Do you know these things about your vulva? Let's talk!

Have you ever heard the word 'Vulva'? Maybe you haven't heard it, or maybe you've often confused it with the word 'Vagina'. In fact, many people think that the two are the same, or that all the pleasure-giving parts of the female reproductive system are collectively called 'Vagina'. But your 'Vulva' is much more than that. Understanding your vulva can be very important for your sex life and overall health.

So what are the functions of the vulva?

The word 'vulva' comes from a Latin word meaning "cover." Think of it this way: your vulva protects the important reproductive organs inside, like a protective covering. But it does more than just cover. It's not just a part, it's a very important part.

Your vulva contributes to:

• Sexual pleasure: Your vulva contains organs, openings, blood vessels, nerves, and arousal tissue that help you experience sexual pleasure. For many women, stimulation of the vulva is essential for achieving an orgasm.
• Reproduction: Sperm enters your body through the vaginal opening. That's when pregnancy can occur. This vaginal opening is also inside the vulva. Surprisingly, babies come into the world through this same vaginal opening, during childbirth.
• Menstruation: During your reproductive years, the lining of your uterus (uterine lining) sheds every month, which is called the menstrual cycle. This menstrual blood exits your body through the vaginal opening.
• Urination: Urine (which is what we call urine ) leaves your body through the urethra. This is a tube that connects to your bladder. The other end of this, the urethral opening, is part of the vulva.

Where is your vulva located?

When we think of "sexual organs," we often think of the external parts of your vagina that you can see through a small mirror. But when it comes to the anatomy of the vulva, it's not so simple. For example, if you look straight into a mirror while standing, you can see a V-shaped fold of skin, right? That's called the mons pubis.

Also, what you see when you look at your vulva through that imaginary mirror depends on other processes going on inside your body. Let's now look at the main parts of the vulva and where they are located.

The pubic bone (also known as Mons Pubis)

This is also called the `(Mons Veneris)`. The name comes from Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility. This is the slightly raised V-shaped area of ​​skin that extends from the top of your pelvic bone to where your thighs meet. This `(Mons)` will grow hair as you reach puberty.

The mons helps to provide protection from friction during sexual intercourse (`penetration`). For some people, the pressure on the mons during sexual stimulation stimulates the sensitive tissue and causes pleasurable sensations. For others, however, they may not feel anything or may even experience painful sensations.

Labia Majora (outer lips)

These outer lips also grow hair. These vertical "lips" are actually two slightly thickened folds of skin. These are what cover the innermost parts of the vulva. They are filled with erectile tissue, so when you are sexually aroused, they fill with blood and swell. Everyone has them in different shapes and sizes, and that's normal.

Labia Minora (inner lips)

Your labia are two hairless, vertical "lips" that lie inside your outer labia. They start at the top of your clitoris and extend down to the area of ​​skin between your vagina and anus (the perineum). Some people call the top of this the "clitoral hood." This is what covers and protects your very sensitive clitoris. It helps to reduce the sensation your clitoris feels during sex, making the stimulation more pleasurable and less painful.

Just like your outer lips, your inner lips are also different. Some people have them symmetrical. Others don't. Some people have them tucked in, while others have them protruding and hanging down. This is all normal, so don't worry about it. Just like your outer lips, your inner lips are very sensitive and fill with blood when you're sexually aroused.

Clitoris

Under your clitoral hood is a pea-sized part called the glans. Your clitoris is the main pleasure center of your female body. A recent study found that it has over 10,000 nerve endings – more than anywhere else in the human body! Most people need to have their clitoris stimulated, either directly or indirectly, to achieve orgasm. However, the clitoris is so sensitive that for some people, even direct contact or excessive pressure can be painful.

If you hold the glans between your thumb and forefinger, you will feel the shaft of the penis. This is the part that extends into your body and connects to the internal parts of the penis.

Urethral Opening

Your urethra is located just below your clitoris (also called your clitoris). This is where urine exits your body through the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from your bladder.

Among the important structures associated with the urethra are the Skene's glands. These are also called the "female prostate" because they produce a milky fluid similar to male ejaculate. This fluid lubricates the urethra when you urinate, which helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Another important structure to know is your urethral sponge. This is a sponge-like tissue that surrounds the urethra. Some people experience pleasure when pressure is applied to the part of the urethral sponge that is inside the vagina, at the front of the vaginal wall. This area is sometimes called the G-spot. Some people may experience a milky fluid coming out of the Skene's glands when this area is stimulated. This is often called "squirting."

Vaginal Opening

Your vagina is located below your urethra. Your vagina is a flexible, muscular tube inside your body. It is where you menstruate, get pregnant, and give birth. The outer third of your vagina (this is the part that usually connects to your vulva) is full of very sensitive nerve endings. Touching these usually causes pleasurable sensations.

Other important structures involved include the hymen, a thin membrane that covers part of the vaginal opening. It can tear when something is inserted for the first time (such as a tampon or during intercourse) or during certain exercises.

Your Bartholin glands are also very important. They are located at the entrance to the vagina. They secrete a fluid that helps keep the vagina moist. This moisture makes the vagina and vulva feel more comfortable during sex, rather than painful. But it's not just the Bartholin glands that do this. The Skene's glands and the secretions from the vaginal walls also help keep you moist.

What are the common diseases that can affect your vulva?

The vulva is commonly affected by infections and skin diseases. Since your vulva helps you urinate and have sex, it's no surprise that urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common.

Infections

Here are some possible infections:

• Bacterial Vaginosis: This is an infection caused by an overgrowth of a type of bacteria called `Gardnerella vaginalis`.
• Chancroid (soft chancre):A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi.
• Chlamydia: A common sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by the bacterium `Chlamydia trachomatis`.
• Gonorrhea: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium `Neisseria gonorrhoeae`.
• Granuloma inguinale (also known as donovanosis): A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Klebsiella granulomatis.
• Hepatitis B: An infection caused by the hepatitis B virus.
• Hepatitis C: An infection caused by the hepatitis C virus.
• Herpes: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus.
• HIV: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
• HPV: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus. Some strains of this virus can cause cervical cancer, while others can cause genital warts.
• Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium `Treponema pallidum`.
• Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite called `Trichomonas vaginalis`.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection can occur anywhere in your urinary system, but it is most commonly caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli).
• Yeast Infection: An infection caused by the overgrowth of a type of fungus called Candida.

Skin Conditions

• Folliculitis: An infection or inflammation of a hair follicle. This usually looks like a lump.
• Lichen Sclerosus: A skin condition that causes inflammation, itching, and pain in the vulva.
• Pubic lice (or crabs): These are tiny insects that live in your pubic hair. They can be spread through sexual intercourse.
• Scabies: An extremely itchy rash caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis.
• Vulvitis or Vaginitis: Inflammation of your vulva or vagina. This can be caused by an infection, irritation, or injury.

Other situations

• Bartholin Cyst: A fluid-filled lump that forms when a Bartholin gland becomes blocked.
• Dyspareunia: Pain during or after penetrative sex.
• Imperforate Hymen: A condition in which the hymen (`hymen`) completely covers the vaginal opening at birth.
• Labial Adhesions: A condition in which the labia minora are stuck together instead of being separate.
• Vulvar Cancer: A rare type of cancer that can develop in the vulva. It is often associated with lichen sclerosus or HPV infection.
• Vulvodynia: Pain in the vulva for no apparent reason.

How do I know if there is a problem with my vulva? (Symptoms)

Although everyone's vulva generally has the same parts, no two vulvas are exactly alike. That's why it's important to be well-informed about your vulva. That way, you'll be able to quickly recognize any changes that could indicate a medical condition.

Get a good idea of ​​what your vulva normally looks and smells like. Pay attention to the discharge that comes out of your vagina at different times during your monthly cycle. Also be aware of the sensations you usually feel when you use your vulva – that is, when you urinate, when you menstruate, when you have sex. That's when you know what's normal.

Changes that may indicate a problem with your vulva include:

• Skin: If you notice any changes to the skin on your vulva, such as a lump or blister, it could be a Bartholin cyst, genital warts (caused by HPV), or folliculitis. Itching, swelling, or redness could be signs of an infection. Or it could be a sensitivity to a chemical in something you use, such as a sanitary pad.
• Urinary frequency: Needing to urinate frequently, or feeling a burning sensation when urinating, can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Vaginal discharge: A healthy vagina produces a clear, white, or milky fluid. If your vaginal discharge changes in color, consistency, or odor, it could be a sign of an infection or other medical condition.
• Vaginal odor: Healthy vaginas have a slight odor. It can change at different times during the menstrual cycle. This is normal. However, if there is an unpleasant odor, such as a fishy or musty smell, it is definitely something to see a doctor about. You may have an infection.
• Sex life:Pain during sex can be a sign of low estrogen levels or a condition called vulvodynia. Sometimes pain is a sign that you need medication or a change in how you have sex.

During menopause, when your periods stop, it's common for your vulva to change. Estrogen levels drop during menopause. This drop can cause your vagina to become dry and pubic hair to thin. Your vulva may also have less oil, and you may experience pain during intercourse.

If you notice any of these changes in your vulva, definitely talk to a doctor. There's no need to be embarrassed or ashamed. There are treatments and lifestyle changes for this.

What should I do to keep my vulva healthy?

By keeping your vulva clean, dry, and free of harmful substances, you can prevent many of the conditions that affect the vulva. Since many of these harmful substances and infections also affect the vagina, taking good care of your vulva can help keep the vagina healthy as well.

To take care of your vulva, do these things:

• Wash your vulva frequently with a mild soap and lukewarm water. When it comes to taking care of your vulva, it's best not to overdo it. Your vagina is home to good bacteria that keep it clean and healthy. Overwashing can upset the balance of good bacteria, leading to infections.
• Avoid douching. Douching is the act of flushing the vagina with water or other fluids. This can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina. Your vagina naturally cleanses itself, and it doesn't need any outside help.
• Do not use detergents, laundry detergents, or menstrual hygiene products that contain harsh ingredients. Avoid using fabric softeners, detergents containing enzymes (e.g., amylase, lipase, protease, cellulase), perfumed soaps, sprays, deodorants, or tampons.
• Wear cotton underwear instead of nylon underwear. Nylon traps heat and moisture, creating a good environment for infectious organisms to grow.
• Change out of sweaty clothes or swimwear as soon as possible after exercising. Wash them after use.
• Do not leave tampons in for more than eight hours. Doing so can put you at risk of a dangerous condition called Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Protecting yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is also an important part of caring for your vulva. Learn about the different ways STIs are spread. For example, some STIs, like HPV, are spread through skin-to-skin contact. Other STIs, like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, are spread through bodily fluids (including vaginal fluid and semen). By understanding how STIs are spread, you can make decisions about safer sex and protect your vulva.

Talk to your doctor about safe sex practices.

The most important things you need to remember in this article

One of the best things you can do for your health is to become more aware of your vulva. That includes understanding how it works to maintain your reproductive and sexual health. Often when we think of the genitals, we think of the parts that are responsible for reproduction: the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

But your vulva plays a key role in both reproduction and your well-being as a person with a healthy sex life. Take care of your vulva with the same care you take care of any other vital part of your body. Be aware of your body, love it! If you feel like there is something wrong, don't be shy and seek medical advice.

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