Vulva

Vulva

“Everyone’s vulva is unique in size, shape, colour and appearance. It’s normal for the left and right sides of your 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:

  • Female External Genitalia
  • 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”

Vagina

What is the vagina?

In Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? [+ Image] the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health JH note:

“Your vagina is a tube inside your body that connects your vulva to the lower part of your uterus (cervix). It’s where your period flows down from the uterus, where you can have vaginal sex 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:

“Some people think the vulva is the vagina, but they’re different.

The vulva is the outside part of the female genitals that you can see. It includes:

  • the clitoris and clitoris hood
  • the outer lips (labia), which are covered with pubic hair
  • the inner lips (labia)
  • the uretheral opening (where wee comes out)
  • the area around your vaginal and urinary openings (vestibule)
  • the vaginal entrance
  • 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: Are All Vulva and Vaginas the Same? How Your Vulva Looks [+ Image] the JH elaborate on:

Vulva“Everyone’s vulva is unique in size, shape, colour and appearance. It’s normal for the left and right sides of your vulva to be different in shape and size, especially the inner lips (labia). 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 notice any changes in appearance, for example, changes in colour or skin.

Try not to compare yourself to images you see online – many of these are edited. Instead, check out The Labia library for photos of real labia”.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

Skin 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

Vulval Symptoms

What are symptoms of vulval problems?

In Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva – What Sort of Symptoms Will I Experience If I Have A Vulval Problem? Caredownthere.com include:

“There are many things that you may experience but the commonest is itch. Other common symptoms are:

  • Soreness
  • Burning
  • Pain with urination
  • Pain with sex
  • Discharge and wetness
  • Dryness
  • Feeling like there are cuts on your skin
  • Stinging when you apply creams
  • Crawling or stabbing feelings
  • Just being aware that you have a vulva

If you experience anything like this, it is not normal and you don’t have to put up with it. It’s time to seek help”.7

Female Genital Mutilation

What is female genital mutilation (FGM)?

DotS the definition of FGM may vary. In Female Genital Mutilation: Overview dated 31 January 2025, the World Health Organization’s definition is:

“Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice has no health benefits for girls and women and can result in severe bleeding and problems urinating, and later cysts, menstrual difficulties, infections, as well as complications in childbirth and increased risk of newborn deaths”.8

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.

Female Genital Mutilation is the term used in UK law. In communities where it happens, other terms may be used such as female circumcision or cutting.

Other terms for FGM include:

  • Sunna
  • Gudniin
  • halalays
  • Tahur,
  • Megrez
  • khitan”.9

VulvaHow common is FGM?

In International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February: Ending Female Genital Mutilation By 2030 the United Nations note:

“Today, over 230 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to FGM and require access to appropriate care services. The stakes are high: an estimated 22.7 million additional girls are at risk of undergoing FGM by 2030 unless action is accelerated. Every year, approximately 4 million girls are subjected to this practice, with over 2 million occurring before the age of five”.10

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 common myths about how ‘normal’ labia look. There’s also a photo gallery that shows you just how unique everyone’s labia are, and includes people across a wide range of ages, genders and experiences”.11

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 encourage us to:

  • “See your doctor if you notice any unusual changes”.12

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

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New or Updated

  1. 3D Mapping of Female Anatomy
  2. 5 Underwear Tips To Avoid Problems Down There
  3. A Man’s Guide To Menopause
  4. ANZ Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information [Australian and New Zealand]
  5. Anatomy of the Vagina
  6. British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflets
  7. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease: Patient
  8. Caredownthere.com.au [Care Down There]
  9. Clinical Insights Into Vulvar Health In Menopause, With Melissa Mauskar, MD [+ Video]
  10. “Doctor, is it normal?” [Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
  11. EMAS On-Demand Webinars [European Menopause and Andropause Society] [Multiply Languages]: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM): Diagnosis and Evidence-Based Management
  12. Essential Information: Caring for Your Skin Down There
  13. Essential Information: See Your Doctor If
  14. Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva [+ Image]
  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 (FGM) [+ Videos]
  20. Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
  21. Find A Member [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  22. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  23. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  24. Forward [Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
  25. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]
  26. Genital Herpes
  27. Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)
  28. Getting To Know About Your Labia
  29. Glossary
  30. Gynae Cancer Awareness Month
    Vulva
  31. Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September]
    Vulva
  32. Gynaecological Cancers
  33. Gynaecological Cancers: Vulval Cancer
  34. Gynecologic Cancers
  35. HOPE [Health Organization for Pudendal Education]
  36. Heatwaves & Lichen Sclerosis
  37. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  38. How Vaginal Hormones Can Transform the Health of Women
  39. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation [06 February]
  40. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation [06 February]
  41. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  42. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  43. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  44. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  45. Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
  46. Lichen Sclerosus
  47. Lichen Sclerosus
  48. Lichensclerosusguide.org.uk
    Vulva
  49. Lsvcukawareness.co.uk [Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Cancer UK Awareness]
  50. Managing Common Vulval Skin Conditions
  51. Medical Advice: Genital Herpes
  52. Medical Advice: Genital Warts
  53. Medical Advice: Medical Exams
  54. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  55. Medical Advice: Treatment
  56. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  57. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  58. Myths and Suggestions: Myths About Skin Disease and the Vulva
  59. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  60. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars 2023 – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  61. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars 2025 – The Burn, the Itch, the Pain, the Urge: GSM In Women
  62. Online Events [International Menopause Society]: Past Webinars – 2026: New IMS Recommendations: Sexuality and Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause
  63. Pelvic Exam
  64. Posterior Fourchette/Pain
  65. Prosalya [Prosayla is proudly supported by The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)]
  66. SHE+ Explains: Vulva vs Vagina (By Parents, for Parents)
  67. Sheplusfoundation.com [SHE+ Foundation formerly known as The Patty Brisben Foundation]
  68. Self-Help Tips
  69. September Is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month [September, United States]
  70. Shocking Facts About the Clitoris
  71. Talk About Painful Sex
  72. The Vulva & Vagina Explained: Sex Ed #2
  73. Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery?
  74. Tips for Checking Your Vulva: What You Should Be Looking For
    Vulva
  75. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  76. Vestibulodynia (Formerly Vulval Vestibulitis)
  77. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Vulvar Diseases, Overview for Aging Women
  78. Vulva
  79. Vulval Cancer
  80. Vulval Cancer
  81. Vulval Irritation and Treatment
  82. Vulval Lumps, Bumps and What To Do
  83. Vulva and Vagina [Multiply Languages]
  84. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  85. Vulval and Vaginal Pain
  86. Vulval Self-Checks: Learn How To Get To Know Your Vulva
  87. Vulvalpainsociety.org.uk [Vulval Pain Society, United Kingdom]
  88. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  89. Vulvar Cancer
  90. Vulvar Cancer
  91. Vulvar Cancer
  92. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  93. Vulvar Cancers
    Vulva
  94. Vulvar Self-Examination
  95. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  96. What Is Female Genital Mutilation?
  97. What Types of Vaginal Oestrogens Are There?
  98. What You See In the Media
  99. What’s Normal: Lumps and Bumps
  100. Which Vaginal Moisturiser Should You Use?
  101. Why You Get An Itch or Thrush on Vaginal Estrogen and What To Do About It
  102. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September]
    Vulva Vulva

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Vulva and Vagina: Are All Vulvas and Vaginas the Same? Appearance. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/#section-are-all-vulvas-and-vaginas-the-same Accessed: 14 August 2026
  2. Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/#section-what-is-the-difference-between-your-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 14 August 2026
  3. Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/#section-what-is-the-difference-between-your-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 14 August 2026
  4. Vulva and Vagina: Are All Vulvas and Vaginas the Same? How Your Vulva Looks. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/#section-are-all-vulvas-and-vaginas-the-same Accessed: 14 August 2026
  5. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal.html Accessed: 14 August 2026
  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: 14 August 2026
  7. Essential Information: Some Facts About the Vulva – What Sort of Symptoms Will I Experience If I Have A Vulval Problem? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/information_vulva.html Accessed: 14 August 2026
  8. Female Genital Mutilation: Overview. Updated: 31 January 2025. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 14 August 2026
  9. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 22 July 2026. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ Accessed: 14 August 2026
  10. 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: 14 August 2026
  11. Labia Library. Women’s Health Victoria http://www.labialibrary.org.au/ Accessed: 14 August 2026
  12. Vulva and Vagina: Key Takeaways. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/ Accessed: 14 August 2026
Topic Last Updated: 19 September 2026 – Topic Last Reviewed: 14 August 2026

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