Vulva-havers and non-havers alike, how well do you know this part of the body? It’s no secret that education around female anatomy has often been lacking, leading to widespread confusion. For instance, many still use the term "vagina" to refer to the entire genital area. But here’s the scoop: the correct term for all the external parts of the genitals is the vulva. If you've been using the term incorrectly your whole life, don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone.
Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB/GYN, clarifies this common misconception in her book, The Vagina Bible. She points out the key anatomical distinction: the vulva is the external part (the area where your clothes touch your skin), while the vagina is the internal canal. The transition zone between the vulva and vagina is called the vestibule.
In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into each of the components that make up your vulva (aka, the external parts). As you read, we invite you to take the time to explore these anatomical features on your own body, or refer to the diagram provided above.
The main structures of the vulva are:
The Mons Pubis
This is a pad of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone, extending down to the clitoral hood. It may or may not be covered in pubic hair, depending on your preference—both choices are beautiful.
The Labia Majora (outer lips)
These are two hair-bearing external skin folds that extend from the mons pubis to just below the vestibule. They are filled with various glands. Everyone’s outer and inner labia are unique; there is no “normal.” They can be short or long, wrinkled or smooth, and usually, one lip will be longer than the other, with variations in colour.
The Labia Minora (inner lips)
These are two hairless folds of skin that lie within the outer lips. They contain erectile tissue, which means they can engorge or swell with sexual stimulation. The labia minora start at the clitoris and end under the vaginal opening, and they can distinguish touch with great sensitivity.
The Glans Clitoris
The glans clitoris is the external part of the clitoris—the portion that most people refer to simply as the “clitoris.” It is located at the top of your vulva, where the inner lips meet. The size of the clitoris varies from person to person; the glans can be as small as a pea or as large as a thumb. Notably, the glans has the highest concentration of nerve endings, providing some of the most pleasurable sensations. Fun fact: the sole purpose of the clitoris is sexual pleasure—it’s the only part of the human body designed solely for this purpose.
While the majority of the clitoris is internal, it resembles an inverted Y, with two sets of arms extending and the glans at the very tip. The entire clitoral structure can expand to lengths of about 7 cm or more, with the glans making up about 4-7 mm of the whole structure. Dr. Jen Gunter notes that all parts of the clitoris contribute to sexual sensation and are erectile, meaning they can engorge with blood, similar to a penis.
The Clitoral Hood
This is a membrane of skin that protects and partially covers the clitoris.
The Vestibule
The vestibule is a diamond-shaped area of the vulva located between the labia minora (inner lips). It includes the openings of the urethra and vagina and stretches from the bottom of the clitoral hood to the vaginal opening.
The Urethral Opening
This tiny opening, located just below the clitoris within the vestibule, is where urine exits the body.
The Vaginal Opening
The opening to your vagina is located right under the urethral opening and above the anus. It serves multiple purposes: it’s where menstrual blood leaves the body, where babies are born, and where sexual intercourse occurs.
The Perineum
The perineum is a strip of soft and sensitive skin located between the anus and the vaginal opening. Its length can vary, and it is commonly torn during childbirth to accommodate the baby's delivery.
The Anus
While the anus is technically part of the gastrointestinal tract rather than the reproductive tract, we include it here for educational purposes. It’s the opening to the rectum, where stool exits the body. The anus consists of pelvic floor muscles and two anal sphincters (internal and external), which help control bowel movements.
Understanding the correct terminology for the anatomy of the vulva is vital, as using proper names empowers us to take ownership of our bodies and enhances our comprehension of sexual health and pleasure. By familiarising ourselves with these body parts and sharing this knowledge with those around us, we not only deepen our own understanding but also promote a collective awareness, enabling us to advocate for our needs and celebrate our unique anatomy.
Image diagram source: https://helloclue.com/
