Most men and women would agree that the vagina is a wonderful part of the female anatomy, yet it is often sadly misunderstood.

The beautiful orifice welcomes not only the complimentary male organ of pleasure and procreation, but also the resulting new life that comes through it from the womb above. In the striking beauty of the vagina are also self cleansing and cyclic properties that are commonly referred to on the surface as "vaginal discharge".

Not only is the term "discharge" viewed as negative enough to warrant the production of fragrant pantyliners to "catch" the offending liquid, it is -at best- a misinformed determination of what happens in and through the vagina.  Time for a bit of education or re-education for the masses.

Bad Name for Body Fluids

There is a great focus on body fluids containing potentially harmful bacteria or viruses and this is certainly true at times. Blood, semen, vaginal fluid, sweat, and tears have been given almost a 'bad name' because of this.  In actuality, they all have a supreme purpose that is more prevalent than any negative association society has attached to them. Some people have a negative view of the vagina and what it produces for just these reasons!

However, the vagina itself is a host of extremely important fluids. This article is written to banish any idea that the vagina is anything less than sacred and pure, once you understand the way it works.  And believe me, you will benefit from knowing just how it works.

Her magic cycle

The vagina is a naturally self-functioning body part that goes through delicate and sometimes not-so-delicate evolution month after month. A portion of that includes the self-cleansing and cyclic normalcies noted through the secretion of vaginal and cervical fluids. The fluid found in and leaving the vagina is part of its comprehensive life-giving structure.

The flow, consistency, color, scent, and purpose of the liquid changes throughout the monthly cycle of life, as does the vagina's tenacity for sex.  Knowing what happens when allows you, man or woman, to make the most of the time and circumstances that you have.

Ripening

Let's start with the juicy part.

As a woman's ova begin to ripen in preparation for popping out of her ovary, her womb, cervix, and of course vagina all have their accompanying role. In the Universal magic of procreation, the womb prepares a bed for the fertilized ovum as it lines itself with blood rich tissue. The cervical opening of the womb begins to widen and actually point itself in a favorable angle to receive the blessed sperm. Equally important, the production of a slippery fluid begins.

When looked at under a microscope, the cervical fluid actually has dimensions of direction that allow the sperm to swim quickly to their destination. There is no doubt that a specific goal is in mind and that a woman's vagina is well positioned and lubricated for one reason: to assist the achieving of the goal.

During this phase a woman's vagina may produce various amounts of this fluid as it makes its way down and out in hopes of a further union with that of the opposite sex (or just plain slippery sex.) As shown in the photo, when placed between the fingertips the cervical fluid stretches and has a consistency much like an egg white.

Natural family planning methods such as the Creighton Model System (which I successfully used for 15 months) are based on this information. It ought to be taught to every person having sex on the planet for the purposes of not only planning, but enjoyment as well.

Descent

As the ovum makes its way along the fallopian tube into the uterus and disintegrates from lack of union with the perfect sperm (assuming it didn't take this time), the cervical fluid reduces. The vagina returns to its non-ripened phase of self cleansing with a healthy bacteria rich creamy fluid that is sometimes white or light yellowish tinted. The smell may be slightly sweet, vinegary, or even take on aspects of a food she ate since it is coming from her body.

Of course when the time comes, the lining of the uterus will begin its cleansing process as it removes and exits the cervical opening and down the vagina as well. This is the time where women may experience cramps and call it "the flow." The menstrual cycle is in full force. The release of fluid now can vary in color and odor anywhere from metallic to fresh blood, red, orange, or brown - or a color in between.

Abnormalities of the cycle and its properties manifest as pain, foul odor, and very heavy flow. Sexually transmitted diseases can also affect the female anatomy and its healthy functioning. Contact your health care provider if you are in question.

The vagina takes care of itself when left alone. Not that type of alone - I am talking about douches, fragrances and other "stuff" that is used to mask, spruce up, or other wise change the natural state of the vagina. It is a myth that women need any products to take care of their sacred love area and in truth, they can upset the delicate natural balance that exists. Self respect and confidence are all you need.

If you find yourself feeling shame, guilt, or inhibition around sex or your body, seek assistance from someone who can assist you in moving through that stuff so you can appreciate yourself - sexuality included. You deserve to love yourself and your experience in this body completely!

The important point to remember is that these cyclic properties all have their purpose and they are what brought you here. Whether you are thankful for your life or not, you may choose to simply be grateful for the female vagina's process and notice where you have misinformed biases against it (so you can liberate yourself and the women in your life from them, of course!)

Amy Christine Bush (aka Rainbow Recognizer) combines practical life skills, energy awareness, and spiritual healing to assist parents and adults in becoming free from the past to consciously create the future, while making the most of life, now.

Free email inspiration as well as private and group support are available through the offerings below...

• www.InnateParenting.com
• www.InnateWholeness.com

Woman

Stock.xchng

Cervical Mucous