Recently, there has been a shocking statistic circulating on the Internet that 39% of young women are unaware of the location of their own vulva.

This has sparked a lot of debate and discussion around the importance of sexual education for women, and the need to break down stigmas and taboos surrounding female anatomy. In this article, we will explore this statistic in more detail, its implications and what can be done to address this issue.

What is the vulva?

Before we dive into the issue of women being unaware of the location of their own vulva, it’s important to understand exactly what the vulva is.

The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, which includes the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening and the urethral opening. While the vagina is often used as a catch-all term for female genitalia, it’s important to note that it is only one small part of the vulva.

Understanding the Statistics

The statistic that 39% of young women are unaware of the location of their own vulva comes from a study published in the Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology in 2018.

The study surveyed 330 women between the ages of 18 and 23, and found that nearly 40% of them were unable to correctly locate their own vulva on a diagram.

This statistic has been met with shock and concern, with many people pointing out that the lack of knowledge around female genitalia can lead to a variety of issues, including embarrassment, shame and even medical problems.

It’s also worth noting that this lack of knowledge is not entirely the fault of young women – many schools fail to provide adequate sexual education, leaving young people to rely on unreliable sources such as the Internet and peers.

The Importance of Sexual Education for Women

Sexual education is a crucial part of ensuring young women have a healthy and informed understanding of their own bodies. It’s essential that girls are taught about female anatomy from a young age, in a safe and supportive environment.

This education should include information about the vulva, the reproductive system, menstruation, contraception and safe sex. Fostering an understanding and acceptance of female anatomy can also help break down taboos, reduce shame and promote healthy sexual practices overall.

The Stigma Around Female Anatomy

There is no doubt that there is still a lot of stigma and discomfort surrounding female anatomy. Many people are ashamed or embarrassed to talk about the vulva, and some even believe that it’s dirty or shameful.

This kind of attitude can be incredibly damaging, as it discourages women from exploring and understanding their own bodies and can lead to feelings of self-consciousness and shame.

To combat this stigma, it’s important that we open up conversations around female anatomy and educate people about the importance of understanding and accepting their own bodies.

It’s also essential that we work to break down stigmas around menstruation, as this is a fundamental part of female anatomy and something that affects around 50% of the population.

How to Locate Your Own Vulva

If you are one of the many women who are unsure about the location of your own vulva, don’t be ashamed! It’s never too late to learn and explore your own body. Here’s a quick guide:.

Find a mirror and a comfortable, private space where you can explore your body without interruption.
Spread your legs and examine the external genitalia. You should be able to see your labia (the outer and inner folds of skin), your clitoris (a small, sensitive piece of tissue located at the front of the labia), your vaginal opening (where menstrual blood is released) and your urethral opening (where urine is released).
Explore your own body – touch and feel different parts of your vulva to become more familiar with it.

Conclusion

The statistic that nearly 40% of young women are unaware of the location of their own vulva is concerning, but not entirely surprising.

It’s clear that sexual education is not given the attention it deserves in many schools, leaving young women to rely on unreliable or incomplete sources for information about their own bodies.

By discussing the importance of sexual education, breaking down stigmas around female anatomy and encouraging people to explore and understand their own bodies, we can begin to address this issue and promote healthy, informed attitudes towards sexuality and female anatomy.