Everything you need to know about the vulva and vagina

The vulva , the vagina, the clitoris, the labia minora, the labia majora... all these words speak to you and are familiar to you but you are not sure of what they imply at the anatomical level, about your sex? This is not abnormal: for a long time, the female sex was misunderstood and remained taboo (and we're not even talking about female pleasure, just anatomy!). Today's article is intended to be a complete guide to the female genitalia (the vulva) , the differences between vulva and vagina, the importance of knowing your body, if only to protect your health.

Vulva and vagina, two distinct organs

Vulva and vagina are quite regularly confused. Before going further on the presentation of these two organs, let us take the time to affirm that the vulva and vagina are two different organs. The vulva is the external part of the female genital system while the vagina is the internal part. It forms the link between the vulva and the uterus.

Focus on the vulva

Drawings that summarize the vulva as two small bumps (sometimes called “camel toe” in reference to the shape) could not be more wrong. The vulva, which is the external part of the female genitalia, is much more complex.

The anatomy of the vulva

The vulva is made up of organs and bones:

• Mont pubis: The mons pubis is generally included in the vulva. This is the pubic bone which is located on the lower abdomen, below the navel. Pubic hair is often scattered there.
• Labia majora or outer lips: these are the lips that give the female genitalia its appearance. They surround the rest of the organs that make up the vulva and protect it. The outer lips are external and if they are sometimes hairless, they are topped with pubic hair;
• Labia minora or internal lips: these are the lips that surround the vaginal opening and the urinary meatus. They meet on the one hand at the level of the glans of the clitoris which is only external to this location of the female genitalia and on the other hand on the vulvar fork.
• Clitoris: the clitoris is a still relatively unknown organ whose sole role is to give sexual pleasure. It is topped with numerous nerve endings which make it particularly sensitive. The clitoris is both an internal and external organ: its head, called the hood, is external, while its arms are internal.
• Urinary meatus or urethral meatus: It is not uncommon for men and some women to believe that they urinate through the vagina. It's wrong. People with vulvas urinate through the urinary meatus, a small opening protected by the labia minora.
• Skene glands: around the urethral meatus, the two Skene glands have a role that is still little known to the general public and even professionals. They are what allow female ejaculation and could be useful in preventing urinary infections.
• Vaginal opening or vaginal office: the vaginal office is none other than the entrance to the vagina, the female genital organ that we describe in the following part.
• Bartholin's glands : very close to the entrance to the vagina, the two Bartholin's glands are small ducts which excrete love juice, a substance which allows lubrication of the vagina, particularly during sexual arousal.

💡 Did you know? No two vulvas are alike and all appearances are ok. In particular, it happens that the labia minora are long and protrude beyond the outer lips when your crotch is tight. This is not the commonly shared image of women's sex but it is also a form of women's sex. After all, not all male genitals are the same (there are long ones, short ones, twisted ones, thin ones...) and it's the same for female genitals!

Diagrams and visuals of the vulva

The following diagram shows you all the organs of the vulva:

Because the clitoris is little known, here is what it looks like:

And finally, here are some vulva profiles – with short inner lips and long inner lips – so as to relieve your guilt. There are all kinds of vulvas! 

Functions of the vulva

The vulva is therefore the external part of the female genital tract. Its functions are three in number:

1. Role in protecting the genital system: the vulva aims to protect the genital system of women against external aggression. Both the labia and pubic hair have the role of limiting the entry of germs and fungi into the vagina and urethral meatus. The latter can in fact unbalance the intimate flora and create illnesses and discomfort. We will remind here that NO hair is not dirty (provided you have good hygiene of course) and that their role is important: removing hair completely, the pubis and the outer lips, can be a source of inconvenience. The role of the Skene glands is to protect the urethral canal to limit urinary infections;
2. Role in the reproductive system: the vulva is the entry (and exit) door to the internal genital tract of women. It opens onto the vagina, itself the gateway to the uterus. It is through it that menstrual blood flows and the baby comes out;
3. Role in sexuality: the vulva finally has a big role in sexuality and sexual pleasure. If the clitoris, filled with nerve endings, is the only organ entirely dedicated to sexual pleasure, the labia minora and labia majora are also sources of pleasure. Bartholin's glands also provide lubrication of the vagina during sexual arousal.

How to take care of your vulva?

To take care of your vulva, there are do's and don'ts!

✅ Do: Clean daily

First essential action: clean your vulva daily. Water is completely sufficient but you can opt for a soap with a neutral pH so as not to destabilize your vaginal flora.

On Gapianne, we have selected two different intimate cleansers to use in the shower, during your daily cleansing:

• 🌈 Ultra soft and natural solid cleansing bar from Baubo : with its 100% natural and gentle composition for your daily intimate hygiene, you will love it. With its balanced pH and organic ingredients such as Calybiota® Bio and coconut oil, it gently cleanses, soothes and prevents discomfort. As a bonus, it’s eco-friendly!
• 🌈 Intimate cleansing gel from the Wumi brand: it combines the action of a neutral pH cleanser and a moisturizer for people who want to go quickly. In the shower, you will love its freshness and the fact that it lathers well. As a bonus, it is made in France, 98% natural, organic and gynecologically tested.

✅ Do: Hydrate regularly

You feel a little tingling, tightness, a burning sensation (especially after sexual intercourse or wearing tight underwear) apply a thick layer of moisturizer to protect the thin and sensitive skin of your vulva.

🌈 In the moisturizing product range, our preference goes to Baûbo balm . It is an exceptional intimate treatment, made in France, whose rich composition we love. Made from 100% natural ingredients, this balm is perfect for hydrating your vulva and protecting it thanks to its oily finish.

I want this balm for the vulva >

Read more: Irritation and/or burning sensations in the vulva after intercourse: what to do?

✅ Do: Wear loose-fitting underwear made from natural materials

Beyond sexual intercourse which can be irritating to the vulva and vagina (we'll talk about that a little later), tight underwear and/or unnatural fabrics can cause irritation. Cotton panties are your friends, don't hesitate to adopt them regularly to protect your vulva.

❌ Don't: Use classic shower gel

Conventional soaps, shower gels and shampoos are not suitable for your intimate cleansing. Their pH is not adapted to your vulva and can unbalance your vaginal flora. Prefer mild soaps with a neutral pH.

❌ Don't: Use a clean glove

In the shower, we can only recommend that you clean yourself with your fingers. You are more precise and they are clean. If this bothers you and you really prefer to opt for a glove, choose a clean glove that you rinse, dry after each use and wash regularly. There's nothing worse than bacteria growing in wet laundry for your vulva and vagina!

Focus on the vagina

Unlike the vulva, which is the external part of the female genital tract, the vagina is its internal part. It is located in the pelvis, between the bladder and the rectum, and extends from the vulva to the uterus, to which it is attached by the cervix.

Anatomy of the vagina

The vagina is made up of the internal structure and muscular tissues , which are themselves divided into several parts.

• Canal that connects the vulva to the uterus: the vagina is a tube made of muscles, elastic and measuring approximately 7.5 to 9 cm long. It connects the vulva to the uterus.
• Vaginal wall: the vagina is covered by the vaginal wall, itself covered by the vaginal mucosa, the role of which is to maintain the balance of the vaginal flora .
• G-spot area: the G-spot is an erogenous zone located in the vagina which allows you to achieve vaginal orgasm when stimulated. Although traces of the existence of the G-spot have been found since the 11th century in India, there is currently no scientific proof of the existence of this point.
• Hymen: the hymen is a thin membrane that more or less completely obstructs the entrance to the vagina. Its rupture, especially during the first sexual intercourse with penetration, can lead to slight bleeding. It is known to be proof of women's virginity and is thus the subject of many fantasies and controls–although this can be disputed.
• Cervical: it connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. Part of the lining of the cervix contains glands that secrete mucus. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, this mucus obstructs the entrance to the uterus, preventing the passage of sperm to the uterus.
• Muscle tissue: The entire vagina is covered in muscle tissue. They ensure the musculature of the vagina and its elasticity, allowing it in particular to expand during sexual intercourse and childbirth, but also to contract to give more pleasure during intercourse.

Diagrams and visuals of the vagina

The following diagram shows you all the structures making up the vagina:

The following diagram illustrates a section of the vagina, allowing you to better understand the internal anatomy of the vagina:

Diagram of the internal anatomy of the vagina

Since the vagina plays an essential role in reproduction, this diagram aims to show you how the vagina relates to the other female reproductive organs – the vulva and the uterus:

Finally, this last diagram of the vagina shows you where it is placed in your pelvis, between the bladder and the rectum.

Functions of the vagina

Sometimes confused with the vulva, the bladder or even the uterus, the vagina has specific functions different from these other female organs:

• Role in the reproductive system: the vagina is the passage that connects the vulva to the uterus. In this way, it is essential for reproduction and more broadly for the proper functioning of women's reproductive systems. On the one hand, it allows the evacuation of blood and tissues from the endometrium when there is no fertilization. On the other hand, it allows the passage of sperm to the uterus and the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place. Finally, it is the passage taken by the baby during childbirth;
• Role in sexual pleasure: if the clitoris and the different organs of the vulva are important in female sexual pleasure, the vagina also has a central role. Its contractions thus make it possible to increase sexual sensations tenfold and to achieve vaginal orgasm (which is different from clitoral orgasm). In the vagina there is notably the G-spot, a particularly erogenous zone in women which allows them to achieve a powerful orgasm when stimulated. Also note: the vagina does not need to be penetrated to contract and give pleasure. Contractions without penetration can be a source of pleasure.
• Role in health: finally, the vagina and, more precisely, the vaginal mucosa regulates the pH balance of the vaginal flora, making it possible to prevent infections and attacks from the outside.

How to take care of your vagina?

To take care of your vagina, there are – as with the care of your vulva – do's and don'ts! Let's watch it together!

✅ Do: Lubricate during intercourse

Lubrication is THE gesture that can save your libido! The lubricant compensates for the lack of natural hydration in your vagina (this can happen at menopause but also before, for various reasons) and its action avoids unpleasant friction, a source of irritation and burning sensation inside you. .

On our e-shop, we have three favorites:

• 🌈 Intimate lubricant with rebalancing probiotics : both internal care and lubricant, this gel from the Miyé brand helps limit imbalances in the vaginal flora which can occur due to irritation linked to intercourse and your partner's sperm. Certified vegan, natural, ORGANIC and hypoallergenic, this lubricant is our favorite (and one of our bestsellers).

I want this balancing intimate gel that lubricates >

• 🌈 Water-based lubricant from the My Lubie brand : the advantage of water-based lubricants is that they are compatible with sex toys and condoms (where oil-based lubricants can create porosity) . 99% natural, made in France and vegan, it is the first lubricant that we have selected on our e-shop.
• 🌈 Lubricant with oil and CBD from My Lubie : CBD is a natural molecule whose properties make it a sensation enhancer, even more so when it is mixed with a fatty substance. Using a lubricant with oil and CBD therefore increases your pleasure while eliminating the unpleasant friction that can bother you! 100% natural, made in France and vegan: we love it! To test !

I want this CBD lubricating oil >

❌ Don't: Eliminate douching

You want to smell good from the vagina and vulva: do not (never) adopt vaginal douches. This practice, which consists of projecting water directly into your vagina, tends to destroy your vaginal flora and has the effect of… boosting the development of bad bacteria and bad odors! For a good vaginal odor, opt for all the DOs on our list!

✅ Do: Adopt probiotics to strengthen your vaginal flora

Whether you've already given in to the lure of douching or suffer from finicky vaginal flora, you may need to reinforce it with probiotics. The latter are good bacteria whose role is to weigh in the balance against the bad bacteria naturally present in the vagina in order to restore the balance of your vaginal flora .

🌈 Miyé's treatment of food supplements to strengthen the intestinal and vaginal flora is our favorite on our site. Perfectly suited to intimate imbalances linked to hormonal variations (periods, pregnancy, menopause), it rebalances both the intestinal flora and the vaginal flora – the latter two being very linked. This treatment should be tested for a month at a rate of two capsules per day and continued depending on the effects felt.

The importance of the vulva and vagina for gynecological health

The vulva and vagina are at the center of gynecological health. Getting checked out on a regular basis is essential to ensure good health.

When to consult?

It is recommended to consult a gynecologist once a year. This follow-up allows you to have your chest palpated, to ask the questions you wish (particularly regarding contraception or as part of a baby plan) or to take a smear to test your vaginal flora. Contrary to what one may believe, it is not necessary to have experienced your first period to consult a gynecologist: it may be interesting to consult as soon as the first periods appear. The professional will adapt the gynecological examination according to the preliminary discussions which can be carried out in the presence or absence of the accompanying parent.

Who to consult?

To examine your vulva and vagina, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist, who specializes in the study of the female reproductive system. However, if you think you may have an illness or infection, you can start by seeing your GP who will be available more quickly and will be able to examine you and prescribe any necessary medication, if necessary.

Why consult?

On a regular (annual) basis, it is interesting to consult to monitor your health. More occasionally, we recommend that you consult in the event of specific and new symptoms: pain (notably dyspareunia , during penetration), burning sensations and irritation after intercourse , vaginal dryness or even abnormal vaginal discharge ( having a particular texture, color and smell). All of these disorders can be symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease or infection and it is important to respond quickly to limit their impact and chronicity.

What diseases and disorders can impact these areas of the body?

Different diseases and infections can impact the vulva and vagina:

• Urinary infections: urinary infections are infections that affect the bladder and can therefore have an impact on the vulva (burning sensation during urination, intimate discomfort, etc.). They are most often caused by the presence of bad bacteria in the bladder.
• Intimate dryness: intimate dryness is a medical condition that affects one in 6 women and one in 2 postmenopausal women. It is characterized in particular by intimate discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.

Also read: 5 products recommended to treat intimate dryness >

• Vaginal infections:
  • Yeast infection (candidiasis): This is a common fungal (fungal) infection caused by Candida albicans. It causes itching and discomfort.
  • Bacterial vaginosis: A vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria normally present in the vagina.

Also read: Can we treat vaginosis naturally? >

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
  • Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis.
  • Genital herpes: An STI caused by the herpes simplex virus.
  • Chlamydia: A sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
  • Gonorrhea: Another sexually transmitted bacterial infection.
• Lichen sclerosus and lichen planus: Two inflammatory skin conditions that can affect the vulva and cause itching, pain and loss of pigmentation.
• Vulvodynia: Chronic pain in the vulva with no identifiable cause.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, including on the outer surface of pelvic organs like the vulva and vagina, which can cause pain.
• Cancer :
  • Vulvar cancer: abnormal growth of cells in the vulva.
  • Vaginal cancer: a rare cancer that develops in the cells of the vagina.
  • Cervical cancer: A fairly common cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

What gynecological examinations exist?

There are numerous gynecological examinations and their occurrence depends on your age, your sexual activity, your symptoms or even your objectives (insert an IUD, get pregnant, etc.). Here is a list of the most common gynecological exams that are performed on the vulva and vagina:

• Pelvic exam: The pelvic exam is a physical exam where the doctor examines the external genitalia, vulva, vagina, and cervix for any abnormalities. It can be done by internal palpation for certain organs and/or by inserting a probe into your vagina.
• Cervical smear (or Pap test): the smear involves taking cells from the cervix to screen for any abnormal cells that could indicate a risk of cervical cancer.
• Pelvic ultrasound: This internal and/or external exam uses sound waves to create an image of the pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and sometimes the fallopian tubes, to detect possible abnormalities, such as cysts or fibroids.
• HPV DNA Test: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can lead to precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The HPV DNA test can be done at the same time as a cervical smear or independently to detect the presence of the virus.

How to prepare for gynecological exams?

As we have just mentioned, gynecological examinations can be external or internal – it all depends on your condition and what your doctor wishes to observe during it. To prepare for gynecological exams, several things to think about/keep in mind.

1. You can bring a gown to cover your body if nudity bothers you. Although it is obligatory in the United States during gynecological examinations, the gown is not always offered by French doctors. You can totally come with a blouse or a dress to partially cover your nakedness.
2. You can refuse an exam. If a test scares you or you feel like the reasons for it have been poorly presented to you, you can refuse a test. In this case, we can only recommend that you make an appointment quickly with another professional: they will be able to confirm the importance of the planned examination, reassure you or, if necessary, find alternatives.
3. You can request to stop an exam at any time. If an exam hurts you or the practitioner has gestures that hurt you or are not explained enough, you can ask for the exam to be stopped. As during sexual intercourse, your consent is essential and a “no” / “stop” must stop the professional.
4. You can ask to be accompanied. Have you had bad experiences in the past and would like to be accompanied by your partner or a loved one? You can absolutely go to a gynecological examination with someone.
5. You can change professionals. Was your doctor not gentle, attentive, or even infantilized you? Gynecological abuse has been increasingly criticized and questioned but, unfortunately, it still exists. If you do not trust your practitioner, you can change them. We offer you a directory of professionals highlighted by our community if you wish.
6. You can ask for another opinion. Whether in the context of a pregnancy project, the diagnosis of an illness or the choice of a means of contraception, you have the right to request another opinion, either from your attending physician or from a professional. ) other gynecologist. No good healthcare professional can blame you for wanting complete insight into your health.

Beware of myths about the vulva and vagina

Like any taboo subject, the vulva and vagina are accompanied by a whole bunch of myths and preconceived ideas , often false and sometimes even dangerous for your health. To conclude this article, let's take the time to debunker them together.

A “normal” vulva has a specific appearance.

This is false ❌

There is no normal or specific appearance for the vulva. As we already discussed earlier in this text, the vulva can have different shapes–be hairy, have longer or asymmetrical labia minora, have labia minora that are darker or lighter in color than the rest of the pubis, and so on. right now !

Pornographic content has tended to make only one type of vulva “normal” (hairless, with the labia majora completely covering the labia minora) but this is a false and distorted image of women's intimacy… just like penises of these gentlemen are not all ten centimeters tall at rest... ;)

Virginity can be determined by examining the vagina

This is false ❌

Virginity cannot be determined by examining the vagina. What can be determined by examining the vagina is the hymen, a thin membrane placed a few centimeters into the vagina.

The presence of an untorn hymen is, according to different customs and cultures, proof of female virginity. Except that this organ is not present in all women and the insertion of tampons can tend to relax it and make it elastic. Not to mention the reconstructive surgeries that exist and allow a hymen to be reshaped (hymenoplasty). The mere presence or absence of the hymen is therefore not irrefutable proof of virginity.

The vagina becomes wider or "loose" following frequent sexual intercourse or childbirth

This is partially false ❌

The vagina does not become larger following frequent sexual intercourse and/or with many different sexual partners (this is unfortunately a recurring argument that circulates a lot and causes controversy). It is elastic and muscular and returns to its shape after sexual intercourse.

In the case of a vaginal birth, however, the vagina is enlarged and the tissues looser, because of the passage of the baby but also because the pelvis has moved during pregnancy and for childbirth. To increase sexual pleasure, it is often recommended to strengthen the perineum (which constitutes the muscles around the vagina) in order to restore its tone and increase sexual pleasure.

Finding the G-spot is essential to having a vaginal orgasm

This is false ❌

If the G-spot has been mentioned in Indian texts since the 11th century, no scientific proof attests to the existence of this female erogenous zone which is particularly pleasant when stimulated. The mechanisms of women's vaginal orgasm are not yet well understood, but it seems that it is essentially linked to vaginal contractions... Finding and touching your G-spot would therefore be useless to achieve vaginal orgasm.

The vagina should be washed with special soaps to stay clean

This is partially false ❌

The vagina is self-cleaning thanks to its natural secretions: it therefore does not need to be “washed”. The use of perfumed soaps or vaginal douches can also disrupt the pH balance and intimate flora. The vulva, for its part, must be cleaned daily. It is completely possible to clean it only with water or with specific products, which respect the pH of the vaginal flora.

🌈 We recommend the intimate cleansing and moisturizing gel from the Wumi brand. As fresh as it is soft, it cleans without being harsh and gives you a feeling of cleanliness. Its neutral pH does not affect your vaginal flora–which is essential in cases of vaginal dryness.

I want this intimate cleanser >

🌈 Do you prefer solid soaps? The intimate cleansing bar from the Baûbo brand should interest you! This gentle, 100% natural & organic intimate cleansing bar has a neutral pH to take care of your vulva on a daily basis.

I want this organic intimate bread >

Having vaginal discharge means there is an infection

This is false ❌

Vaginal discharge (bloody and non-bloody) is (usually) normal and healthy. They are notably made up of cervical mucus, a mucus secreted by glands at the level of the cervix during the menstrual cycle and their consistency can make it possible to distinguish the phase of your cycle in which you are (ovulation, upcoming menstruation, etc.) . Observing vaginal discharge is one of the symptoms monitored in symptomothermy , an interesting method to discover if you wish to give birth.

Vaginal discharge can, however, be a sign of infection or disease (especially sexually transmitted) when it has a particular texture, color or even a particular odor. Lumpy, greenish or blue discharge should therefore raise questions and prompt you to consult a doctor.