Can You Locate Your Vagina?
A recent study conducted by women’s cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, found that only 1 in 5 women could identify their vagina on a diagram! The UK-based charity conducted the survey of 1000 young women as part of Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. In spirit of this cause, we at SHESAID think it’s important that all women be able to correctly identify and explain the different parts of their reproductive system.
The ovaries are oval-shaped glands that produce ova, or eggs.
When ovulating, your ova travel from your ovaries through the fallopian tubes to your uterus, and perhaps out through your cervix and vagina along with the uterine lining during menstruation. Fertilization of the ova typically occurs in the fallopian tubes.
Synonymous with the “womb”, the uterus is a hollow organ, roughly the size of a pear. Should you ever get pregnant the fetus will live and grow inside your uterus.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, or the uterus opening. It is a channel through which semen can enter, and menstrual blood – or a baby – to exit your uterus.
Finally – the elusive vagina! While many consider the vagina to be an umbrella term for your sexual organs, it is actually the entrance to your internal reproductive organs. It joins the cervix to the outside of the body and is occasionally called “the birth canal”.
Rebecca is a Sydney-based journalist and Masters student. She has previously worked as a reporter for WIN News, and as a presenter on the Community Radio Network. She has interned at several women’s fashion and lifestyle publications, including 2threads.com, and Marie Claire. She recently returned from a year-long trip to Europe, and spends her spare time trying to relive this experience through Instagram.