“Each woman’s vulva is unique in size and appearance including differences between the right and left labia. There is also variation in the size, shape and length. These differences and variations are normal”.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”
Terminology
Can vulva mean different things to different people?
I think the term vulva can be like the terms labia, sex and vagina and mean different things, to different people, at different times, in different places.
When I use the term vulva what I mean may be different to what someone else means “down there” or what is meant in medicaltalk.
It can therefore be important when the term vulva is used to be clear about what is meant, so we may work out whether we are on the same page meaning the same thing or not.
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. Above the vaginal opening
- Vaginal opening. Below the vaginal 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 and appearance including differences between the right and left labia. There is also variation in the size, shape and length. These differences and variations are normal”.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)?
DotS the definition of FGM may vary. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:
- “Female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”.7
In Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Overview the (United Kingdom) NHS (National Health Service) 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: Key Facts the WHO elaborate on:
- “More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been cut in 30 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia where FGM is concentrated”.9
In Female Genital Mutilation: Who Is At Risk? the WHO also note:
“FGM is mostly carried out on young girls sometime between infancy and adolescence, and occasionally on adult women. More than 3 million girls are estimated to be at risk for FGM annually”.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 and/or what is normal for them. If you don’t know what your vulva looks like, it is a good idea to use a mirror so you can look and become familiar with what is normal for you. It is then easier to detect any changes in appearance, such as changes in colour, bumps, thickening or thinning of the skin or dry, cracked skin”.11
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
Vulval Clinics
Are there clinics for vulval conditions?
DotC (Depending on the Country) there can be clinics for vulval conditions with gynecologists, dermatologists, physiotherapists and other staff specializing in this area. These clinics may be called:
- 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 odour of your vulva and vagina, and/or have other symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, soreness, painful sex or painful urination, you should see your doctor”.13
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.- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Women’s Health
- Anatomy [+ Image]
- Are My Labia Normal?
- British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflets (PILs)
- British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]
- British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
- British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]: External Resources
- Caredownthere.com.au
- Check Your Vulva
- 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
- Extra-Mammary Paget’s Disease
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) [+ Videos]
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Getting Help and Support [United Kingdom]
- Female Genital Mutilation
- Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
- Five Things You Didn’t Know About Vaginas & Vulvas — Free Health Article
- Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development [United Kingdom]
- General Good Advice
- Genital Care for Women
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes
- Genital Herpes
- Glossary
- Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
- Gynaecological Cancers
- Harmful Practices
- How To Perform Vulval Self-Examination
- I Am 40 and Have Clitoral Atrophy — Ask Dr Jean
- Info & Advice
- International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease: Resource Library – For Patients
- Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
- Let’s Talk About Vulvas
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Lichensclerosis.org [Association for Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Health]
- Lichensclerosis.org [Association for Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Health]: Finding Doctors
- Lifestyle: Natural Products
- Lifestyle: Safer Sex
- 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 Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
- National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Stories
- Pelvic Exam
- Pelvic Pain Support Network
- Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
- Pudendalhope.info [Health Organization for Pudendal Education, United States]
- Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
- Self-Help Tips
- The Itchy Vulva
- The Normal 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
- Urogenital Problems
- Vaco.co.uk [Vulva Awareness Campaign Organisation]
- Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
- Vaginitis
- Vestibulodynia (Formerly Vulval Vestibulitis)
- Video Series-2018 – Moisturizers, Lubricants, and Prasterone
- Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? [+ Diagram]
- Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
- Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
- Vulval Cancer
- Vulval Pain Conditions
- Vulval Pain Society
- Vulval Pain
- Vulvar Anatomy [+Images]
- Vulvar Cancer
- Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
- Vulvar Care
- Vulvar Disorders
- Vulvovaginal Health
- Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
- Vulvovaginitis – Overview
- What You See In Magazines and Pornography
- What’s Normal: Lumps and Bumps
- What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
- Women’s Wellness: Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Health Problems
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 22 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation. Last Updated: 22 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? Last Updated: 22 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 22 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal.html Accessed: 04 January 2021
- 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: 04 January 2021
- Female Genital Mutilation: Key Facts. 03 February 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 20 May 2019. NHS (National Health Service) https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Female Genital Mutilation: Key Facts. 03 February 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Female Genital Mutilation: Who Is At Risk? Updated: 03 February 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is Normal? Last Updated: 22 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 24 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Labia Library. Women’s Health Victoria http://www.labialibrary.org.au/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
- Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Odour. Last Updated: 22 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 14 February 2014. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina-ovaries-uterus/vulva-vaginal-irritation Accessed: 04 January 2021