The vagina. It has more nicknames than just about any other body part, and when you say it out loud there are some people who will still look at you like you’re insane. I once had a health teacher who made the entire class yell “penis” and “vagina” to break the ice before we started our sex ed unit. Say it with me everybody, vagina!

In the spirit of that teacher, I’ve put together some crazy facts about the vagina. We already brought you ten facts this summer, so here are ten MORE things you probably didn’t know about your special lady parts.

initiating the gallery...

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. When she’s not dancing or writing, she can be found exploring the city, and let’s be honest, spending way too much time on the internet. Follow her @garnethenderson.

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Did you know that in addition to being Asparagus Month and National BBQ Month, May is also National Masturbation Month? Yes, there is an entire month dedicated to doing the act solo (potentially with BBQ sauce and asparagus spears). National Masturbation Month was started by Good Vibrations (a sex store) in 1995 as a way to protest the firing of U.S. Surgeon General Jocelyn Elders, who had suggested that masturbation be part of sex education.

It’s always National Masturbation Month in my world, but to celebrate the actual month, I’m going to go into my room and lock the door, I thought I’d share a few fun facts about spanking the monkey with you.

So let’s get down and dirty:

- 89% of women admit to masturbating.

- 4 out of 10 women prefer masturbation over sex.

- Studies suggest masturbation may be good for you.Cervical infections might be reduced with frequent personal stimulation. Also, masturbation has been proven to be a great form of stress relief, a mood booster, a natural sleep sedative, a chronic pain reliever (like those debilitating cramps) and a natural energy booster (take that, Red Bull!).

- Female porcupines have been witnessed using wooden sticks to masturbate.

- 48% of women masturbate once a week and 22% masturbate daily.

- 53% of women and 17% of men use vibrators to masturbate.

- Contrary to popular belief, vibrators do not desensitize you, no matter how often you use them.

- At this very moment, 797,151 Americans are masturbating. That’s more people than the entire population of Alaska

- Who holds the World Record for masturbating the longest? Masanobu Sato who lasted 9 hours and 58 minutes in San Francisco’s 2009 Maturbate-a-thon. (Yes, that’s a real thing and yes, that’s totally absurd.)

Even in 2011, masturbation is still one those dirty little secrets most people tuck away into their closets (behind that ugly cat sweater their grandmother bought them for Christmas) but it shouldn’t be! Now, I’m not telling you to go all Eve Ensler and proclaim how much you love your woman self all day, but I am saying that you shouldn’t be embarrassed of having a little solo fun. Or a lot of solo fun.

Especially for such an important national holiday.

[Everyone’s got a morning after story (but most don't involve parental units) and we wanna hear yours! Send it over to us and we’ll post it – anonymously, of course – right here!]

I saw him at my first sorority mixer. He was the social chair of his fraternity and from the moment he checked my name on the guest list, I was in love. He looked dreamy in his designer jeans and flip flops, his hair perfectly floppy. And he knew my name. Well, at least for that moment.

I spent a year cyber-stalking him, convincing my sorority to plan more events with his house and then pussying out whenever I had the opportunity to talk to him. He was older, wiser, and definitely a highly sought after guy campus wide; there was no way he’d ever notice me.

And then, like a gift from heaven, we ended up in a summer term class together.

The class was small, only 30 people. When I walked in the first day (looking like a hot, sweaty mess thanks to my crappy house’s lack of A/C) and spotted him, I could barely contain my excitement. Finally! An excuse to talk to my knight in khaki cargo shorted armor. If only I didn’t have pit stains…

He looked up at me and waved (OMG OMG OMG He recognizes me!). I waved back, then walked to his side of the room and sat down. We ended up talking for most of the class (at least when the professor wasn’t droning on about how “summer term is not some blow off” and listing off all the group assignments we had coming our way), then did so again the next day. And the day after that. He Facebooked me. I Facebook-stalked him. He invited me to a house party he and his “boys” were having. I jumped around my room in my underwear and immediately started planning my cute-but-not-too-over-the-top outfit for class the next day.

Two weeks later, when the first (of many) group projects was assigned, he asked if I wanted to work with him. It took every fiber of my being not to jump up and scream.

That weekend, we decided to meet up at my place to start researching. My roommate had friends from home taking up every inch of common space in our house, so McDreamy and I hunkered down in my room. More specifically, on my bed, as there was really nowhere else to sit. Laptops in hand, we got to work. Then took a two hour break to shoot the sh*t. Then did some more work.

And then, before I knew what the hell was going on, my laptop was on the floor and we were making out like 7th graders in a bar mitzvah coat room.

Things started to heat up so we pushed the textbooks and pens off the bed (after I got stabbed in the leg) and got to it. My shirt came off. His shirt came off. I threw it on the floor, pushed him on the bed and jokingly jumped on top of him.

“Ouch,” he pulled away. “What is digging into my back right now?” He reached behind him to find the painful offender. And when he finally got it, I was mortified.

There, in his hand, was my vibrator.
My small, pink vibrator.

The room got painfully silent. I was so embarrassed I couldn’t form words. The guy I was in love with for over a year, who was finally IN MY BED (topless) and KISSING ME (topless), was now holding a my vibrator and staring blankly at me.

I wanted to cry. I wanted to crawl under the covers and never come out. I wanted to believe that maybe he thought it was a neck massager. But of course he didn’t. He knew exactly what he was holding in his hand.

After what seemed like 13 hours of silence (but was probably more like 13 seconds), he started laughing. Like, really laughing. So hard that I had to get off of him… then curl up in the fetal position next to him.

All I could think about was how I was going to have to do the entire group project by myself because I couldn’t face him again. Or, worse, have to withdraw from the class and take it again the following semester. Or maybe even transfer schools to the other side of the country.

But it turns out none of that was necessary, because the next thing I knew McDreamy was kissing my back. And four weeks later, despite that little snafu, we were officially dating.

Yeah, it wasn’t my finest moment (and I’m probably not gonna share that story with the grandkids), but at least we got the embarrassing moment thing out of the way early on.

We at CollegeCandy are huge proponents of masturbation. We love it so much we’d shout it from the rooftops… that is if we were willing stop doin’ it and actually climb up to the rooftop.

The topic maybe a bit taboo to many, but it shouldn’t be. Besides the mere pleasure of it all, there are so many wonderful benefits of a little self-stimulation: it helps you sleep, it helps with cramps, it helps your sexy time encounters….

It’s also really, really, REALLY fun.

Especially when you have a fun toy to do it with. Enter OhMiBod, the vibrator that connects with your iPod and pulses to the beat of the music. It’s pretty much the best combo since chocolate and peanut butter, or since Cole Haan teamed up with Nike. We’ve talked about it before, but it just got better.

Yes, the OhMiBod has gone wireless!

Gone are the days when you’re literally attached to your iPod (because no one wants to be tied down). The new Freestyle uses a wireless signal to connect you to your favorite jams in a way you’ve never experienced before.  Rock out (and get your rocks off) with hotties like Justin Bieber, Jason Derulo or old school Backstreet Boys. Or, if you’re feeling saucy, try some Rolling Stones and Metallica. You’ll never listen to music the same way again. And if you’re not sure what music goes best with this gift from Gods, the people at OhMiBod have got you covered. Just buying one of their revolutionary toys gives you access to their specially designed OhMiBod playlists.

But there’s more. And this, my friends, is not for the newbies. Allow me to introduce you to the Club Vibe, a portable little guy that will make going out a lot. more. fun. Basically, you attach this to your pants (or skirt) and it picks up the pulsing of the music in the club (or concert?) and transfers it to….well, you get it. It’s totally discreet, so you can shake your groove thing/get your groove on without anyone knowing.

Honestly, who needs to deal with beer goggles and a walk of shame when you’ve got this?

Masturbation shouldn’t make you squirm (well, squirm in a bad way) – it’s totally natural, totally acceptable and, with these toys, it’s totally awesome. If you’re in the market for somethin’ new, these little guys have the CollegeCandy stamp of approval.

Gettin’ it on with someone you care about has all the ingredients that make for great sex – it means more than just getting off, you trust each other, you know what your partner likes and, most importantly, you can have fun without being self-conscious. But all this great sex sometimes comes with a downside: no one wants to admit it, but over time we get a little bored doin’ it with the same person over and over. That being said, even when you’re perfectly happy with what you’ve got goin’ on, sometimes it’s just fun to try new things! Spaghetti may be your favorite food, but after eating it every night, you might want to see what it’s like with meatballs.

Bad analogy? I tried.

In my experience, the key to a great sex life is some good old-fashioned adventure. The make-out, go down, have sex routine is nice occasionally, but the truth is that it does get old eventually. Adding a little spice to your bedroom routine is the key to a long and happy sexual relationship — whether it be going at it in risqué places (I’ll save that for another post) or trying out some fun toys.

The first thing you’ll need if you’re looking for some adventure is an open mind (and hopefully your partner has one too). A sex swing or some kinky bondage might not be for you, but how will you know until you try? If your sex life is reaching a lull, try out one (or all) of these toys and enjoy your new, passionate, anything-but-boring sex life.

Cosmo’s Truth or Dare: this is probably the easiest, cheapest, and least-intimidating step into the world of couples sex toys. You can even buy it at bookstores if you’re too shy to venture into a sex shop just yet. While this is technically not a toy, this game will give you a good excuse to have some fun. With truths ranging from masturbatory fantasies to streaking, and dares like “Pretend I’m a stranger. Walk by and cop a feel as subtly as possible,” this game is pretty much guaranteed to end in some sexy fun.

Vibrating rings are available not only at sex shops, but also at drugstores through brands like Trojan and Durex. They can be lots of fun, and the perfect ingredient to add to your otherwise-awesome sex. It’s worn around the penis during sex (or you could just hold it for those without a penis in their relationship) and it hits just the right spot while he thrusts away. The packages claim that the vibrations last about 20 minutes, but they’ve been known to last a lot longer than that. Coming in at under $20, they’re also a fairly affordable way to have some fun. Added bonus: the tightness of the ring will cause your partner’s penis to stay harder longer… and really, who wouldn’t want that?

Even if BDSM isn’t quite your thing, experimenting with blindfolds, handcuffs, bondage tape, paddles, or, for those who are a little more adventurous, ball gags, can be a good way to explore your kinky side. Be sure to use these with someone you trust, and develop some boundaries before you agree to be tied up, flogged, or gagged!

Not for the faint of heart, a sex swing, sling, or door harness could be for you. I’m not exactly sure how much flexibility is needed for one of these, but I know they look like a hell of a lot of fun!

I understand we’re all poor college kids here, but I know if I ever had the time or a couple thousand dollars to spare, I’d be trying out one of these. It’s specifically designed for tantra, but with those curves, you can just imagine the cool positions you could try out. And the bonus with the tantra chair is that it doubles as a beautiful piece of furniture. How cool is that? On the cheaper end of the spectrum, you can buy a love bumper or a lounge. But really, getting creative with a few pillows can produce more or less the same results.

With a little creativity and an open mind and there is no reason to let your sex life get boring. Just think of all the sexy possibilities!

It’s officially the future, people, and while there may not be flying cars just yet, the advancements in technology are plentiful. Especially when it comes to gettin’ some. Yes, sex has gone tech, and I’m talking about more than those nakey photos you’ve been sending to the boyfriend while he’s away. (Which is a bad, bad idea. Has Vanessa Hudgens taught you nothing?!)

Below, a list of the sexiest things in tech:

For Your iPhone

Got an iPhone? No? Well, maybe it’s time to spend the cashola, because when it comes to sex, well, there’s an app for that. Here are a few of my favorites.

Cosmo’s Sex Position of the Day
This app is a to-go version of the Cosmo Kama Sutra. It offers a new sex position every day, as well as instructions and advice, illustration, and a difficulty rating (for those girls who are always up for a challenge).

The Love Guru
The Love Guru app gives you daily love predictions based on your zodiac sign, and lets you know the best time to make your move.

101 Cheesy Pick Up Lines
We’d all roll our eyes if a guy actually tried to use one of these on us, but they can be a great way to break the ice with that hottie you’ve been eying across the bar. After all, using these lines takes confidence and a sense of humor, both turn-ons.

Massager for iPhone
OK, so maybe putting your iPhone in your happy place isn’t the smartest (or most sanitary) idea, but it’s definitely something to consider if you ever get a little….lonely.

For Your Computer

Skype
If you’re separated from your hunny over break, Skype is the best way to keep the passion going. Skype offers free webcam chatting, so you talk face-to-face with S.O. instead of gluing your cell phone to your ear. To spice things up, wear something extra sexy (or nothing at all). Just make sure he’s not hanging in the living room with the fam… or taking screenshots to send to his homies.

Teledildonics
Teledildonics are sex toys that connect to the internet, so you can have someone else operate them from far away (handy if you’re in an LDR, or just really like chat rooms).

OhMiBod Vibrator
Hook it up to your favorite iTunes playlist (or the one that has the most bass), and enjoy your music in a new – and more intimate – way. It’s almost like getting a private, very special performance from the likes of Usher, The Rolling Stones or whoever you’ve got playing. (Though I advice against anything by David Archuleta or Justin Bieber…that’s just creepy.)

Like most women, I get a little horny sometimes. (And like all women, I wish there were a less disgusting term to use to describe that phenomenon.) The fact is, I have needs and it gets a little old to be using a battery operated machine to fulfill them all the time. I love my vibrator, but it can’t cuddle with me, or play with my hair, or tell me how hot I look thanks to all those grueling Sunday morning boot camps.

And the longer I’m single (which is a long, LONG time – the closest thing I’ve had in the past 3 years was a guy I was dating for 2 months who broke it off with me via email…and called me the wrong name), the more I’m inclined to get into a Friends With Benefits relationship.

But I’m not sure I should really let my hormones make any decisions for me. Lord knows that doesn’t work out when I’m PMSing and those bitches tell me to eat an entire pizza…and dip it in ranch dressing.

Needless to say, I’m torn.

Love It:
Let’s be honest – we all want a relationship, but sometimes that relationship doesn’t happen and we’re left all by our lonesome. That means no consistent booty, which makes the #1 benefit of an FWB “Booty on Demand.” I am a twenty-something woman and I have needs. Needs that are only intensified when Ketel One is coursing through my veins. The fact that I can dial for booty is incredibly enticing. No more going home alone and scouring the house for batteries; just a simple “wanna come over?” text and I’m halfway to pleasure-ville.

But even more than the actual sexy time, an FWB is fun and exciting. It’s someone to think about when lecture gets boring, someone to flirt and play games with, and someone you are comfortable enough with to try new things. And it’s just someone else to hang out with when all your girlfriends are having date night with their super serious boyfriends and there is nothing to watch on TV.

Loathe It:
Well, duh, someone always ends up getting hurt. No matter how much you both try to (or convince yourselves) that this is a no-strings-attached sitch, there are strings. And they are attached. Maybe not on an “I love you” level, but in a “you are supposed to be my FWB, I am not going to share you!” sort of way.

And then there’s the fact that instead of going out and meeting new guys who could be actual boyf material, you are leaving the bar early to get naked with someone who will never commit to you. You’re wasting your time and skills on someone who will never give you what you ultimately want/need, which is someone who calls you before midnight when they aren’t elbow deep in Bud Light.

But then there’s that little horny devil on your shoulder telling you to ignore all that ish and get thee an FWB.
Sigh.
Is there really a right answer here?!

Jon Gosselin puts TLC in their place.

So a couple of cows wander into a 7-11….

Wait, K-Fed is getting fatter?

How did this guy become a judge?

Rihanna’s letting it all hang out.

Bring a toy into the bedroom. Here’s how.

As humans, we have inner demons that can only be quieted by indulging in our uncontrollable desires. Take the concept of the Seven Deadly Sins. Depending on your beliefs or interpretations, you may agree that we have a natural inclination towards these temptations. For example, I totally lust after my boyfriend’s six pack, I greedily horde my money, I’m a glutton for any sort of frozen yogurt, and I envy Megan Fox’s…everything.

Being the crafty marketing team they are, America’s consumer industries are exploiting our desires to indulge in these Seven Deadly Sins (and are getting filthy rich because of it!). Hey, maybe if we all sinned a bit more, we could nix this recession like Cain did Abel! Ready to be a bad girl? Hit up these industries to silence your inner, money spending demon:

Lust – While the recession has taken away many things, at least it’s bringing sexy back! Erotic industries, such as sex toy company Babeland, have seen a 25% increase in sales. Makes sense: The less hours you’re given at your job, the more quality time you have to spend with your brand new Mini Pink Leopard Vibe! The best part? Babeland is always having sales to keep you “cumming” back for more. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

Gluttony- Did your latest paycheck leave your pockets feeling empty? At least you can still fill your tummy with greasy, affordable goodness! Americans appreciate the cheap convenience of fast food, so we keep hitting those drive-thrus and saving our money. It’s a trade-off, because we sacrifice good health for a good deal, but no one wants to shell out big money for the organic aisle at Walmart. And thanks to that logic, Ronald McDonald’s painted-on, red smirk is widening by the fiscal year.

Greed- Hit up Vegas recently? Despite declining tourism in Vegas, I’ve noticed that the casinos in my area of Northern California (including Reno and Lake Tahoe) are still emptying pockets like nobody’s business. Our insatiable, greed-driven thirst for money and power is continually fed by these casino industries. They are doing so well, in fact, that my town’s closest casino has drummed up enough income to begin construction on a swanky resort hotel. Because nothing says a good time like driving ten minutes from your home to check into a hotel and throw your money away at the craps table.

Sloth- Psh, if I were the embodiment of a sin, Sloth would be my name and Lazy would be my game. After finally deciding to get some Dish Network up in the apartment I share with the boyfriend, I chose to shell out the extra deuce for DVR. You don’t get any lazier than “I’m too tired to even flip through channels. Where’s that Little Couple episode I recorded last night?” You girls all gotta admit you would/do pay extra for the convenience of being lazy via your boob tube.

Wrath- Personally, I don’t get down with the emotion of anger. You can say I’m a lover, not a fighter. But tell that to the Hooters that has men spilling out of their doors and windows just to watch the UFC fight and chow down on some chicken waaangs. Granted, it doesn’t hurt that there are some hot mamas providing this service. But by these guys living vicariously through cauliflower-eared, sweaty men beating the hell out of each other, they are perpetuating the sin of Wrath. And Dana White is sinfully wealthy because of it!

Envy- The Green-Eyed monster can be found in almost any industry. Particularly those in which sales rely on the fact that girls are constantly in competition with each other. We buy magazines just to drool over the bodies we are jealous of, the ads for shoes we could never afford, the articles about overachievers that make us feel unsuccessful in comparison…and we just end up more envious than we did to begin with.

Pride- Taking pride in your appearance is vital to social acceptance and self-confidence. But you gotta admit that with plastic surgery, celebrity emulation, buckets of makeup and clocking hours in the mirror, we take vain to the next level. With our persistant focus on our outer appearance, industry big-wigs like Dr. Rey and M.A.C. Cosmetics are riding high on our hard earned dollars.

So, yeah, you may be feeling guilty for giving into your sinful consumer ways. But consider your participation in our economy a good deed. Don’t let your buyer’s remorse or shopping guilt get you down, my Angelic American. Because sometimes, it just feels good to be bad.