According to New Nationwide Survey Conducted by Lauren Streicher, M.D.: Va-jay-jay? Women Have Pet Names for Their Vaginas Just Like Men

While many women still refer to their genitals as “my vagina” or “down there,” half of the women surveyed are getting creative.

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–No longer considered taboo discussion, women have as many names for their vaginas as men have for their penises, according to a new survey of 1,200 women conducted by Lauren Streicher, M.D. associate clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s medical school and author of Sex Rx: Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever.

“While pet names for the vagina may seem silly, having a fond nickname allows women to feel more comfortable discussing sensitive issues with their partner, friends and health care provider just as men talk about erectile dysfunction as was popularized decades ago,” says Streicher.

While many women still refer to their genitals as “my vagina” or “down there,” half of the women surveyed are getting creative. Some 15% have adopted the moniker ‘va-jay-jay’ as first heard on Grey’s Anatomy and adopted by Oprah.

Pet names revealed by the survey include: my good girl, V, my feline friend, cookie, foo foo, Christmas, Tutu, Sally Sue, she she, my girlfriend, Oh Lala, fuzzy wuzzy, missy, my sweet spot, little lady, my lady parts, my flower, kitty cat, Miss Kitty, my honeypot, candie, gina, paradise, cha cha, sweet chocolate, precious, something special, coochie coo, fruit basket, vjay, rabbit, comfort zone, hoo hoo, moo shoo, heaven, tutu, cutie, The Mrs., peach, butterfly, vaj and princess, among others!

As women have become more open about their vaginas and reproductive functioning, they’ve started to discuss their problems, like dryness. One woman in the survey called her vagina, “Painful—she ain’t working anymore.”

Even product manufacturers are getting into the name game. Replens‘ new print ads ask “Va-dry-na?”—a cheeky way of discussing vaginal dryness, a common condition in cancer survivorship, all stages of menopause and postpartum related to reduced estrogen levels. Another celebrates “Va-jay-yay!”—signifying the comfort achieved with Replens moisturizer to restore comfort and Replens Silky Smooth Lubricant to supplement natural lubrication, easing penetration and enhancing sexual activity.

“Women should no longer suffer in silence because of embarrassment about their vaginal health. Every woman should be empowered to discuss her challenges with frank, honest, transparent, and open dialogue, especially to her doctor which encourages information sharing and problem solving,” adds Streicher.