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The Conversation: The vagina myths

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Dr Susan Adongo Meme (credit: Dr Susan Adongo Meme) & Dr Jen Gunter (credit: Jason LeCras)

13/04/2020 GMT

The vagina myths

BBC World Service - The Conversation, The vagina myths

Why is the vagina so often misunderstood and mistreated?

The vagina: separating myth from fact. Kim Chakanetsa and her two expert guests examine a part of the body that's often shrouded in mystery and shame.

Dr Jen Gunter has been described as the world's most famous gynaecologist, and is also known as a fierce critic of the multi-million dollar wellness industry. The Canadian-American author of The Vagina Bible says 'Weaponizing women’s bodies is profitable' and believes companies are making money out of women's fears about their genitals. She wants to empower instead by debunking the myths and health misconceptions.

Dr Susan Adongo Meme is an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kenyatta National Hospital in Kenya. She says most women don't know that the place they urinate from is not the same place they menstruate from. Cultural taboos mean they are not encouraged to even look 'down there' and there's a general belief that the vagina is unclean. Potentially harmful douching is therefore widespread - as it is in other parts of the world, including the US.

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L: Dr Susan Adongo Meme (credit Dr Susan Adongo Meme)
R: Dr Jen Gunter (credit Jason LeCras)

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