Vulva

“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:

“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. 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:

Vulva
“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:

“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

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:

“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: 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, MirrorVulva

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:

“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

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:

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.

  1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Women’s Health
  2. Anatomy [+ Image]
  3. Are My Labia Normal?
  4. British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflets (PILs)
  5. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]
  6. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]: Clinic Map [United Kingdom]
  7. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease [BSSVD]: External Resources
  8. Caredownthere.com.au
  9. Check Your Vulva
  10. Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  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. Extra-Mammary Paget’s Disease
  16. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) [+ Videos]
  17. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Getting Help and Support [United Kingdom]
  18. Female Genital Mutilation
  19. Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
  20. Five Things You Didn’t Know About Vaginas & Vulvas — Free Health Article
  21. Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development [United Kingdom]
  22. General Good Advice
  23. Genital Care for Women
  24. Genital Herpes
  25. Genital Herpes
  26. Genital Herpes
  27. Glossary
  28. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States] Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month
  29. Gynaecological Cancers
  30. Harmful Practices
  31. How To Perform Vulval Self-Examination
  32. I Am 40 and Have Clitoral Atrophy — Ask Dr Jean
  33. Info & Advice
  34. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease: Resource Library – For Patients
  35. Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
  36. Let’s Talk About Vulvas
  37. Lichen Sclerosus
  38. Lichensclerosis.org [Association for Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Health]
  39. Lichensclerosis.org [Association for Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Health]: Finding Doctors
  40. Lifestyle: Natural Products
  41. Lifestyle: Safer Sex
  42. Managing Common Vulval Skin Conditions
  43. Medical Advice: Genital Herpes
  44. Medical Advice: Genital Warts
  45. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  46. Medical Advice: Medical Exams
  47. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  48. Medical Advice: Treatment
  49. Medical Advice: Vulval Cancer
  50. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  51. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  52. Myths and Suggestions: Myths About Skin Disease and the Vulva
  53. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  54. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  55. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  56. National Vulvodynia Association: Patient Stories
  57. Pelvic Exam
  58. Pelvic Pain Support Network
  59. Pudendal Neuralgia Symptoms
  60. Pudendalhope.info [Health Organization for Pudendal Education, United States]
  61. Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
  62. Self-Help Tips
  63. The Itchy Vulva
  64. The Normal Vulva.
  65. The Vulva & Vagina – Fact Sheet
  66. The Vulva The Vulva and Vagina
  67. The Vulva: Irritation, Diagnosis & Treatment – Booklet
  68. Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery?
  69. UK Lichen Planus Global Patient Support [United Kingdom]
  70. Urogenital Atrophy Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  71. Urogenital Problems
  72. Vaco.co.uk [Vulva Awareness Campaign Organisation]
  73. Vaginal & Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  74. Vaginal Dryness
  75. Vaginal Dryness
  76. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  77. Vaginitis
  78. Vestibulodynia (Formerly Vulval Vestibulitis)
  79. Video Series-2018 – Moisturizers, Lubricants, and Prasterone
  80. Video Series-2019 – Talking To Your Clinician About Sexual Health Concerns
  81. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: Management & Treatment [+ Video]
  82. Vulva & Vaginal Irritation: What Is the Vulva? [+ Diagram]
  83. Vulva and Vaginal Health: Getting the Right Advice
  84. Vulva, Vagina, Ovaries & Uterus
  85. Vulval Cancer
  86. Vulval Pain Conditions
  87. Vulval Pain Society
  88. Vulval Pain
  89. Vulvar Anatomy [+Images]
  90. Vulvar Cancer Vular Cancer
  91. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  92. Vulvar Care
  93. Vulvar Disorders
  94. Vulvovaginal Health
  95. Vulvovaginal Symptoms After Menopause
  96. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  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. 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

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal.html Accessed: 04 January 2021
  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: 04 January 2021
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. Labia Library. Women’s Health Victoria http://www.labialibrary.org.au/ Accessed: 04 January 2021
  13. 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

Topic Last Updated: 19 January 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 04 January 2021
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