Vulvas and Vaginas

Increase in pubic hair grooming injuries.

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From the New Republic:

Pubic Hair Grooming Injuries Have Quintupled

The Brazilian wax has been on its way out for a while. But what may be its final death throe comes, according to the Atlantic Wire, in the form of unshaved mannequins on display at American Apparel.

Feminists and women who don't like pain have reason to celebrate, but here's another group that should embrace the natural trend: doctors. American society's aestheticization of hairless female genitalia apparently came at the cost of a veritable epidemic of grooming-related injuries. And while the Brazilian trend got lots of attention, the attendant carnage did not. Luckily, a team of doctors led by Allison Glass of the University of California, San Francisco, was on the case. For a 2012 paper in the journal Urology, theyanalyzed Emergency Room data on relevant injuries caused by pubic hair grooming related injuries and found:

  • "Between 2002 and 2010, the number of injuries increased fivefold.
  • Of the cohort, 56.7 percent were women. The most at-risk group was women aged 19 to 28.
  • Shaving razors were implicated in 83% of the injuries.
  • Laceration was the most common type of injury (36.6 percent).
  • The most common site of injury was the external female genitalia (36 percent).

More vajazzling by artist Frances Goodman.

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From Killing Birds With Stones:

Johannesburg, South Africa – Frances Goodman is a visual artist whose work is presented as installation and sculpture.

“Her art focuses on the subject of middle class experience and prejudices; looking at everyday obsessions and superficial behavior, she explores the way individuals respond to our contemporary, highly materialistic society and their idiosyncratic coping mechanisms they develop. Her works reflect a morbid ambiguity of excess and loss, a dislocation between appearance and truth.”

See the rest of the photos here (NSFW).

And the artist's website here.

How much does having a vagina cost?

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In an article from 2012, Jezebel broke down how much it costs to have a vagina. Of course, costs will vary widely depending on a woman's preferences and needs. Also, we're lucky in Canada that some of this stuff is covered by our medical plans.

This Is How Much It Costs to Own a Vagina: An Itemized List by Tracie Egan Morrissey

Given the national debate regarding birth control coverage, it's increasingly clear that many people have no idea how much it costs it to own a vagina — folks are getting up in arms about the idea that the pill could set uninsured women back about $1000 a year, but in the grand scheme of things, that's nothing. Do you even know just how much you're shelling out for your clam? Were you aware of the fact that in your 20s alone, you will spend over $26,000 on vaginal maintenance? Herewith, we do the math on just how much that cooter is costing you.

Note: Annual quantities of drugstore-type purchases and personal grooming treatments are estimates based on Jezebel staffers' personal experiences.

[…]

Tampons & Maxipads

Yes, there are reusable devices, like the Diva Cup (which has its own cult-like following), but about 70 percent of American women use tampons. And on average, a woman will, in her lifetime, use more than 11,000 tampons or pads. That's a lot of disposable cotton. And it's a necessity. Could you imagine if we just free-flowed? The entire world would look like a murder scene.

$6.79 per box at Drugstore.com, at 9 boxes of tampons per year: $61.11 $7.99 per package of maxi pads at Drugstore.com, at 7 packages a year: $59.43

[…]

Pubic Hair Removal

Recent studies indicate that most women, aged 18 - 39, engage in pubic hair removal—whether partial or total—through various methods (waxing, shaving, laser removal). A 2009 survey released by the American Laser Centers claimed that the average woman shaves 12 times a month, spending about $15.95. Women who are committed to waxing do so every 6 weeks.

$35 per waxing at 9 times per year: $315 $15.95 for shaving products per month at 12 times per year: $191.40

See the rest of the list, and the total, here.

Artificial hymen kits.

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There are several online sources for artificial hymen kits. From the Hymen Shop:

Restore your virginity in five minutes with this new technologically advanced product. Kiss your deep dark secret goodbye and marry in confidence for only $29.95 … no surgery … no needles … no medication … no side effects …

[…]

An artificial hymen also known as artificial virginity kit (and popularly referred to as a "chinese hymen" or "fake hymen") is a type of prosthetic membrane created for the purpose of simulating an intact human hymen.

Since hymens can be broken via physical activity or even by the use of a tampon, many women are concerned about restoring their virginity. Hymen repair, hymen reconstruction, hymen surgery or revirgination are all terms that refer to Hymenoplasty - cosmetic surgery that restores the female hymen. While the Hymenoplasty procedure requires admission to a clinic and can cost thousands of dollars, the artificial hymen provides much cheaper and convenient way to become a virgin again!

How it Works

Insert the Artificial Hymen into your vagina carefully. It will expand a little and make you feel tight. When your lover penetrates, it will ooze out a liquid that appears like blood, not too much but just the right amount. Add in a few moans and groans and you will pass through undetectable! It's easy to use, clinically proven non-toxic to human and has no side effects, no pain to use and no allergic reaction. Here is close up photo of the Artificial Hymen:

Check out more here.

And a really poor-quality video of how they work:

Uploaded by ana Aboutaha on 2013-10-25.


Art: Vaginal Knitting.

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From the Huffington Post:

'Vaginal Knitting' Is The Latest Feminist Performance Art - But Does It Open Discussion Or Close It? By Brogan Driscoll

Meet Casey Jenkins, the feminist performance artist - or 'craftivist' as she prefers to be known - taking the internet by storm with her latest work 'Casting Off My Womb', where she spends 28 days knitting from her vagina.

Yes, you read that correctly. Vaginal knitting.

"I'm spending 28 days knitting from wool that I've inserted in my vagina," Casey explains. "Everyday I take a new skein of wool that's been wound so that it will unravel from the centre and I stick it up inside me... and then I pull out the thread and knit."

The piece, dubbed 'Vaginal Knitting' by Australian TV channel SBS2Australia, hopes to break down boundaries surrounding a taboo subject: the female genitals.

"If you take a good, hard look at a vulva, you realise it's just a bit of a body. There's nothing that is shocking or scary... nothing that is gonna run out and eat you up," she says.

The performance hopes to be an honest exploration of the female body and an unflinching demonstration of its capabilities - Casey admits that the knitting can be arousing at times and vows to not stop knitting, even when her period comes.

"The performance wouldn't be a performance if I were going to cut out my menstrual cycle from it," she reasons.

According to Gawker, Casey and her peers at Craft Cartel work to combat misogyny and closed government through their art.

"I hope that people question the fears and the negative associations they have with the vulva," Jenkins says.

Read the rest here.

And the video (a little bit NSFW):

Art takes many forms, from detailed oil painting to a vagina carved out of soap. But just a warning for the squeamish or the easily offended, this is a period piece and it has some strong themes and ideas that some people may find confronting. Produced by Miles Bence.


Men on why vaginas are important.

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Description:

Connecticut College has participated in V-Day, the global activist movement to end violence against women and girls for 11 years, hosting productions of "The Vagina Monologues" on campus to raise awareness and funds. Through these benefits performances, we have donated $65,922 to local anti violence organizations. This year, I reached out to men as part of V-Day's One Billion Rising For Justice campaign.

www.onebillionrising.org

A Call To Action: As Producer of the 2014 Connecticut College Vaginas Monologues, I asked 100 men "Why are vaginas important to you?" to raise awareness for The Connecticut College Vagina Monologues, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

A Call To Action: Alia Roth '14, producer of the 2014 Connecticut College Vaginas Monologues, asked 100 men "Why are vaginas important to you?" to raise awareness for The Connecticut College Vagina Monologues, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and ignite a dialogue amongst young people about the language of consent and role they can play in ending sexual assault and gender based violence.


New blog post on female circumcision (FGM).

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From Psychology Today:

Prisoners of Biology What the practice of female genital mutilation teaches us by Robert James King, Ph.D.

No gags or quips this week. My topic is female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) and this is not a joking matter. It does, however, demonstrate that no culture is neutral about female orgasm. Some cultures celebrate it, others deny its existence and indeed go to some trouble to prevent it. Over-enthusiatic reports from anthropologists that this or that culture does not have female orgasm should be taken with a large grain of salt. Some researchers have been a little too quick to take difference at face value.

It has become fashionable in some quarters to decry the fact that behavioural scientists only investigate WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic) populations. The population that receives FGM/C is largely, though not as you shall see, exclusively—not like this. Therefore, findings about them should be of especial interest.

What is FGM/C?

Something like three million women a year--mostly in sub-Saharan Africa--receive some level of genital mutilation. This is usually done at a very young age. Ayaan Hirsi Ali vividly describes her experience at the age of five. FGM/C can range from a comparatively mild incision to a full “scraping clean” of the external genitalia—leaving a smooth flat surface devoid of the clitoral glans and labia. This so-called “Full Pharonic” is every bit as ghastly as it sounds, and produces injuries far too shocking to post pictures of on a family friendly website. This injury is then sewn-up (infibulated). The resultant stitches are expected to be burst on the woman’s wedding night. Injuries and complications abound and are discussed in detail here (strong stomachs required). Those who want full details should read Prisoners of Ritual by the incomparable Hanny Lightfoot Klein and I would like to take the opportunity to thank her again for her help and support during my research. You can get a flavour of this remarkable woman here. Please support her work.

Read the rest, including why Westerners should do some self-relfection before getting embroiled in cultural imperialism, and some things about FGM that may come as a surprise to you, here.

Vulva visor.

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From the product homepage:

What On Earth Is The Va j-j Visor? The Va j-j Visor is a revolutionary, patent pending, protective vaginal shield designed to help protect a woman's inner vulva area (inner labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening). The Va j-j Visor is a soft and flexible cup that covers the inner vulva area and naturally fits the shape of your body, while your body's natural muscular tension holds it effortlessly in place. It is also hypoallergenic, disposable and recyclable.

Why Do I Need The Va j-j Visor? The Va j-j Visor will help protect all of those tender and sensitive parts that you don't want exposed during various methods of hair removal. Brazilian and bikini waxing, depilatories and shaving, hair coloring, tanning or spa treatments. It can also be used as a hygienic shield while trying on swimwear or intimate apparel, and during body piercings and tattooing.

  • Disposable
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Protects against UV rays
  • Provides hygienic protection
  • Recyclable
  • Doctor recommended
  • Made in the USA
  • 100% satisfaction guaranteed
  • Patent pending
  • Tested and approved for laser hair removal
  • CE Certification

And some commentary from Jezebel (read the comments at the bottom for even more):

Here's my conflicted train of thought re: the Va j-j visor, a "a revolutionary, patent pending, disposable shield designed to help protect a woman's inner vulva area (inner labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening)" while removing pubes that's "soft and flexible and will naturally fit to the shape of your body, while your body's natural muscular tension holds it effortlessly in place."

  • Fuck the patriarchy.
  • I consider myself an open-minded woman, but if I ever saw one of these pastel clit shields in a friend's bathroom, I'd reconsider our friendship.
  • But why? Who am I to forbid someone who wants to protect their delicate parts with a purple plastic visor? It comes very highly recommended on drugstore.com!
  • Not to be a bitch, but this seems pretty remedial. Can't you just use your hand? (Says a person who recently sprained her ankle while walking slowly down a street, so maybe I'm not one to talk about careful movements...)
  • Great, can't wait to read the next "sex adventure" piece about the woman who tried a Va j-j visor!!! (THIS IS SARCASM!)
  • Am I shaming women for writing about their personal experiences?
  • Why does it have to be called the Va j-j Visor? Why? Why??

Documentary - The Perfect Vagina.

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From Heather Leach:

I made this film with Lisa Rogers when I found out about the huge amount of vaginal surgery that is performed.

In this honest, witty and compassionate film Lisa Rogers tries to find out why more and more women are considering vaginal surgery for either aesthetic or cultural reasons.

NSFW and graphic surgery:

NO, IT'S NOT X-RATED. - This is a documentary in several parts, and all this parts are reunited in this one video. There is a black screen during a few moments between the episodes. You should just move the cursor to access next part if you feel it's too long.


Comments (other than the fact they keep incorrectly calling the vulva, vagina)?

Genitals.

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Two videos from Davey Wavey: 

Lesbians have a lot to say about penises. See what gay guys think about vaginas: http://youtu.be/Bd3gw3caSEk Special thanks to (in order of appearance): Hannah Hart: http://www.youtube.com/myharto Morgan: http://www.youtube.com/cherrygrrltv Natasha: http://www.youtube.com/natqtpie8 Anna: Twitter/Instagram - @AnnaRGoods Stevie: http://www.youtube.com/sassibob Megan: Instagram - thrasher03 Taryn Southern: http://www.youtube.com/TarynSouthern Arielle: http://www.youtube.com/ArielleIsHamming Add Davey Wavey on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/OfficialDaveyWavey Like Davey Wavey on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DaveyWaveyOfficial Davey Wavey tumblr: http://www.thedaveywaveyofficial.tumblr.com Davey's Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TheDaveyWavey Davey's second YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/DaveyWaveyRaw Davey's Fitness YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/DaveyWaveyFitness Davey Wavey Apparel: http://daveywavey.acmeprints.com Davey's fitness blog: http://www.daveywaveyfitness.com Davey's Website: http://www.daveywavey.tv Davey Wavey, Inc.

As it turns out, gay men have a lot to say about vaginas. If you love this, share it on your Facebook timeline.

Blog: Beautiful Labia.

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Presumably this blog was originally created to normalize all different sizes, shapes, and colours of vulva. I don't think the creator had expected that it would be as popular as it has become, or that anonymous followers would submit photos of their own labia. There are pages of submissions, interspersed with photos collected off the web, and comments and questions from followers (mostly about their own labia). If you aren't already convinced that there isn't a prototypical, so-called normal vulva, then go check out the submissions here (NSFW!).

International clitoris awareness week.

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From the Huffington Post:

'International Clitoris Awareness Week' Takes Place May 6-12

Mention the word "clitoris" and some people get touchy -- and not in a good way.

But that could change quickly because May 6—12 as the first ever "International Clitoris Awareness Week," a seven-day period designed to celebrate the female body part.

The organization behind the week is"Clitoraid," a Las Vegas-based group usually devoted to helping victims of female genital mutilation around the world.

However, Clitoraid spokeswoman Nadine Gary said the message behind "Clitoris Awareness Week" is more whimsical.

"We've noticed that the clitoris has not gotten its spot in the limelight. It makes people feel uncomfortable," she told The Huffington Post. "For this week, we don't want to focus on genital mutilation."

Gary said the clitoris has gotten the shaft since the 19th century when orgasms achieved by touching it were considered "immature" compared to vaginal orgasms.

"The clitoris doesn't have a reproductive function so it can be minimized," she said. "It's up to eight inches long -- same as a penis -- but it's inside."

Gary has experience doing offbeat awareness campaigns like Go Topless Day, which protests laws that prevent a woman from going topless and "Swastika Rehabilitation Day," which was designed to remove the Nazi stigma from the ancient symbol.

"We found that whenever something has an 'awareness day,' it makes it more comfortable to talk about," she said.

Future International Clitoris Awareness Weeks will be held the first full week of May, which just happens to be National Masturbation Month.

Masturbation is something that Gary hopes to touch on during Clitoris Week.

"There is a taboo around sexuality," she said. "We want to point it out and talk about it. Maybe some women will go to masturbation seminars."

To that end, Gary hopes to inspire other women to talk about their sexuality to others, much like actress Rosario Dawson did recently when she admitted in an interview that she calls her vagina "the General."

"We want to prompt women to speak out and celebrate their sexuality," Gary said.

She is hoping to arouse interest in "Clitoris Week" by having fellow Clitoraid members dress in giant vagina costumes and hand out fliers on the Las Vegas Strip.

Meanwhile, LA-based pornographer Mike Kulich is lending a hand to the clitoris cause by filming a DVD featuring various porn actresses engaged in self love tentatively titled "I Love My Clitoris" with all proceeds going to Clitoraid.

Regardless of how the inaugural "Clitoris Week" goes, Gary already is thinking about next year.

"Most American holidays have a drink associated with them," she laughed. "Maybe someone can come up with one."

 

Virginia-vagina.

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From Seattle PI:

It’s tough being a Starbucks barista who has to write customer names on cups.

Is it “John” with an “h”? “Thanh Ha” with three “hs?” It’s all part of Starbucks’ effort to personalize things.

But one barista got a little too personal, when a customer named Virginia ordered a drink from a Starbucks in Hong Kong. According to the woman’s sister, the drink came with Virginia’s name scrawled as “Vagina.”

“This is my sister’s cuppa from your HKU branch,” the woman, Veronica Goh, posted on the Starbucks Hong Kong Facebook page, according to various news sites. Goh included a photo of the offending coffee drink.

“Fancy your staff not being able to spell an American name like Virginia. Forgiving she has been with every misspelled cup,” Goh continued.

“Her cup was once ‘Virgin.’ Every Starbucks experience for her has been coupled with fear and anticipation. But THIS is just UNACCEPTABLE.”

The Facebook post in question was “unavailable” Tuesday morning. But you can read about it via The Daily Mail andHuffington Post.