.
Here Comes the Grooming: Electrolysis
Hair follicles are shocked, but the process is a bit painful, takes time and can be pricey.
Here Comes the Grooming: Sugaring
Borrowed from an ancient Middle Eastern practice, this method uses all-natural ingredients, like sugar, water, lemon and honey, and works like a wax.
Here Comes the Grooming: Threading
Popular for eyebrow shaping, this method involves a twisted cotton thread that pulls the hair out from its root. It’s relatively painless, lasts a long time, but does require a pro.
Troubleshooting
How to Deal with Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness can be caused by dehydration, medications (like antihistamines), nursing or other hormonal fluctuations, like during menopause. Happily, there’s a plethora of personal lubricants for a slick fix.
A Little Help for Yeast Infections
A yeast infection arises when too many yeast cells grow in the vagina, causing itching or soreness. To help avoid a yeast infection, eat berries and yogurt often, don’t sit around in a wet bathing suit, don’t wear tight-fitting, non-breathable clothes, eat less sugar, wear cotton underwear and use pH-balanced products.
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Pap Quiz: What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal Pap smear isn’t necessarily cause to worry. It could mean you have a treatable bacterial or yeast infection, your cells are naturally changing due to menopause or it could indicate the presence of HPV, a condition that can lead to cervical cancer. In all cases, your doctor will inform you of the next steps.
The End
Now that you’ve enhanced your knowledge, share your know-how with a friend. She will thank you.
