Vulva is another major important body part of female anatomy that helps during sex and results in pleasure. However, people do not know about the vulva. We have found 5 things you probably do not know about the vulva, but you should.
- The vulva is not the vagina, but the latter is in it
Most people probably don’t know what the vulva is, even if they have heard the word. But the vulva is part of the female sex organ that is seen most of the time.
In fact, the vagina is rarely even seen unless you are in close contact with it. The vulva is the outer part of the female sex organ and this is the part we all see when we talk about the vagina.
The ‘lips’ of the vagina that you see are called the labia major and they are part of the vulva.
Clitoris is yet another organ that may consider as part of the vulva, per an article on the Medical News Today publication.
Meanwhile, the actual vagina is actually the inner tube of the vulva. It runs inside and terminates at the cervix, which is the entrance of the womb.
It’s also known as the birth canal and fluctuates in measurements. The depth range from 2.7 to 3.1 inches. During sexual arousal, though, it increases to 5 inches.
The vagina is the part of the female sex organ people fuss about the location of the G-spot.
So, if you want to sound more knowledgeable, you can claim to know that the vagina is inside the vulva.
- Vulvas have no beauty standard; they come in all shapes and sizes
The vulva, which is often mislabelled as the vagina itself, has no beauty standards and it really is as unique as the person who owns it.
Just like fingerprints (or even the shapes of a person’s fingers), there is no limit to how everybody’s vulvas look in real life.
If you or someone you know feel insecure about the shape or colour or size of your vulva due to exposure to unrealistic beauty standards (probably by exposure to porn, too?) you should know this is not healthy thinking.
If ever you feel uncomfortable with the shape of your vulva, because you fear it is not ‘standard’ or ‘normal’, you can go to a site called The Labia Library.
There you can see what different vulvas appear to be and they are all normal vulvas. Unless your vulva is sick or its health jeopardised, there’s nothing to worry about.
- Vulvas change the most during and after pregnancy
Throughout life, a woman’s vulva will go through several stages of change. Many things contribute to these changes but hormonal changes contribute the most.
Pregnancy can change a woman’s vulva the most because of a sudden and rapid change in hormones composition.
Pregnancy affects your body in many ways, including the way your mind, cells, hormones, and emotions works.
But the main transformation which is visible due to conception is on the physical side. And it’s here where the vulva is also impacted.
Per an article on the Health segment of Yahoo!Life publication, these factors alter the appearance and the function of the vulva.
Sometimes, the changes last only during pregnancy and the vulva returns to what it normally looks like after pregnancy is finished, but sometimes, the changes last far longer, or can even be permanent.
Some of the changes include the size and colour of the vulva. During pregnancy, the vulva can tend to darken in colour due to more blood supply being concentrated there.
After giving birth, the labia majora can also stretch a lot, but this can be resolved with exercises like the Kegels.
Sometimes, the stretched labia doesn’t return to normal and cosmetic surgery may be suggested to correct it.
- Designer vaginoplasty is totally a gimmick and unnecessary
Unless you do have health problems down there that require corrective cosmetic surgery, vaginoplasty is totally unnecessary.
Although designer vaginoplasty is considered minor surgery, it is still surgery, so it still carries risks that can endanger the overall health of your vagina and vulva.
The risks would be very unnecessary given your vulva and vagina are healthy, to begin with.
Also, the name of the procedure itself gives off a really bad vibe; what do you mean ‘designer’ vaginoplasty?
As if women need to be able to afford a ‘designer’ look to their private parts? As long as your vulva and vagina are healthy, clean, fully functioning, designer surgery is totally unnecessary.
It’s not a risk you need to take to just change the appearance of your totally normal vulva. But if you totally need it for whatever confidence-boosting reasons, nobody can stop you, though.
- Your vulva shows symptoms of STIs first
If your entire vaginal ecosystem is threatened by sexually transmitted diseases, the vulva is probably the first part that can clearly show you symptoms of abnormality.
The vulva is divided into 2 parts, the labia majora and labia minora. The labia majora is the big lips you can see right away and the labia minora is the inner lining of the vulva just before you enter the vaginal opening.
If you have contracted a sexually transmitted disease, lumps or skin rashes can be seen on the vulva.
Chlamydia and gonorrhea are some of the most virulent STIs women contact. Both of them are caused by errand bacteria and symptoms include vagina rash and itchiness, per an article on the Mayo Clinic website.
Even herpes that don’t have initial symptoms eventually manifests in blisters and open sores around the genitals. Usually, you find these on the vulva as it appear lumpy, swollen, and sore.
If you see an abnormal bump that isn’t there usually and this has persisted for a few weeks, you need to get yourself checked immediately because this could be an early onset of vulvar cancer.
It is rare though, so don’t freak out just yet. Meanwhile, since the vulva is a sensitive part of the body, it can also easily be irritated by other things like razor burns.
To wrap things up, we conclude that ladies should know about their reproductive organs and essential parts like the vagina and vulva. People are unaware of these five facts about the vulva, but they should know as it can help them improve their health.
What Are Some Facts About The Vulva?
The vulva is a complex and highly misunderstood part of the female reproductive anatomy. Often shrouded in shame and stigma, the vulva is a crucial part of a woman’s body and plays a vital role in sexual pleasure and reproductive health. In this paper, we will explore some essential facts about the vulva, including its anatomy, function, and common misconceptions.
1. The Vulva is Not the Same as the Vagina
One of the most common misconceptions about the vulva is that it is the same as the vagina. In reality, the vulva refers to the external female genitalia, including the labia majora and minora, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethral opening. The vagina, on the other hand, is an internal muscular canal that connects the vulva to the cervix and uterus.
2. The Vulva is Unique to Every Woman
Just like fingerprints, the vulva is unique to every woman. Each vulva has a distinct shape, size, and color, making it a highly individual and personal part of a woman’s body. This diversity is entirely normal and should be celebrated rather than shamed.
3. The Vulva Plays a Crucial Role in Sexual Pleasure
The clitoris, located at the top of the vulva, is the primary source of sexual pleasure for most women. It contains thousands of nerve endings, making it highly sensitive to touch and stimulation. The labia minora, located on either side of the vaginal opening, also contain nerve endings and can contribute to sexual pleasure.
4. The Appearance of the Vulva Changes Throughout a Woman’s Life
The vulva undergoes significant changes throughout a woman’s life, from puberty to menopause. During puberty, the labia majora and minora may darken in color and increase in size. During pregnancy, the vulva may swell and become more sensitive due to increased blood flow. After menopause, the vulva may become thinner and drier due to a decrease in estrogen levels.
5. The Vulva Can Experience Various Health Issues
Like any other part of the body, the vulva can also experience health issues. Some of the common vulvar conditions include yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and vulvodynia (chronic pain or discomfort in the vulva). It is essential to seek medical attention if you experience any persistent symptoms in the vulva, such as itching, burning, or swelling.
6. The Vulva Can Give Birth
The vulva plays a crucial role in childbirth as it is the passage through which a baby is born. During labor, the vulva stretches to accommodate the baby’s head, and the vaginal opening expands to allow the baby to pass through. After childbirth, the vulva may take some time to return to its pre-pregnancy state.
7. The Vulva Should Be Cleaned with Care
The vulva is a self-cleaning organ and does not require harsh soaps or douching to maintain its cleanliness. In fact, soaps and douches can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and pH levels in the vulva, leading to infections. The vulva should be cleaned with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap.
8. The Vulva Can Be a Source of Empowerment
Despite its importance and beauty, the vulva has been shrouded in shame and stigma for centuries. However, many movements and initiatives are working to change this narrative and empower women to embrace and celebrate their vulvas. From vulva art to workshops and educational resources, many organizations are promoting vulva positivity and helping women reclaim their bodies.
In conclusion, the vulva is a fascinating and essential part of a woman’s body. It is unique, plays a crucial role in sexual pleasure and childbirth, and can experience various health issues. It is time to break the taboo surrounding the vulva and embrace its diversity and beauty. By educating ourselves and others about the facts and dispelling the myths, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and positive narrative around the vulva.
