What is the vulva?

Anatomy
Written By Stine Andreasen
 

Written by Dr. Specialist Stine Andreassen
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, PhD in Obstetrics in 2015 and more than 15 years of clinical practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology

 

The vulva is the external part of the female genital anatomy. It includes all of the structures that can be seen on the outside of the body, including the labia, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal opening.

Many people use the terms vulva and vagina interchangeably, but they are not the same. The vulva refers to the external genital area, while the vagina is an internal muscular canal located inside the body. The vulva plays important roles in protection, sexual function, urination, and reproduction.

What is the difference between the vulva and the vagina?

The terms vulva and vagina are often confused. The vulva includes the external genital structures that are visible from the outside. The vagina is the internal muscular canal that connects the vulva to the cervix and uterus. The vulva includes:

  • Labia majora

  • Labia minora

  • Clitoris

  • Urethral opening

  • Vaginal opening

The vagina is only one part of the reproductive system and is located inside the body.

What structures make up the vulva?

The vulva consists of several structures that work together to support reproductive, urinary, and sexual health.

Labia

The labia are folds of skin that surround and protect the openings of the urethra and vagina. There are two sets of labia:

  • Labia majora: The labia majora are the larger outer folds of skin. They help protect the more delicate structures of the vulva and are typically covered with pubic hair after puberty.

  • Labia minora: The labia minora are the smaller inner folds located inside the labia majora. They surround the vaginal opening and contribute to protection, sensation, and lubrication. The size, shape, color, and symmetry of the labia vary greatly from person to person.

Clitoris

The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ located near the top of the vulva where the labia minora meet. Although only a small portion is visible externally, much of the clitoris extends inside the body. The clitoris contains thousands of nerve endings and plays an important role in sexual pleasure and arousal. Its primary function is related to sensation and sexual response.

Vaginal opening

The vaginal opening is the entrance to the vagina. It serves several important functions:

  • Menstrual blood leaves the body through this opening

  • It receives the penis during sexual intercourse

  • It forms part of the birth canal during childbirth

The appearance of the vaginal opening varies naturally between individuals.

Urethral opening

The urethral opening is located between the clitoris and the vaginal opening. It connects to the bladder and allows urine to leave the body. Although it is close to the vaginal opening, it is part of the urinary system rather than the reproductive system.

What does the vulva do?

The vulva has several important functions.

  • Protection: The vulva helps protect the internal reproductive organs from injury, irritation, and infection.

  • Sexual function: The vulva contains highly sensitive tissues involved in sexual arousal and pleasure.

  • Urination: The urethral opening allows urine to leave the body.

  • Reproduction and childbirth: The vulva surrounds the entrance to the reproductive tract and plays a role during menstruation, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.

Is it normal for vulvas to look different?

Yes, there is tremendous natural variation in vulval anatomy. Differences may include:

  • Labia size

  • Labia shape

  • Color

  • Symmetry

  • Visibility of the inner labia

  • Clitoral hood appearance

These differences are usually completely normal and rarely indicate a medical problem. Many people are surprised to learn that there is no single "normal" appearance of the vulva.

How does the vulva change throughout life?

The vulva changes naturally throughout different life stages.

  • During puberty: Hormonal changes cause the vulva to mature and develop. Pubic hair appears and the tissues become more prominent.

  • During the reproductive years: Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle can affect the appearance and sensitivity of vulval tissues.

  • During pregnancy: Increased blood flow may cause the vulva to appear darker, fuller, or more sensitive.

  • During menopause: Declining estrogen levels can make vulval tissues thinner, drier, and less elastic.

These changes are a normal part of aging.

When should I see a healthcare professional?

Consider seeking medical advice if you experience:

  • Persistent itching

  • Pain or discomfort

  • Unusual lumps or growths

  • Skin changes

  • Sores or ulcers

  • Persistent irritation

  • Bleeding unrelated to menstruation

Many vulval conditions can be evaluated and treated effectively.

Related resources

 

FAQ – The vulva

  • The vulva is the external part of the female genital anatomy and includes the labia, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal opening.

  • The vulva refers to the external genital structures, while the vagina is the internal muscular canal that connects the vulva to the cervix.

  • The labia are folds of skin that protect the vaginal and urethral openings.

  • The clitoris is a highly sensitive organ involved in sexual arousal and pleasure.

  • Yes. Natural differences in size, shape, and symmetry are extremely common.

  • Yes. Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can affect the appearance and function of vulval tissues.

Stine Andreasen
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What is the vagina?