Head. Hands. Legs. Vagina. As a society, we are so comfortable talking about our bodies and the weird things we go through. However, when it comes to talking about our vaginas or even penises, we shy away. Not only from the whole conversation, but even from just saying the words.
Whenever I say the word vagina or start talking about period problems around friends, they get so uncomfortable. I’m always confused because these are things that so many people go through. It has to do with the way people are raised to be ashamed of their bodies, specifically their genitalia.
I grew up with a mom who made sure my sisters and I were comfortable talking about our vaginas and reproductive health. When my sisters and I were having problems with our periods, we were able to talk about it and then all get diagnosed with PCOS.
Young kids are often taught to use various words to reference their genitals. However, this puts them at risk of sexual assault. Sex abuse prevention educators want kids to know that their private parts are off-limits to others and to be able to talk about them in ways everyone can understand, rather than using euphemisms like cha-cha or wee-wee. There is a story I heard of a young girl who told her parents that a man touched her cookie. Neither parent understood that the girl meant vagina and assumed she meant a literal cookie. The assault went unnoticed for months until it happened a second time.
According to The Independent, two-thirds of women admit they’re too embarrassed to say ‘vagina’ or ‘orgasm’ to their doctor. But experience has taught me the importance of getting over that fear. Like I mentioned, I have PCOS, which causes irregular periods and excruciating pain from cramps. Had I not said anything about what I was going through, I would have risked infertility and even cancer. Of course, not all cases or problems are this severe, but people should feel comfortable enough to say something in case their problems are this severe.
Using the proper words, vagina or penis, gives kids more power over their bodies. It also teaches them not to be ashamed of their bodies. This helps to prevent them from facing assault and serious health issues. Additionally, this allows people to live happy and healthy sex lives.
Don’t be ashamed to talk about your vagina or anything going on with your reproductive health. Having open conversations about these things could save your fertility and even your life.
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