What is the Vulva?

The vulva is the outside part of the female genitals. This is often misunderstood to be the vagina, however the vagina is the hole in the vulva, used during vaginal sex or to give birth.

The vulva includes the:

Labia minora (hairless thin skin folds around the vagina hole)
Labia majora (hairy skin around the labia minora)
Clitoris (helps with feeling good during sex)
Clitoris hood (skin fold above the clitoris)
Urethra (pee/urine hole)
Vagina (hole for sex or giving birth)

illustration of vulva

Have you ever wondered “is my vulva normal?” Like any body part, the vulva varies in shape, size, colourings and is usually uneven on each side. To learn more about different types of labia, visit the labia library www.labialibrary.org.au.

The vulva can be easily irritated (get sore/itchy/dry) from:

Too much washing or use of unsuitable products on the labia such as soap, talcum powder, or perfumes
Not having enough lubrication (natural fluids) coming out from inside vagina during sex
Infections such as thrush or a sexually transmissible infection
Changes in hormones around the time of your menstrual period or during menopause.

Only wash the labia with water or suitable soap free products
You can use lubricants (also called lube) during sex. Check the product label to see if you can use it with a condom. You can buy these at the pharmacy or supermarket

image of lube bottle

Get tested and treated for any infections

Contact your doctor or GP
Contact Family Planning Victoria’s clinic
Visit www.labialibrary.org.au
Visit Jean Hailes’ website on vulva and vagina irritation
Visit Melbourne Sexual Health Centre’s for genital skin care advice

What is the Vulva?

What does the vulva look like?

What can cause vulva irritation?

What can I do to improve my vulva health?

For more information:

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