The vulva is the anatomically correct name for all the external parts of your genitalia, including the mons pubis, inner and outer labia, clitoris, clitoral hood, the urethra and the vaginal opening (also called the introitus).
Sometimes we’re taught to call our vulva the vagina, but technically, the vagina is an internal ‘shaft’ or sheath. Each person's vagina has a different internal length and the internal shape varies too. There are lots of super unhelpful myths about the vagina and looseness, but it really is quite elastic and conforms to most shapes. In fact, it’s more likely that the vagina is too tight, rather than the other way round. If you place your fingers inside your vagina, feeling soft and marshmallowy indicates good muscle tone. If it feels firmer than that, it may indicate that your muscles are working a little too hard and seeing a pelvic floor physiotherapist might be a good idea to make sure they’re not being overworked.
Vulva and Vagina Care
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about vulva and vagina care. There are a lot of companies that make vulva and vagina ‘care' products. But are they really necessary?
Usually, they’re not necessary. Unless you’ve got an infection or imbalance in the area (when you may need something over the counter or through your GP or sexual health clinic), it's more about what the area doesn't need.
The skin of your vagina and much of the skin of the vulva is highly absorbent – just like the inside of your mouth and nose. It’s what we call a mucous membrane because it stays wet, unlike the skin on your hands. Mucous membranes heal quickly, which is very helpful for us. However, it means that viruses and harmful chemicals can pass through the skin more easily. So, when it comes to the products you’re using, consider avoiding those that include fragrances (perfumes), essential oils and chemicals that aren't necessary. Look for mild products where you can, and speak to a healthcare practitioner like a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for advice.
Vaginas are naturally slightly acidic, at 3.8-4.5 pH. Just like your mouth and your digestive tract, they have a microbiome that’s intended to keep things working a particular way. This combination means they are generally pretty good at sorting out whatever it doesn’t want growing in there, but sometimes things need a little support.
So, first up, beware of the products selling you a ‘cleaner' vagina with less smell. Oftentimes, the marketing of these products tries to teach us there's something 'wrong’ with our bodies as they function naturally. This isn't true.
When they're healthy, vaginas are self-cleaning. This is what your discharge is! There's no need to douche, in fact, research shows this is harmful to your beneficial vaginal microbiome. Also, each vulva and vagina has its own unique smell. Vaginas are supposed to smell like vaginas, not like roses. Avoid wipes and sprays claiming to freshen the area – sometimes they can do more harm than good.
To clean your vulva, it’s best to use warm water and soap isn’t necessary, but if you really want to use it, a mild and fragrance-free soap is recommended. Ensure you clean around and in between all the folds of your skin, either with clean hands and water, or a clean washcloth. There's no need to clean internally.
If you notice differences in the smell or look/feel of your discharge throughout your cycle, it might be worth speaking to a healthcare provider. Changes can include a fishy smell, itchiness, burning, or discharge being yellow, green, or like cottage cheese.
Vulva Diversity
Vulvas come in a wide variety of beautiful shapes and sizes.
This diversity is often missing from mainstream and adult media. Sometimes, we hear unhelpful messages about vulvas needing to look a certain way. In particular, around the size and shape of the inner labia. These messages can be perpetuated throughout popular culture, and trickle down into the minds of our friends, sexual partners, and even ourselves. For many of us, these messages have tricked us into thinking there's something abnormal or 'wrong’ with our anatomy. However, we all have the same parts, just organised in different ways.
Labiaplasty is often described as being the fastest-growing surgery for women, and there is now a dialogue around the ‘designer vagina’ - a name intended to be all-encompassing of the cosmetic surgeries performed on the vagina and vulva. Occasions of labiaplasty rose across the world by 50%, between 2014 and 2015. In the US, rates have risen by 200% from 2012 to 2017. There are lots of reasons why people may consider accessing labiaplasty services, including restoration, pain, function, and appearance. It's important that people considering surgical procedures on their genitals are fully informed and empowered about their choice and the reasons behind it. This includes researching the surgeon and being able to self-advocate. There is a lot of important tissue down there, that can provide all sorts of sensations and fulfilment throughout our lives. It also includes being aware of the huge diversity of vulva appearance, and finding support if you need it when unpacking and shame and internalised stigma associated. In recent decades there has been increasing conversation about the diversity of vulvas, with many vulvar diversity installations, and projects popping up, each aiming to support people to see their own individual diversity in amongst a variety of vulvas. You can have a look at some projects and perhaps even commission your own cast or drawing here:
https://www.labialibrary.org.au/
https://www.thevulvagallery.com/