Vulva: Diagram, function, location & anatomy

What is the vulva?

The vulva is the external part of the female reproductive system and genitalia that you can see between your legs. It consists of several individual parts:

• Mons pubis: The layer of fat over the pubic bone that, after puberty, is covered with pubic hair [1]

• Urethral opening: The opening for the urethra, where you pee from

• Labia minora: Hairless folds of skin around the vaginal opening, sometimes referred to as the “inner lips” [2]

• Labia majora: Folds of skin, typically with pubic hair, that sit outside the inner lips and are sometimes referred to as the “outer lips” [2]

• Clitoris: You can only see a small part (the clitoral head) of this mighty organ, located at the top of your labia. It seems its only function is to make sex enjoyable! [3]

Vulva vs Vagina

The word vagina is often misused as an umbrella term to describe all female genitals, when it is actually only one part. As we now know, the external parts of the female genitalia are the vulva, whereas the vagina is the muscular internal canal that connects the uterus to the vulva [4]. 

Acknowledging this distinct difference is important. It helps to destigmatize female anatomy and normalize conversations about our health. It also helps us better understand our bodies and makes communication with healthcare professionals much easier.

What is the function of the vulva?

The vulva plays a crucial role in our sexual, reproductive, and urinary health, and each component has its own individual function. 

The clitoris is one of the most renowned parts of the vulva, and while it has no known reproductive function, it has over 10,000 nerve endings that allow us to experience sexual pleasure [5]. One study of over 1,000 US women found that only 18% of women reported being able to orgasm through vaginal intercourse alone, 37% indicated needing clitoral stimulation to achieve an orgasm, and a further 36% stated that, even without needing clitoral stimulation, it made their orgasms feel better [6]. The labia majora and the labia minora also play a role in sexual enjoyment and function. They contain sebaceous glands that keep the area lubricated and protected. They also swell during arousal and contain nerve endings that increase sexual pleasure [7]. 

The vulva also has a protective function. The mons pubis acts as a cushion for the pubic bone during sex, whilst the labia and the clitoral hood form a physical barrier to protect the delicate tissues of the clitoris, urethra, vagina, and uterus from infection and friction [8, 9]. In terms of urinary health, the urethral opening allows urine to leave the body via the urethra. 

Where is your vulva located?

Your vulva surrounds your vaginal opening, spanning from the pubic bone below your abdomen to your anus [1]. Using a hand-held mirror, you should be able to see your labia majora and clitoral hood clearly. You can then use clean fingers to gently explore the area and better view your labia minora, vaginal opening, clitoris, and urethra. 

Like most parts of our bodies, vulvas vary from person to person — they’re like the fingerprint of female anatomy! It is completely normal for the size, shape, and color of yours to differ from that of others. But you should always speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about your vulva.

Vulva conditions & disorders

The vulva’s role in reproduction, sex, and urination makes it susceptible to several types of disorders. These range from infections to skin conditions, including: 

• Yeast infections: Thrush and other yeast infections are typically caused by an overgrowth of the Candida yeast. Symptoms often include irritation, itching, and vaginal discharge that resembles cottage cheese [10, 11].

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Many STIs affect the vulva. Genital warts are painless lumps that you can see on your vulva or surrounding pelvic area. Genital herpes, affecting the same area, causes painful blisters that burst. Pubic lice (also known as crabs) are small insects that live in pubic hair, causing itching and small bite marks [10, 12].

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are often caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. The female reproductive system is particularly susceptible to UTIs because of the proximity of the urethra to the anus. It is also very close to the vagina, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urethral opening during sex. For this reason, healthcare providers sometimes recommend peeing after sex to rid the urethra of bacteria and reduce the risk of a UTI. Common UTI symptoms include pain when peeing, needing to pee more often, or pee that is cloudy or contains blood [13]. 

• Vulvitis: Not to be confused with vaginitis, vulvitis is the inflammation of the vulva area. It can be a symptom of an infection or skin condition, irritation from soaps, or caused by injury [14]. As the vagina is very close, inflammation in both places often occurs together and can be collectively referred to as vulvovaginitis. 

• Ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs are common, especially if you shave your pubic hair, and cause red, itchy bumps on the skin. If they become infected, they can become painful, pus-filled pimples or boils. Most ingrown hairs go away on their own within a few weeks [15].

• Skin conditions: Common skin conditions can also affect the skin of your vulva, including eczema, acne, or psoriasis. Lichen sclerosus specifically affects the genital area, causing thin, pale skin on the vulva, itching, or burning, and is most commonly experienced after menopause [10]. 

• Bartholin's cyst: A Bartholin's cyst is a small, painless lump located near the opening of the vagina. You may notice one side of your labia looking swollen and may have pain during sex, but often there is no obvious discomfort. Intervention is not always needed, but you should still get checked out by your doctor, as they can sometimes become infected [16]. 

• Vulvar cancer: In very rare cases, the vulva can be affected by cancer. Many types of cancer can affect the vulva, from skin to immune to glandular [10].

Most conditions and infections affecting the vulva can be treated, either at home or with medical help. If you have any concerns about your vulva or are experiencing symptoms, speak to your doctor. 

What are some tips for caring for my vulva?

Your vulva and vagina are very good at looking after themselves, but some simple hygiene and lifestyle practices can help keep the area free from infections or irritation. 

You can clean your vulva with warm water whilst having your usual shower, using your fingers to gently wash between the labia folds. Soap is not necessary, but if you do wish to use it, choose an unscented, pH-balanced option to avoid disrupting your natural pH. Keeping the vagina healthy also helps with vulval health. Don’t douche or rinse the inside of your vagina, as this can upset the pH balance and leave it susceptible to infection [10]. 

It is also important to keep an eye on your vulva for anything out of the ordinary. Similar to performing a breast self-exam, it is a good idea to inspect your vulva regularly too, using clean hands and a handheld mirror. Keep an eye out for any lumps or unusual discharge, and consider using lubrication during sex to help avoid irritation. Make sure you are having regular pap smear tests to check for HPV, and sexual health screening can help avoid spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially if you have a new partner. The Natural Cycles app sends regular breast check reminders and a yearly pap smear reminder, so you can stay on top of your check-ups.

When to see a doctor

By regularly checking your vulva, it can be easier to spot if something is out of the ordinary. Speak to your doctor if you experience: 

• Itching, pain, or swelling in the pelvic and vulval areas
• Pain or bleeding during sex
• Unusual lumps or blisters on or around your vulva
• Discharge that smells bad, is a green or gray color, or looks like cottage cheese
• Pain while urinating, needing to pee more often, or pee that looks cloudy or contains blood

[10, 13, 14]

Get to know your body with Natural Cycles

At Natural Cycles, we are committed to closing the knowledge gap and abolishing stigma surrounding women's health. The NC° app is not only the first FDA-cleared hormone-free birth control app, but is also a tool to help you to learn about your body and menstrual cycle. Log symptoms and gain personalized insights about your cycle characteristics, helping you feel more in tune with your body and making it easier to identify anything out of the ordinary. You can also download a cycle report to share with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Try out Natural Cycles today and feel empowered in your reproductive health!