Vulva

“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:

“The parts of the vulva include:

  • 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:


Vulva“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:

“The vulva area is one of the most variable parts of the body, with more normal variations than noses! The range of “normal appearances” is so wide that even your family doctor may not be sure about whether you are normal “down there”. So there have always been some women who worry about how their vulvas look. To make matters worse, the internet has allowed the fashionistas who make us feel abnormal about our weight and breast size, to also make us feel abnormal about our vulvas. Is nothing sacred?

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:

“The vulva is part of the skin and most of the things that go wrong there are skin conditions that happen on other parts of the skin. This includes common skin problems like dermatitis, psoriasis and allergic reactions. Some of the skin conditions that involve the vulva are not common on other parts of the skin, and this includes a condition called lichen sclerosus”.6

Female Genital Mutilation

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023What 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:

“Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights, the health and the integrity of girls and women”.7

In Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Overview the (United Kingdom) NHS explain:

“Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed, but there’s no medical reason for this to be done.

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 January 2023, 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? dated 31 January 2023, the World Health Organization also note:

“FGM is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and adolescence, and occasionally on adult women. According to available data from 30 countries where FGM is practiced in the western, eastern, and north-eastern regions of Africa, and some countries in the Middle East and Asia, more than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to the practice with more than 3 million girls estimated to be at risk of FGM annually. FGM is therefore of global concern.”.10

Mirror, Mirror

How can women detect any changes in the appearance of their vulva?

The JH explain:

“Because it is difficult for women to see their own vulva, many women do not know what their vulva looks like. They are also unsure whether their vulva looks ‘normal’. If you do not know what your vulva looks like, use a mirror so you can look and become familiar with what is normal for you. This will make it easier to detect any changes in appearance, such as changes in colour, bumps, thickening or thinning of the skin, or dry, cracked skin. The Labia Library is a great online resource, with numerous realistic pictures of labia”.11

Labia Library

What is the Labia Library?

In the Labia Library the (Australian) Women’s Health Victoria elaborate on:

“The Labia Library is about showing you that, just like any other part of the body, labia come in all shapes and sizes. They’re also really important in sex and they keep your vagina healthy.

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:

Vulval Clinics

  • 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:

Health Topics A-Z

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.

New or Updated

  1. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  2. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Resources – Vulvovaginal Health Resources for You
  3. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information
  4. British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflets
  5. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
  6. Caredownthere.com.au
  7. Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
  8. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  9. Dr Gail Busby – I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – Episode 9 The Menopause
  10. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  11. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  12. Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva [+ Image]
  13. Everything You Need To Know About Your Labia
  14. Female Genital Mutilation
  15. Female Genital Mutilation
  16. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) [+ Videos]
  17. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Getting Help and Support [United Kingdom]
  18. Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
  19. Forward [Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
  20. Genital Herpes
  21. Genital Herpes [Multiply Languages]
  22. Dr. Stephanie Faubion – Genitourinary  Syndrome of Menopause
  23. Glossary
  24. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  25. How To Perform Vulval Self-Examination
  26. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February
  27. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  28. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  29. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  30. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  31. Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
  32. Let’s Talk About Vulvas
  33. Lichen Sclerosus
  34. Lsvcukawareness.co.uk [Lichen Sclerosis & Vulval Cancer UK Awareness]
  35. #LetsDiscuss Female Genital MutilationManaging Common Vulval Skin Conditions
  36. Medical Advice: Genital Herpes
  37. Medical Advice: Genital Warts
  38. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  39. Medical Advice: Medical Exams
  40. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  41. Medical Advice: Treatment
  42. Medical Advice: Vulval Cancer#LetsDiscuss Vulvovaginal Pain Disorders
  43. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  44. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  45. Menopause, Skin and Common Dermatosis. Part 3: Genital Disorders
  46. Myths and Suggestions: Myths About Skin Disease and the Vulva
  47. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  48. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  49. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  50. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  51. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  52. Pelvic Exam
  53. Pelvic Pain Support Network
  54. Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
  55. Pudendal Neuralgia
  56. Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
  57. VulvaPudendalhope.info [Health Organization for Pudendal Education, United States]
  58. Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
  59. Self-Help Tips
  60. Small Clusters of Lumps on My Labia: What Are They? — Ask Dr Jean
  61. The Itchy Vulva
  62. The Vulva & Vagina – Fact Sheet
  63. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  64. Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery?
  65. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  66. UK Lichen Planus Global Patient Support [United Kingdom]
  67. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  68. Vaginal Dryness
  69. Vaginal Dryness
  70. Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
  71. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  72. Vestibulodynia (Formerly Vulval Vestibulitis)
  73. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  74. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  75. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  76. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  77. Vulval & Vaginal Conditions
  78. Vulval & Vaginal Irritation
  79. Vulval Cancer
  80. Vulval Care Advice
  81. Vulval Pain Conditions
  82. Vulval Pain Society
  83. Vulval Psoriasis
  84. Vulval Self-Examination Leaflet for Women At Increased Risk of Vulval Cancer
  85. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  86. Vulvar Cancer
  87. Vulvar Cancer
    Vulvar Cancer
  88. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  89. Vulvar Care
  90. Vulva Vulvodynia & Vestibulodynia
  91. Vulvovaginal Candidiasis
  92. Vulvovaginal Health
  93. Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  94. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  95. What Is the Vulva?
  96. What You See In Magazines and Pornography
  97. What’s Normal: Lumps and Bumps
  98. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  99. When Sex Hurts – Podcast [Vaginismus and Vulvodynia]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 11 October 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: 07 February 2023
  2. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? Last Updated: 11 October 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: 07 February 2023
  3. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? Last Updated: 11 October 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: 07 February 2023
  4. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 11 October 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: 07 February 2023
  5. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal.html Accessed: 07 February 2023
  6. 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: 07 February 2023
  7. 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: 07 February 2023
  8. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 27 September 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ Accessed: 07 February 2023
  9. Female Genital Mutilation. Last Modified: January 2023. UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 07 February 2023
  10. Female Genital Mutilation: Who Is At Risk? Updated: 31 January 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 07 February 2023
  11. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 11 October 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: 07 February 2023
  12. Labia Library. Women’s Health Victoria http://www.labialibrary.org.au/ Accessed: 07 February 2023
  13. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 11 October 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: 07 February 2023
Topic Last Updated: 21 February 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 07 February 2023

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