“Each woman’s vulva is unique in size, colour and appearance. No two look the same! It is also normal if there are noticeable differences between the left and right…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Vulva Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Genitals
- Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Discomfort/Pain
- Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Skin Conditions
- Vulvovaginal Discomfort/Pain
- “Down Below/There”
- “Feminine Pain”
- “Lady Parts”
- “Private Parts”
- “Privates”
- “Women’s Bits”
Definition
What is the vulva?
DotS the definition of the vulva may vary. The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:
“Vulva is the general name given to the external parts of the female genitals”.2
Vulva
What are parts of the vulva?
In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? [+ Image] the JH explain:
- Mons pubis. The pad of fatty tissue covered with pubic hair
- Labia majora. The outer lips, which are covered with pubic hair
- Labia minora. The inner lips, which are hairless
- Clitoris and its hood or covering. Positioned at the front of the genital area
- Vestibule. Immediately surrounds the vaginal opening and the urinary opening
- Urinary opening (urethral meatus). Above the vaginal opening
- Vaginal opening (introitus). Below the urinary opening
- Perineum. The area of skin between the vagina and the anus”.3
Different Differences
Are vulva one-size-fits-all?
No. Vulva are different. In Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? the JH elaborate on:
“Each woman’s vulva is unique in size, colour and appearance. No two look the same! It is also normal if there are noticeable differences between the left and right side of the vulva, especially the labia minora. Vulvas also vary in size, shape and length. All these differences and variations are normal. However, images seen online are often heavily edited to make the vulva look symmetrical and childlike”.4
In What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? the (Australian) Caredownthere.com.au elaborate on:
If everything is working well down there, then it must be normal! So try not to worry about your vulval size or shape: if it works for you, who cares what anyone else thinks?”5
Vulval Problems
Can vulval problems be skin problems?
In Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva – Where Do Vulval Problems Belong Medically? [+ Image] Caredownthere.com explain:
Female Genital Mutilation
What is female genital mutilation (FGM)?
In International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February: Ending Female Genital Mutilation By 2030 the United Nations’ definition is:
In Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Overview the (United Kingdom) NHS explain:
It’s also known as female circumcision or cutting, and by other terms, such as sunna, gudniin, halalays, tahur, megrez and khitan, among others”.8
How common is FGM?
In Female Genital Mutilation, last modified June 2021, UNICEF note:
“Despite being internationally recognized as a human rights violation, FGM has been performed on at least 200 million girls and women in 31 countries across three continents, with more than half of those subjected living in Egypt, Ethiopia and Indonesia”.9
In Female Genital Mutilation: Who Is At Risk? the WHO also note:
“FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and adolescence, and occasionally on adult women”.10
Mirror, Mirror
How can women detect any changes in the appearance of their vulva?
The JH explain:
Labia Library
What is the Labia Library?
In the Labia Library the (Australian) Women’s Health Victoria elaborate on:
Women’s Health Victoria has developed the Labia Library to bust a few common myths about how normal labia look. There’s also a photo gallery that shows you just how unique everyone’s labia are”.12
Health Care Provider
What if I am worried about something down there?
If you are worried about something – anything – down there, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this. The JH explain:
“If you are worried about the odour of your vulva and vagina, and/or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or painful urination, see your doctor.”.13
Vulval Clinics
What are specialist vulval clinics?
DotC (Depending on the Country) there can be specialist vulval clinics with gynecologists, dermatologists, physiotherapists and other staff specializing in vulval conditions. These clinics may be called:
- Genito-Urinary Medicine Clinics
- Multidisciplinary Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Clinics
- Vulva/Vulval/Vulvar Clinics
- Vulvovaginal Clinics
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Vulva?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Vulva?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Resources – Vulvovaginal Health Resources for You
- Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
- British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflets
- British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
- Caredownthere.com.au
- Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
- Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
- Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
- Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva [+ Image]
- Everything You Need To Know About Your Labia
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) [+ Videos]
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Getting Help and Support [United Kingdom]
- Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
- Five Things You Didn’t Know About Vaginas & Vulvas — Free Health Article
- Forward [Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes [Multiply Languages]
- Glossary
- Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
- How To Perform Vulval Self-Examination
- International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February
- International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
- International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
- International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
- Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
- Let’s Talk About Vulvas
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Lichensclerosis.org [Association for Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Health]
- Lifestyle: Natural Products
- Managing Common Vulval Skin Conditions
- Medical Advice: Genital Herpes
- Medical Advice: Genital Warts
- Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
- Medical Advice: Medical Exams
- Medical Advice: Psoriasis
- Medical Advice: Treatment
Medical Advice: Vulval Cancer
- Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
- Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
- Myths and Suggestions: Myths About Skin Disease and the Vulva
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
- National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Stories
Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
- Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: New! Vulvovaginal Pain Log
- Pelvic Exam
- Pelvic Pain Support Network
- Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
- Pudendal Neuralgia
- Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
- Pudendalhope.info [Health Organization for Pudendal Education, United States]
- Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
- Self-Help Tips
Small Clusters of Lumps on My Labia: What Are They? — Ask Dr Jean
- The Itchy Vulva
- The Vulva & Vagina – Fact Sheet
- The Vulva and Vagina
- The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
- Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery?
- UK Lichen Planus Global Patient Support [United Kingdom]
- Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
- Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
- Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
- Vestibulodynia (Formerly Vulval Vestibulitis)
- Video Series-2021: Common Issues Surrounding Sexuality and Menopause
- Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation
- Vulva Pain
- Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
- Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
- Vulval & Vaginal Conditions
- Vulval Cancer
- Vulval Care Advice
- Vulval Pain
- Vulval Pain Conditions
- Vulval Pain Society
- Vulval Psoriasis
- Vulval Skin Care
- Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
- Vulvar Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
- Vulvar Care
- Vulvar Disorders
- Vulvodynia & Vestibulodynia
- Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
- Vulvovaginal Health
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
- Vulvovaginitis – Overview
- Webinars: Previous – Sexual Health Issues in Menopause
- What Is the Vulva?
- What You See In Magazines and Pornography
- What’s Normal: Lumps and Bumps
- What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
- When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 10 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 20121. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? Last Updated: 10 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? Last Updated: 10 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 10 March 20212| Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 05 April 2022
- What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal.html Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva – Where Do Vulval Problems Belong Medically? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/information_vulva.html Accessed: 05 April 2022
- International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February: Ending Female Genital Mutilation By 2030. United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/female-genital-mutilation-day Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 20 May 2019. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Female Genital Mutilation. Last Modified: June 2021. UNICEF https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Female Genital Mutilation: Who Is At Risk? Updated: 21 January 2022. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 10 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Labia Library. Women’s Health Victoria http://www.labialibrary.org.au/ Accessed: 05 April 2022
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 10 March 2022 | Last Reviewed: 09 April 2021. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 05 April 2022