Many of us have a love-hate relationship with our vagina.

There’s a lot that goes on “down there."

So it is completely normal to wonder if anything is just a “you” thing or an “every woman on Earth” thing.

But just because we have a vagina doesn’t mean we know enough about them and how they really work.

As we saw in the "Orange is the New Black" episode, “A Whole Other Hole,” many adults still have confusion about female and reproductive anatomy.

It is crucial to break the silence on taboo topics such as discharge, menstruation and body hair so girls and women of all ages can understand, respect and take care of their bodies.

One out of three of women surveyed by The Eve Appeal said they would “feel more comfortable discussing their vaginas if the stigma around gynecological health and sex was reduced."

A large part of removing the stigma is up to us.

According to a recent report by Ovarian Cancer Action, two thirds of women surveyed between the ages 18 and 24 are afraid to say the word “vagina” in front of their doctor.

Yes, the word “vagina” can sound weirdly formal for something that is attached to your body, but it isn't Voldemort.

Remember: your doctor has very likely heard it all (and has definitely heard every possible word for vagina).

So why are we so embarrassed?

Whatever the reason, the implication is clear. We've got to start talking about our vaginas.

We live in a culture that often portrays vaginas as inherently dirty. Women have been told to douche and use deodorant sprays and scented tampons (all of which are really bad for our vaginas).

But what about that discharge? It's completely normal. In fact, vaginas aren’t dirty; they are self-cleaning and self-regulating.

Also, every female on this planet has a natural vaginal odor that can be affected by a variety of factors.

But guess what?

It's not supposed to smell like flowers. It’s not going to be foul. It's just different.

Like that other bodily fluid we have once a month.

Having a period is both healthy and normal. It highlights that your body is functioning properly.

Yes, periods are painful for most young girls and women, but speaking in a solely negative light only promotes period shame.

So instead, let's start talking about periods in more positive ways, like how they run their own complicated, amazing and powerful process.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that we all need to love our periods.

What I am suggesting is having a more accepting attitude toward menstruation.

Lastly, what you do with your pubic hair is your business.

But know this: it's not only OK to resist the pressure to go bare — it's functional, too.

Pubic hair actually serves a purpose. It traps nasty bacteria and stops it from entering your vagina. It acts as a cushion for your sensitive skin on your pubic bone.

Without it, you might face abscesses, lacerations or allergic reactions.

Vagina’s are like fingerprints. Everyone’s different — color, size and shape.

You are the best expert on what’s normal for your body. If you smell, see or feel something that just isn’t right, talk to your OB-GYN.

Don’t assume you know what the problem is, and never self-treat it (don't think you can WebMD your symptoms either).

Author's Note: I decided to write on these three vaginal health components because they receive a lot of shame and misunderstanding.