Welcome To The Weirdly Awesome World Of Vaginal Mapping

There are so many benefits that we’re kind of shocked more people aren’t already doing it

- Jessica Prois

Vaginal mapping ‘sounds like a weekend in Yosemite [a national park in the US],’ says Dr. Sherry Ross, an ob/gyn in Los Angeles and author of She-ology, ‘but it’s simply a practice that helps you understand your body.’ One part holistic health pursuit, one part mind- and body expanding exploration, the method is the latest movement aimed at empowering women to better connect with their own bods.

VM (also sometimes called vulva mapping) involves taking a very hands-on approach to determine the strength of – and any pain in – your pelvic floor. When done by a professional, a women’s health therapist will insert a gloved finger into your vagina to assess your muscles (you may be asked to squeeze, as if doing a Kegel) to spot any overly strong or weak areas. Then they might perform a pelvic-floor massage or start a discussion about potential issues, such as past trauma from a sports injury or childbirth, or your current relationship satisfaction (yes, really), which might be manifesting down below.

The practice has been around for about 20 years, but increased attention to female sexual health has ignited interest in its benefits. ‘The vagina and women’s sexuality have always been marginalized. They weren’t a priority,’ explains Ross. ‘But now they are.’