In an information-rich new video clip posted by @friendfusion on Instagram, board-certified OB-GYN Dr. Charis Chambers, MD, FACOG, is setting the record straight on some of the most persistent and harmful myths about vaginal health—especially those that affect women and girls across generations.
Known as “The Period Doctor,” Dr. Chambers appeared on a recent episode of Friend Fusion to tackle a range of misconceptions, from the idea that diet changes the way someone “tastes,” to more damaging myths about vaginal discharge, scent, and cleanliness.
“There’s myths that if you eat a basket of fruits or something, then your vagina will taste exactly like that,” she began. “Those are pretty harmless. But then there are more harmful myths—like you’re supposed to smell like roses, or you’re not supposed to have discharge. If you do, something is wrong with you.”
Dr. Chambers didn’t hold back, pointing out how these myths don’t just cause confusion—they cause harm.
“The myths that bother me the most are the ones that make you feel inadequate, incapable, inconvenient, and inferior,” she said.
She shared examples of mothers bringing in young daughters concerned about discharge—a completely normal physiological sign of estrogen production and early puberty:
“Your child’s supposed to have discharge. It’s one of the earliest signs of estrogen… You also should have discharge every day. It gets on your underwear. Because it’s acidic, it will bleach that little portion in the center. That is all normal.”
But for many caregivers, that basic knowledge has been lost or was never taught.
“You’re talking to someone who has no idea what normal is. And their inability to understand normal has them calling what is normal abnormal. And that is negatively affecting their child,” she said.
Dr. Chambers called for what she described as “intergenerational unpacking”—not just of bodies, but of beliefs.
“What I find is that I have to do this cross-generational unpacking of physiology… because people do not know,” she added.
At the heart of her message is a call to reclaim bodily autonomy through education, truth, and open dialogue—especially for young girls.
“The myths that impact our youngest people in a way that makes them question who they are… those are the ones where I’m like, oh, that hurts,” said.
The short video clip has already sparked conversation online, with many praising the clarity and compassion Dr. Chambers brings to a subject still burdened by stigma and silence.
One person commented:
“My fav! She always delivers the messages so gracefullly and plain where it’s understandable for everyone!”
