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

“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

Diagram

Where may I find a diagram of the vagina?

Your Country’s Women’s Health website may include a topic similar to the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) topic which includes a diagram:

Vulva

What are parts of the vulva?

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

“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 About the 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 Mutilation

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: How Prevalent Is FGM? UNICEF note:

“While the exact number of girls and women to have undergone FGM worldwide remains unknown, at least 230 million girls and women from 31 countries across three continents have been subjected to the practice”.9

In Female Genital Mutilation: Who Is At Risk?, dated 05 February 2024, 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?

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”.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. 9 Tips To Keep Your Vagina and Vulva Healthy
  2. ANZ Vulvovaginal Society: Patient Information [Australian and New Zealand]
  3. A Guide To Vulval Self-Checks [+ Video]
  4. About the Vulva and Vagina
  5. BMS TV: Urogenital Atrophy
  6. Boxers, Briefs and Bacterial Vaginosis: How Your Underwear Can Affect Your Health
  7. British Association of Dermatologists: Patient Information Leaflets
  8. British Society for the Study of Vulval Disease: Patient
  9. Caredownthere.com.au [Care Down There]
  10. Checking Your Vulva: What To Look Out For
  11. Dr. Stephanie Faubion – Genitourinary  Syndrome of Menopause
  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. Everything You Need To Know About Your Labia
  16. FAQS: Disorders of the Vulva: Common Causes of Vulvar Pain, Burning, and Itching
  17. FAQs: Vaginal Rejuvenation, Labiaplasty, and Other Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery
  18. FAQs: Vulvovaginal Health
  19. Female Genital Mutilation
  20. Female Genital Mutilation
  21. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) [+ Videos]
  22. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Getting Help and Support [United Kingdom]
  23. Female Genital Mutilation or Cutting
  24. Forward [Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development, United Kingdom]
  25. Foundation for Women’s Cancer [United States]
  26. Genital Herpes [Multiply Languages]
  27. Glossary
  28. Gynaecological Cancers
  29. Gynaecological Cancers – Vaginal and Vulval
  30. Gynecologic Cancers
  31. HOPE [Health Organization for Pudendal Education]
  32. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Vaginal Oestrogen
  33. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, 6 February: 2024 Theme: Her Voice. Her Future Vulva
  34. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Public
  35. International Society for Sexual Medicine: Sexual Health Topics
  36. International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases: Patient Handouts
  37. International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health: Find A Provider
  38. Labialibrary.org.au [Labia Library]
  39. Lichen Sclerosus
  40. Lsvcukawareness.co.uk [Lichen Sclerosus & Vulval Cancer UK Awareness]
  41. Managing Common Vulval Skin Conditions
  42. Medical Advice: Genital Herpes
  43. Medical Advice: Genital Warts
  44. Medical Advice: Lichen Sclerosus
  45. Medical Advice: Medical Exams
  46. Medical Advice: Psoriasis
  47. Medical Advice: Treatment
  48. Medical Advice: Vulval Cancer
  49. Medical Advice: Vulval Eczema
  50. Medical Advice: Vulval Pain
  51. Menopause, Skin and Common Dermatosis. Part 3: Genital Disorders
  52. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  53. Myths and Suggestions: Myths About Skin Disease and the Vulva
  54. National Vulvodynia Association: For Patients: How NVA Can Help You
  55. VulvaNavigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245 [Video]
  56. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health
  57. Patty Brisben Foundation for Women’s Sexual Health: Guide To Sexual Health Providers
  58. Pelvic Exam
  59. Prosalya [Prosayla is proudly supported by The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH)]
  60. Pudendal Neuralgia
  61. Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists [United Kingdom]
  62. Self-Help Tips
  63. Sexual Problems and Menopause
  64. Small Clusters of Lumps on My Labia: What Are They? — Ask Dr Jean
  65. #LetsDiscuss Female Genital MutilationThe Clitoris – A Brief History
  66. Thinking About Cosmetic Surgery?
  67. Understanding Gyn Cancers
  68. Vaginal and Vulval Pain: Know the Different Causes and When To Seek Help
  69. Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
  70. Vestibulodynia (Formerly Vulval Vestibulitis)
  71. Vulva and Vagina
  72. Vulval Cancer
  73. Vulval Cancer
  74. Vulval Irritation
  75. Vulval Pain
  76. Vulval Pain Conditions
  77. Vulval Pain Society
  78. Vulval Self Checks
  79. Vulval Self-Checks: How Do You Do A Self-Check?
  80. Vulval Self-Checks: What Changes Should You Be Looking For?
  81. Vulval Self-Examination
  82. Vulval and Vaginal Conditions
  83. Vulvar Anatomy [+ Images]
  84. Vulvar Awareness Campaign 2023-2024: HPV Related Vulvar and Vaginal Diseases
  85. VulvaVulvar Awareness Day [18 September]
  86. Vulvar Cancer
  87. Vulvar Cancer
  88. Vulvar Cancer
  89. Vulvar Cancer: What Patients Should Know About
  90. Vulvar Cancer–Patient Version [+ Image]
  91. Vulvar Cancers
  92. Vulvovaginal Pain Log
  93. Vulvovaginitis – Overview
  94. Webinars: Previous – Pay Attention on Your Way In! The Vulva Is An Important Organ Too
  95. Webinars: Previous – Sexual Dysfunctions, Update on Gynae Cancers and Management
  96. What Is the Vulva?
  97. What You See In the Media
  98. What’s Normal: Lumps and Bumps
  99. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy?
  100. World GO Day [World Gynecologic Oncology Day, 20 September 2024]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. About the Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Appearance. Last Updated: 02 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/about-the-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 05 September 2024
  2. About the Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Last Updated: 02 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/about-the-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 05 September 2024
  3. About the Vulva and Vagina: What Is the Difference Between Your Vulva and Vagina? Last Updated: 02 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/about-the-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 05 September 2024
  4. About the Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Appearance. Last Updated: 02 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/about-the-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 05 September 2024
  5. What’s Normal: What Is Normal Vulval & Vaginal Anatomy? Caredownthere.com.au https://www.caredownthere.com.au/_pages/normal.html Accessed: 05 September 2024
  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: 05 September 2024
  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: 05 September 2024
  8. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Overview. Page Last Reviewed: 27 September 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/female-genital-mutilation-fgm/ Accessed: 05 September 2024
  9. Female Genital Mutilation: How Prevalent Is FGM? UNICEF https://www.unicef.org/protection/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 05 September 2024
  10. Female Genital Mutilation: Who Is At Risk? Updated: 05 February 2024. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation Accessed: 05 September 2024
  11. About the Vulva and Vagina: What’s Normal? Appearance. Last Updated: 02 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/about-the-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 05 September 2024
  12. Labia Library. Women’s Health Victoria http://www.labialibrary.org.au/ Accessed: 05 September 2024
  13. About the Vulva and Vagina: Smell. Last Updated: 02 September 2024 | Last Reviewed: 26 April 2023. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/vulva-vagina/about-the-vulva-and-vagina Accessed: 05 September 2024
Topic Last Updated: 19 September 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 September 2024

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