7 Things Everyone Should Know About the Female Body

The female body is a hot topic these days. While women act to hold society responsible for their mistreatment of women and objectification of their bodies, they still struggle with feelings of inadequacy and unattractiveness. Yet, the female body is an amazingly complex compilation of parts that come together in ways that society and medicine are just beginning to understand. Consider these seven important things about the female body you may not have known.

1. Hormones are Not an Excuse

A lot of things get blamed on your hormones. While they are responsible for a whole host of amazing things that go on within your body, they have very little to do with the things we blame them for. Don't use your hormones as an excuse for feeling anxious, sad, or angry. The fact is, women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorders than men, so you may have a serious health condition that is treatable.

2. Not All Vaginas Are the Same

If you want to get technical, the vagina is actually the internal portion of your vulva, a tube that connects your vulva (external sexual organs) to your uterus on the inside. However, most people refer to the vulva as the vagina, and each one is unique.

Just like fingerprints, no two vaginas are the same. They have different shapes, sizes, and textures. Colors can range from pink to nearly black. Hair can range from completely bald to thick and long. The labial folds can form in different ways, too, which is the main difference between an innie vs outie vagina.

3. Periods Vary

Did you realize that not all women get their period? Some are born without a functioning reproductive system, some undergo surgery to remove their uterus, and some may transition to a female body later in life. For those of you who do experience menstruation, here are some things you may not have realized.

Your period is actually just one part of your menstrual cycle, which usually lasts for around four weeks. During that cycle, your body is preparing for pregnancy by lining the uterus to accept a fertilized embryo. When that does not happen, the uterus empties out and starts preparations over.

4. Your Uterus Is Incredibly Elastic

Under normal circumstances, your uterus is about the size of a ripe pear. Yet, it can also accommodate a fully mature fetus weighing up to ten pounds (or more). It is capable of expanding up to 1,000 times its original size. That's a lot of expansion. Of course, there are other reasons that your uterus may be enlarged, so be sure to check with an OB/GYN if you have concerns.

5. Bone Health Is Tricky

There are a few reasons why women face a greater risk of developing Osteoporosis than men. First, they generally have thinner and lighter bones than men. Estrogen also plays a role in bone density and decreased levels that occur after menopause or in women without a uterus puts you at an increased risk of the disorder. It is important to have yours screened regularly, especially if you do not have a uterus or have gone through menopause.

6. Women Can Have an Erection

The clitoris is extremely sensitive. There are thousands of nerve endings located in the area, and they connect this small mound of tissue directly to areas of the brain associated with pleasure.

When aroused, blood supply increases to your vulva and clitoris. This results in swelling and even stiffening of the tissue. It also makes you extremely sensitive to touch. So, while a female erection may not be as obvious as a man's, it does happen.

7. They Are Amazing

No matter what body type you have, whether you were born a woman, are intersex, or transgender, your female body is amazing. It is unique and special to you, and it should be treated with the level of respect and awe that you would treat a rare and precious works of art. Because, after all, that's what it is.