What do you actually know about your vulva?
Antonia Jenkinson
What do you actually know about your period?
A comprehensive guide to the menstrual cycle for both menstruators and those who support people with periods.
The period, Aunt Flow, painters and decorators… Whatever you call it, half the population menstruates, yet our education system in the UK limits our knowledge about periods to just their reproductive need. Considering that people go to work, have sex, exercise and much more on their periods, we should really be more clued up on how the menstrual cycle can impact daily life. This post will walk you through a detailed explanation of what’s happening to you, or your loved ones, how to look after yourself and others during menstruation, as well as discussing period taboos.
Typically, the menstrual cycle is between 28-35 days with a window of 2-7 days of menstruation, and an ovuation period around day 14. There are disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis which can make cycles irregular. THis article will focus primarily on regular cycles, but keep an eye out for articles coming in August specifically for PCOS and endometriosis!
Knowing your anatomy
In order to properly understand your menstrual cycle, it is first important to understand the anatomy of both the vulva and the reproductive system.
The vulva is the correct terminology for female genitalia visible on the outside of the body. This is an umbrella term to include the urethra, vaginal opening, clitoris, labia majora and labia minora (labelled above). The urethra is where those with vulvas urinate from, and the vaginal opening is where blood comes from on your period, and where the penis is inserted in heterosexual penetrative sex. The clitoris is located above the urethre and is often covered by the clitoral hood. The clitoris is the primary erogenous zone of the vulva and is often used to achieve orgasm. It’s important to note that while all vulvas, with the exception of intersex people, have the same parts, none look the same. You may have darker skin on your vulva than other parts of your body, or have larger labia minora than majora. Whatever yours looks like, it’s normal, I promise.
The reproductive system is an umbrella term for the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix and vagina. Often confused with the vulva, the vagina is actually the canal on the inside of the body, not the outer parts. It is made from a soft, spongey flesh which self-lubricates on arousal. Just above the vagina is the cervix, a small opening to the uterus. If you have ever had an IUD inserted, you may have been asked to feel your cervix to be able to feel the strings. The uterus is located above the cervix and is where a foetus can be grown, or wherer blood is expelled from during menstruation. The ovaries house the eggs in the reproductive system, and monthly an egg is released into the fallopian tubes during ovulation to be fertilised.