About half the world's population are the proud (or maybe not so proud) owners of vaginas. Unfortunately, the state of sex education leaves many, if not most, woefully ignorant of the realities of vaginal life, which causes a lot of fear, shame, and confusion for all. So today, I'm here to clear up some vagina myths for all you guys and gals and friends in between.

Vagina owners will henceforth be known as VOs.

1. The vagina is the whole deal down there.

Actually, the vagina is only one part of a VO's package, better called the vulva. There's also the labia, the clitoris, and the urethra.

2. VOs urinate from their vaginas/clitorises.

Just like our penile friends, VOs have urethras too. Everyone's got a urethra! Maybe next time you're sitting next to someone on the bus and you don't have anything to talk about, you can bond over that.

3. Virgins don't have broken hymens.

As it happens, not all VOs even have hymens! And for those that do, their hymens can tear during any number of totally normal activities, like stretching, biking, running, etc.

4. A tight vagina is a good vagina.

Well, it might feel good to you, but your partner is probably squirming. The vagina actually stretches when aroused, so if your partner is tight, you probably just suck at foreplay. Sorry bud.

5. Vaginas can get stretched out because of sex.

Actually, vaginas are super elastic! They can fit babies through! No matter how big a VO's partner is, sex will not permanently alter the size of their vagina.

6. VOs can orgasm from vaginal intercourse.

This is only somewhat true. Actually, just as few as 7% of VOs consistently achieve orgasm from just penetration. That's why clitorises were invented.

7. Vaginas are dirty.

Nothing could be less true. Vaginas are pretty magical, actually. They self-clean! In fact, douching or using strong soap or scented products can actually damage the vagina by upsetting its delicate pH and killing off the helpful bacteria that live there.

8. Vaginas naturally smell/taste bad.

I guess this is a matter of opinion, but honestly, if you're a VO and your partner says this, dump them. Dump them now.

9. Stuff can get lost up there.

The vagina is actually a lot smaller than the black hole most people envision, the average length being 9.6 cm. Besides, anything that could get lost would be stopped from traveling further by the cervix, the end of the uterus.

10. Pubic hair is gross.

Nope. Pubic hair, as well as all the other hair on your body, is normal and acts as a protective layer for your skin. If you want to shave it, though, use plenty of shaving cream. If you get razor burn even with shaving cream, use clippers. Your pubic hair is your business, doll.

Now go forth, my friends, and spread your vaginal knowledge to the farthest reaches of the globe. The universe will thank you.