No, you don't pee out of your vagina

The outside part, which most people refer to as the vagina, is actually the vulva and consists of the clitoris, urethral opening, vaginal opening, and the folds that cover these things; the labia and clitoral hood. The vagina is actually the inside tube that connects your vulva to your cervix and uterus. It is a common misconception that you pee from your clitoris or your vagina, both of which are false.

You have a small urethral opening right below your clitoris that allows you to pee, and because of the way our vagina faces when we sit to pee, it looks as if you are peeing from your vagina. You also can't see the urethral opening, unless you're really looking, so that makes it even harder for people to conceptualize where exactly they're peeing from — but I promise you it's not from your vagina or clitoris.

Discharge isn't gross, it's important for vaginal health

Vaginal discharge is a mix of cells and fluid from inside the cervix, uterus, and vagina that flow out of the vagina everyday, cleaning it. Without discharge, there would be a build up of old cells that have been shed from the vagina, possibly causing infections, odors, and many other problems. If your discharge is white or clear, usual consistency, and doesn't have a strong odor, then chances are your vagina is happy and healthy. If it's frothy, green, bloody, or smells of fish or yeast, then you might want to make a doctor appointment, just to be safe.

No one else can smell your vagina

Yes, every vagina has its own unique smell, but most of the time only you, unless you're being intimate with someone, can smell it. Growing up I remember sitting in class thinking, "OMG, is that my vagina? I really hope no one else can smell that," and I wish I had someone to tell me what I'm telling you now.

The main reason for vaginal odor is sweat (who knew the vulva and vagina had sweat glands?!), which, like most other things in our body, fluctuates with hormones, menstrual cycles, time of day, etc. Women are very attuned to their own scent, so when the scent is a little off, because of the reasons mentioned above, we notice it. The odor, though, is not strong enough to alert other people, unless you have your clothes off.

Yes, you should be peeing after sex

Most women do, but has anyone ever wondered why? During penetration, the anus gets a little closer to the urethra, making it easier for fecal bacteria to get to and inside the urethra. Peeing after sex can prevent bacteria from the anus from getting into the urethra, which leads to the bladder, thus possibly stopping you from getting a UTI. I'm sure all of us women would rather be safe than sorry in this case!

Your vagina feeling "loose" is actually a good sign

It's 100% a myth that having frequent sex and using menstrual cups or tampons will make your vagina undesirably loose for your partner, they actually have little to no affect on your vagina "tightness". Instead the "tightness" or "looseness" your partner describes during sex is often a result of how aroused you are. When you are aroused, you vaginal muscles relax giving a "loose" feeling and when you're nervous/unaroused they tighten. Remember this the next time a guy comments on it, and remind him he just needs to do a better job.

You can be a virgin without a hymen

It is a common misconception that guys will know a girl is a virgin because she bleeds due to "popping her cherry" (tearing her hymen) during sex. That is the least bit true. The hymen is a thin and fleshy tissue that is located at the front of the vaginal opening that typically has a hole big enough in it for period blood to come out and for tampons to go in, so most of the time, the hymen doesn't cover the entire opening of the vagina, just a small portion.

In some cases, though, some people can have hymens that cover the whole opening (which usually requires surgery) or little to no hymen tissue at all. Many things can stretch your hymen; sports, sex, riding a bike or horse, or putting anything in your vagina; a toy, fingers, or feminine hygiene products. Once stretched out, which can sometimes cause bleeding and discomfort, the hymen doesn't grow back. So no, the girl claiming to be a virgin isn't one just because she didn't bleed the first time, she might have just ridden a lot of bikes in her lifetime.

Douching is not a good way to get a "cleaner" vagina

So, your vagina smells a little off today, or you just got off your period and want to have sexy time with your partner, but still, neither, or actually no situation, yields douching your vagina. Why? Because it can disrupt your natural flora and pH, possibly resulting in yeast infections, bacteria vaginosis, and in the worst cases — pelvic inflammatory disease, which can make getting pregnant more difficult. Wash your vulva or put some warm water into your vagina if you're concerned, but DO NOT DOUCHE, please, for the love of your vagina.

Getting a yeast infection doesn't mean you're a dirty person

Every vagina contains some amount of yeast, as well as bacteria, which sole purpose is to prevent overgrowth of that yeast. Many things can throw off that balance, like using antibiotics, pregnancy, menstruation, birth control, uncontrolled diabetes, and a weakened immune system. So please stop thinking you're dirty because you get a yeast infection every now and then. See your doctor, take your meds, and you'll be on your way. They are completely normal and extremely common in women.

There's no such thing as a "normal" vulva

ALL VAGINAS LOOK DIFFERENT. Let me say it again, ALL VAGINAS LOOK DIFFERENT. Stop comparing yourself to the pornstars or the pictures on google. Labia can vary in size, shape, color, and visibility, so don't worry if your lips are dark or uneven, it's probably normal. And if you're concerned, you can always make an appointment with your gyno and he/she will probably tell you just how pretty and normal your vulva is.