Is Vagina Dentata a Real Condition?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of Vagina Dentata, a term referring to a mythical condition where teeth grow in a vagina. Participants explore its cultural significance, historical narratives, and the possibility of real medical conditions that could resemble this myth.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Vagina Dentata is often considered a fictional condition, while others argue that there are real medical phenomena, such as dermoid cysts, that could lead to teeth or hair growth in unusual places.
  • One participant discusses the cultural origins of the myth, linking it to masculine fears and societal narratives surrounding female sexuality.
  • Another participant questions the validity of claims made in a Wikipedia article, expressing skepticism about the reliability of such sources.
  • Several participants share personal anecdotes or humorous takes on the topic, including dreams related to the concept, which adds a lighter tone to the discussion.
  • There is mention of the historical context of surgical practices and how they relate to the myth, suggesting a deeper societal commentary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether Vagina Dentata is a real condition or purely mythological. Multiple competing views remain, with some emphasizing cultural interpretations and others focusing on potential medical explanations.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the medical aspects of the discussion depend on specific definitions and assumptions about conditions like dermoid cysts. The discussion includes references to cultural narratives that may not be universally accepted or understood.

  • #61
zomgwtf said:
There have only been 5 paravaginal dermoid cysts observed in recorded english medicine. I've sent you two reports of them and posted one here (the other had graphic images). It's pretty unlikely that one of those had developed teeth. The two reports I read they had grown long clumps of hair.

You do concede, unlike cronxeh though, that dermoid cysts do present a plausible explanation for Vagina Dentata?

It would seem to, but since I'm not an expert, my concession has no value. I'm just playing it by the numbers.

If this happens it must be very rare, All speculation aside [no pun intended], I don't think we have seen any definitive evidence that a case has been documented. I would like to avoid any further speculation. If anyone has any appropriate evidence - a proper medical journal - please post it.
 
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  • #62
Ivan Seeking said:
It would seem to, but since I'm not an expert, my concession has no value. I'm just playing it by the numbers.

If this happens it must be very rare, All speculation aside [no pun intended], I don't think we have seen any definitive evidence that a case has been documented. I would like to avoid any further speculation. If anyone has any appropriate evidence - a proper medical journal - please post it.

Here is how Vagina Dentata is usually used in the medical community: an example:

http://www.springerlink.com/content/u4v14164jr424441/

Which is then cited in the New England Journal of Medicine:

http://depts.washington.edu/cfar/Princpl_Course/celum1.pdf

Because it is already established that no CONFIRMED or RELIABLE cases have ever been presented for peer review. Given the relative ease of doing so, and the need to publish or perish, it's absurd to think that such a curiosity would go unnoticed. Given also that it has been well established as a psychological issue, and that in all cases of dermoid cysts in the vagina which CAN be found, indicate that this has not happened. You're welcome of course, to draw the conclusion that in the absence of evidence refuting one's imagination, that such a thing may exist. That isn't skepticism however, nor is it science, and it sure as HELL isn't medicine.
 
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  • #63
There are no known modern cases that anyone has been able to find so far. If someone has a proper medical journal stating explicity that this has never been documented, then please post it. Personal opinions carry less weight than does even anecdotal evidence.
 
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  • #64
You guys are still talking about teeth inside of a vag?
 
  • #65
MotoH said:
You guys are still talking about teeth inside of a vag?

Unfortunately, yes. Now if everyone would act like adults, we are open to any proper evidence that anyone can find - one way or the other. By proper I mean that it must be a reference from an applicable, mainstream medical journal.
 
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  • #66
MotoH said:
You guys are still talking about teeth inside of a vag?

MotoH, it isn't for lack of trying to explain that it's a neurosis, and not an illness. If you have any ideas as to how to better communicate that, I'd be right thrilled to hear them! I'm new, and didn't expect this kind of reception given what colleagues have said about this site. It's been a strange mix of helpful and friendly, and then... this.
 
  • #67
Shalashaska said:
MotoH, it isn't for lack of trying to explain that it's a neurosis, and not an illness. If you have any ideas as to how to better communicate that, I'd be right thrilled to hear them! I'm new, and didn't expect this kind of reception given what colleagues have said about this site. It's been a strange mix of helpful and friendly, and then... this.

It's definitely plausible that it's a mental illness. However this type of thought goes back quite far... I still think that it's ALSO plausible that some sort of cyst (for actual teeth) or even some other growth which was hard/sharp in the vagina could be the origin of it all.
 
  • #68
The subject is definitely found in the psychological arena. In fact that was the first thing that I posted. Now let's move on.
 
  • #69
zomgwtf said:
It's definitely plausible that it's a mental illness. However this type of thought goes back quite far... I still think that it's ALSO plausible that some sort of cyst (for actual teeth) or even some other growth which was hard/sharp in the vagina could be the origin of it all.

Let me be really clear, Vagina Dentata isn't a mental illness, although it can be a symptom of one. It's a neurosis; a sequelae of (usually) an anxiety disorder, like Koro, and many other similar fixations. The issue is usually GAD or an acute anxiety disorder, or a result of sexual trauma. Vaginismus is an excellent example of how powerful such experiences can be in shaping mental AND physical reactions.

The other thing is that we all agree that it's POSSIBLE for such a cyst to grow, but it hasn't been documented, and Occam's Razor does a real job on that notion as the origin of the mythology. If we can get into respectable psychology, there is a lot of material one can find with a simple internet search in APA archives, or Google if you don't have access. It's considered an archetype of the "predatory" woman, or the shrew who must be tamed.
 
  • #70
Better yet, anyone finding a proper reference can send me a pm. I can't babysit this thread all night.
 

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