Vulva

“Each woman’s vulva is unique in size, shape, colour and appearance. It’s normal for the left and right sides of the vulva to be different in shape and size, especially the…”.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”

Vulva and Vagina

What is the difference between the vulva and the vagina?

In Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? [+ Image] the JH note:

“Some people think the vulva is the vagina, but they are different. Your vulva is the external part of the female genitals that you can see. Your vagina is inside your body. It extends from your vulva to the start of your uterus. It’s where your period flows down from the uterus, where you can have sexual intercourse (or other types of penetration) and where babies pass through during childbirth”.2

Vulva

What are parts of the vulva?

In Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? [+ Image] the JH explain:

“Your vulva includes:

  • the area covered with pubic hair (mons pubis)
  • the outer lips, which are covered with pubic hair (labia majora)
  • the inner lips, which are not covered with pubic hair (labia minora)
  • the clitoris and its hood
  • the area around your vaginal and urinary openings (vestibule)
  • the urinary opening (where wee comes out)
  • the vaginal opening
  • the area of skin between your vagina and anus (perineum)”.3

Different Differences

Are vulva one-size-fits-all?

Vulva are different. In Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Appearance the JH elaborate on:


Vulva“Each woman’s vulva is unique in size, shape, colour and appearance. It’s normal for the left and right sides of the vulva to be different in shape and size, especially the labia minora. Many images you see online are 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 MutilationInternational Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2023

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:

“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:

“It’s a good idea to see what your vulva looks like. You can use a mirror to see what is normal for you. This will make it easier to detect any changes in appearance, for example, changes in colour or skin. The Labia Library is a great online resource that shows a range of ‘normal’ photos of labia”.11

Labia Library

What is the Labia Library about?

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

Vulval Clinics

What are specialist vulval clinics?

DotC (Depending on the Country) there may 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 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 smell, or have symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or pain when you wee, see your doctor”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z 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. 5 Common Problems ‘Down There’ — and Whether They Are Contagious
  2. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  3. Australian and New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information – Patient Information About Vulval Diseases
  4. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  5. British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflets
  6. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
  7. CareDownThere
  8. Dr. Stephanie Faubion – Genitourinary  Syndrome of Menopause
  9. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens
  10. Endometrial Safety of Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogens [Video]
  11. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  12. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  13. Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva [+ Image]
  14. Everything You Need To Know About Your Labia
  15. FAQS: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  16. FAQs: Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
  17. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  18. Female Genital Mutilation
  19. Female Genital Mutilation
  20. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) [+ Videos]
  21. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Getting Help and Support [United Kingdom]
  22. Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
  23. Forward [Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
  24. Genital Herpes [Multiply Languages]
  25. Glossary
  26. Gynaecological Cancers – Vaginal and Vulval
  27. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February
  28. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  29. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  30. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  31. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  32. Labia Library
  33. Lichen Sclerosus
  34. Lsvcukawareness.co.uk [Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Cancer UK Awareness]
  35. Lubricant Alternatives: What To Use and What To Avoid
  36. Managing Common Vulval Skin Conditions
  37. Mayo Clinic Minute: Reducing the Risks of Sexually Transmitted Infections [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  38. Medical Advice: Genital Herpes
  39. #LetsDiscuss Female Genital MutilationMedical Advice: Genital Warts
  40. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  41. Medical Advice: Medical Exams
  42. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  43. Medical Advice: Treatment
  44. Medical Advice: Vulval Cancer
  45. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  46. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  47. Menopause, Skin and Common Dermatosis. Part 3: Genital Disorders
  48. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  49. Myths and Suggestions: Myths About Skin Disease and the Vulva
  50. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  51. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  52. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  53. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  54. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  55. Pelvic Exam
  56. Prosalya [Prosayla is proudly supported by The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)]
  57. Pudendal Nerve Entrapment
  58. Pudendal Neuralgia
  59. Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
  60. VulvaPudendalhope.info [Health Organization for Pudendal Education, United States]
  61. Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
  62. Self-Help Tips
  63. Small Clusters of Lumps on My Labia: What Are They? — Ask Dr Jean
  64. The Itchy Vulva
  65. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
  66. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  67. Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery?
  68. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  69. Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
    Tips for Tracking Your Bleeding
  70. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  71. Vaginal Cancer
  72. Vaginal Dryness
  73. Vaginal Oestrogen
  74. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  75. Vestibulodynia (Formerly Vulval Vestibulitis)
  76. Video Series-2022: Discussing Sexual Health Concerns With Your Health Care Professional
  77. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  78. Vulvar Awareness Day [18 September 2023]
    Vulva
  79. Vulva and Vagina
  80. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  81. Vulval Cancer
  82. Vulval Care Advice
  83. Vulval Irritation
  84. Vulval Pain
  85. Vulval Pain Conditions
  86. Vulval Pain Society
  87. Vulval Self-Examination
  88. Vulval Self-Examination: Why, How and When? [Video]
  89. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  90. Vulvar Cancer
  91. Vulvar Cancer
  92. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  93. VulvaVulvovaginal Pain Log
  94. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  95. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  96. What Is the Vulva?
  97. What You See In Magazines and Pornography
  98. What’s Normal: Lumps and Bumps
  99. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  100. 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 and Vagina: What’s Normal? Appearance. Last Updated: 28 November 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 29 November 2023
  2. Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Last Updated: 28 November 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 29 November 2023
  3. Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Last Updated: 28 November 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 29 November 2023
  4. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Appearance. Last Updated: 28 November 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 29 November 2023
  5. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal.html Accessed: 29 November 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: 29 November 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: 29 November 2023
  8. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 27 September 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ Accessed: 29 November 2023
  9. Female Genital Mutilation. Last Modified: January 2023. UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 29 November 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: 29 November 2023
  11. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Appearance. Last Updated: 28 November 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 29 November 2023
  12. Labia Library. Women’s Health Victoria http://www.labialibrary.org.au/ Accessed: 29 November 2023
  13. Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Smell. Last Updated: 28 November 2023 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 29 November 2023
Topic Last Updated: 29 November 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 29 November 2023

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