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 what they imply anatomically, on your sex? This is not abnormal: for a long time, the female sex was misunderstood and remained taboo (and we are not even talking about female pleasure, just anatomy!). Today's article is intended to be a complete guide on the female sex (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 often confused. Before going any further into the presentation of these two organs, let's take the time to state that vulva and vagina are two different organs. The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia while the vagina is the internal part. It forms the link between the vulva and the uterus.

Focus on the vulva

Drawings that depict the vulva as two small bumps (sometimes called a “camel toe” in reference to the shape) couldn’t be more wrong. The vulva, which is the external part of the female genitals, is much more complex.

The anatomy of the vulva

The vulva is made up of organs and bones:

• Mons pubis: The mons pubis is usually included in the vulva. It is the pubic bone located on the lower abdomen, below the navel. Pubic hair is often found there.
• Labia majora or outer lips: These are the lips that give the female genitals their appearance. They surround and protect the rest of the organs that make up the vulva. The outer lips are external and, although they are sometimes hairless, they are topped with pubic hair;
• Labia minora or inner lips: these are the lips that surround the vaginal opening and the urinary meatus. They meet on the one hand at the glans of the clitoris, which is external only at this point in the female sex, and on the other hand at the vulvar fourchette.
• Clitoris: The clitoris is a relatively unknown organ whose sole role is to provide sexual pleasure. It is topped with numerous nerve endings that 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. This is false. People with vulvas urinate through the urinary meatus, a small orifice protected by the labia minora.
• Skene's glands: Around the urethral meatus, the two Skene's glands play 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 tract 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 section.
• Bartholin's glands : located very close to the entrance of the vagina, the two Bartholin's glands are small ducts that excrete cyprine, a substance that lubricates the vagina, particularly during sexual arousal.

💡 Did you know? No two vulvas are alike, and all appearances are fine. Sometimes, the labia minora are long and protrude beyond the outer labia when your crotch is tightened. This is not the commonly shared image of women's genitals, but it is also a form of women's genitals. After all, not all men's genitals are alike (there are long ones, short ones, twisted ones, thin ones, etc.), and it's the same for women's genitals!

Diagrams and visuals of the vulva

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

Because the clitoris is misunderstood, here is what it looks like:

And finally, here are some vulva profiles—with short inner labia and long inner labia—to help you feel less guilty. There are all kinds of vulvas! 

The functions of the vulva

The vulva is therefore the external part of the female genital system. Its functions are threefold:

1. Role in protecting the genital system: the vulva's purpose is to protect women's genitals from external aggression. The labia and pubic hair both have the role of limiting the entry of germs and fungi into the vagina and the urethral meatus. These can indeed unbalance the intimate flora and create diseases and discomfort. We will remind you here that NO, hair is not dirty (provided you have good hygiene of course) and that its role is important: completely removing hair, the pubis and the outer labia, can be a source of discomfort. The Skene glands, for their part, would have the role of protecting the urethral canal to limit urinary infections;
2. Role in the reproductive system: The vulva is the gateway (and exit) to the female internal genitalia. It opens onto the vagina, which is itself the gateway to the uterus. It is through this vulva that menstrual blood flows and the baby is born;
3. Role in sexuality: The vulva also plays a major role in sexuality and sexual pleasure. While 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. The Bartholin glands also lubricate the vagina during sexual arousal.

How to take care of your vulva?

There are dos and don'ts for taking care of your vulva!

✅ Do: Clean daily

The first essential step: clean your vulva daily. Water is completely sufficient, but you can opt for a pH-neutral soap to avoid disrupting your vaginal flora.

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

• 🌈 Baubo Ultra Soft and Natural Solid Cleansing Bar : With its 100% natural and gentle composition for your daily intimate hygiene, you'll love it. With its balanced pH and organic ingredients like Calybiota® Bio and coconut oil, it gently cleanses, soothes, and prevents discomfort. As a bonus, it's eco-friendly!
• 🌈 Wumi Intimate Cleansing Gel : It combines the action of a pH-neutral cleanser and a moisturizer for those who want to move quickly. In the shower, you'll love its freshness and the fact that it lathers well. As a bonus, it's made in France, 98% natural, organic, and gynecologically tested.

✅ Do: Moisturize regularly

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

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

I want this vulva balm >

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 bit later), tight underwear and/or underwear made from unnatural fabrics can cause irritation. Cotton panties are your friend; don't hesitate to use them regularly to protect your vulva.

Our selection of intimate products against itching >

❌ Don't: Use regular shower gel

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

❌ Don't: Use a clean glove

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

Focus on the vagina

Unlike the vulva, which is the external part of the female genitalia, 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 composed of internal structure and muscle tissue , which is itself divided into several parts.

• Canal that connects the vulva to the uterus: The vagina is a muscular, elastic tube measuring about 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, whose role is to maintain the balance of the vaginal flora .
• G-spot area: The G-spot is believed to be an erogenous zone located in the vagina that allows for vaginal orgasm when stimulated. Although evidence of the G-spot has been found in India since the 11th century, there is currently no scientific evidence of its existence.
• Hymen: The hymen is a thin membrane that more or less completely blocks the entrance to the vagina. Its rupture, especially during the first penetrative sexual intercourse, can cause slight bleeding. It is known to be proof of a woman's virginity and is therefore the subject of many fantasies and scrutiny—although this can be disputed.
• Cervix: 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 blocks the entrance to the uterus, preventing sperm from reaching the uterus.
• Muscle tissue: The entire vagina is covered in muscle tissue. This provides the vagina's muscles and elasticity, allowing it to expand during sexual intercourse and childbirth, but also to contract to provide greater pleasure during intercourse.

Diagrams and visuals of the vagina

The following diagram shows you all the structures that make up the vagina:

The following diagram illustrates a cross-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.

The functions of the vagina

Sometimes confused with the vulva, the bladder or even the uterus, the vagina has specific functions that are 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 respect, it is essential for reproduction and, more broadly, for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system. On the one hand, it allows the evacuation of blood and endometrial tissue 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 used by the baby during childbirth;
• Role in sexual pleasure: While the clitoris and the various organs of the vulva are important in female sexual pleasure, the vagina also plays a central role. Its contractions allow sexual sensations to be increased tenfold and vaginal orgasm (which is different from clitoral orgasm) to be achieved. The vagina is said to contain the G-spot, a particularly erogenous zone in women that allows for a powerful orgasm when stimulated. Also note: the vagina does not need to be penetrated to contract and provide pleasure. Contractions without penetration can be a source of pleasure.
• Role in health: finally, the vagina and, more specifically, the vaginal mucosa regulates the pH balance of the vaginal flora, helping to prevent infections and attacks from outside.

How to take care of your vagina?

When it comes to taking care of your vagina, there are—just like there are for taking care of your vulva—dos and don'ts! Let's take a look at them together!

✅ Do: Lubricate during intercourse

Lubrication is THE thing that can save your libido! Lubricant helps compensate for the lack of natural moisture in your vagina (this can happen during menopause, but also before, for various reasons) and its action prevents unpleasant friction that can cause irritation and burning sensations 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 that can occur due to irritations related 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, this is the first lubricant we have selected on our e-shop.
• 🌈 My Lubie CBD Oil Lubricant : CBD is a natural molecule whose properties make it a sensation enhancer, especially when mixed with a fatty substance. Using a CBD oil lubricant therefore increases your pleasure while eliminating unpleasant friction that can bother you! 100% natural, made in France and vegan: we love it! To try!

I want this CBD lubricating oil >

❌ Don't: Stop douching

If you want your vagina and vulva to smell good, don't (ever) try douching. This practice, which involves spraying water directly into your vagina, tends to destroy your vaginal flora and has the effect of... boosting the growth 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 succumbed to the temptation of douching or you suffer from unstable vaginal flora, you may need to boost it with probiotics. These are good bacteria whose role is to balance out the bad bacteria naturally present in the vagina in order to restore the balance of your vaginal flora .

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

The Importance of the Vulva and Vagina for Gynecological Health

The vulva and vagina are central to gynecological health. Regular examinations are essential to ensure good health.

When to consult?

It is recommended to see a gynecologist once a year. This follow-up allows you to have your breasts palpated, ask any questions you may have (particularly regarding contraception or planning a baby), or even have a smear test to test your vaginal flora. Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to have had your first period to see a gynecologist: it may be a good idea to see them as soon as your first period starts. The professional will adapt the gynecological examination based on the prior 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 that you consult a gynecologist, who specializes in the study of the female reproductive system. However, if you suspect you have a disease or infection, you can start by consulting your general practitioner, 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 a good idea to consult a doctor to monitor your health. On a more occasional basis, we recommend consulting in the event of specific and new symptoms: pain (particularly dyspareunia , during penetration), burning sensations and irritation after intercourse , vaginal dryness or abnormal vaginal discharge (with a particular texture, color and odor). 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?

Various diseases and infections can affect the vulva and vagina:

• Urinary tract infections: Urinary tract 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 six women and one in two postmenopausal women. It is characterized in particular by intimate discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.

Also read: 5 recommended products for treating 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 vaginosis be treated 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 of the vulva with no identifiable cause.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, including on the outer surface of pelvic organs such as the vulva and vagina, which can cause pain.
• Cancer :
  • Vulvar cancer: An 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 are there?

There are many gynecological exams, and their frequency depends on your age, sexual activity, symptoms, and goals (inserting an IUD, getting pregnant, etc.). Here is a list of the most common gynecological exams performed on the vulva and vagina:

• Pelvic exam: A pelvic exam is a physical exam where the doctor examines the external genitalia, vulva, vagina, and cervix to detect any abnormalities. It may be done by internal palpation for certain organs and/or by inserting a probe into your vagina.
• Cervical smear (or Pap test): A smear involves taking cells from the cervix to screen for 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. HPV DNA testing can be performed 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 just mentioned, gynecological exams can be external or internal—it all depends on your condition and what your doctor wants to observe during it. To prepare for gynecological exams, there are several things to think about/keep in mind.

1. You can bring a gown to cover your body if nudity bothers you. While it's mandatory in the United States during gynecological exams, gowns aren't always offered by French doctors. You can definitely bring a gown or dress to partially cover your nudity.
2. You can refuse an examination. If a test scares you or you feel that the reasons for it have been poorly presented to you, you can refuse an examination. 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 that an examination be stopped at any time. If an examination is painful or the practitioner is performing actions that are painful or not adequately explained, you can request that the examination be stopped. As with sexual intercourse, your consent is essential, and a "no" / "stop" must stop the professional.
4. You can request 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 exam with someone you know.
5. You can change your professional. Was your doctor unkind, unresponsive, or even treated you like a child? Gynecological abuse has increasingly been criticized and questioned, but unfortunately, it still exists. If you don't trust your practitioner, you can change them. We offer a directory of professionals highlighted by our community if you wish.
6. You can ask for another opinion. Whether it's about planning a pregnancy, diagnosing a disease, or choosing a method of contraception, you have the right to ask for another opinion, either from your doctor or another gynecologist. No good healthcare professional can blame you for wanting a complete explanation of 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 debunk them together.

A "normal" vulva has a specific appearance.

This is false ❌

There is no normal or specific appearance for the vulva. As we discussed earlier in this article, the vulva can have many different shapes—hairy, longer or asymmetrical labia minora, darker or lighter colored labia minora than the rest of the pubic area, and so on!

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 as these gentlemen's penises do not all measure ten centimeters when flaccid... ;)

Virginity can be determined by vaginal examination

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 located a few centimeters inside the vagina.

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

The vagina becomes wider or "looser" as a result of frequent intercourse or childbirth

This is partially false ❌

The vagina does not become wider as a result of frequent 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 intercourse.

In the case of a vaginal delivery, however, the vagina is enlarged and the tissues are looser, due to the passage of the baby but also because the pelvis has moved during pregnancy and for the delivery. 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 for having a vaginal orgasm.

This is false ❌

Although the G-spot has been mentioned in Indian texts since the 11th century, there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of this particularly pleasant female erogenous zone when stimulated. The mechanisms of vaginal orgasm in women are not yet well understood, but it seems that it is essentially linked to contractions of the vagina... Finding and touching the G-spot would therefore be useless for achieving vaginal orgasm.

The vagina should be washed with special soaps to keep it 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 the intimate flora. The vulva, on the other hand, must be cleaned daily. It is entirely possible to clean it with only water or with specific products, which respect the pH of the vaginal flora.

🌈 We recommend Wumi's intimate cleansing and moisturizing gel. As fresh as it is gentle, it cleanses without being harsh and leaves you feeling clean. Its neutral pH won't affect your vaginal flora—which is essential in cases of vaginal dryness.

I want this intimate cleanser >

🌈 Do you prefer solid soaps? The Baûbo intimate cleansing bar should interest you! This gentle, 100% natural and organic intimate cleansing bar has a neutral pH to take care of your vulva every day.

I want this organic intimate bread >

Having vaginal discharge means there is an infection

This is false ❌

Vaginal discharge (bloody and non-bloody) is (generally) normal and healthy. It consists of cervical mucus, a mucus secreted by glands in the cervix during the menstrual cycle, and its consistency can help distinguish the phase of your cycle you are in (ovulation, upcoming menstruation, etc.). Observing vaginal discharge is therefore one of the symptoms monitored using symptothermal method , an interesting method to discover if you want to have children.

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