The term "vulva" is often used as a synonym for the external genitalia of individuals who are born with XX chromosomes. The division between external and internal genitalia is as follows:
External genitalia (vulva):
Internal genitalia (vagina):
The vulva has both inner and outer labia, which protect the urethral and vaginal opening. Hair often grows on the outer labia, while the inner labia are hairless. At the top of the inner labia is the clitoris. Both labia are very sensitive and can be stimulated by touch. When aroused, the blood flow to the labia increases, causing the tissue to swell and become even more sensitive.
The appearance of the labia varies greatly between individuals and they can be long or short, wrinkled or smooth, of different colors, and even change with age. Some people choose to undergo surgery on the labia, usually if the shape is bothersome. Very long labia can interfere during sex or cause other discomfort. Some opt for surgery purely for cosmetic reasons, which is possible. However, it is important to remember that all labia are beautiful, and there isn't one type that is better than another.
The clitoris is often described as "the tip of the iceberg." When looking at the vulva from the outside, only a tiny part of the clitoris, the clitoral hood, is visible. However, the clitoris is much larger and lies beneath the skin, around the vagina, and extends further.
The clitoris forms in the same way as the penis and is made of the same tissue, erectile or sponge-like tissue. Blood flow to the clitoris can increase which leads to more stimulation.
The clitoris can be stimulated externally by touch, vibrators, etc. It is always located at the top of the inner labia and varies in size. It is not easy to see with the eyes, but it is easy to find by touch because it is the most sensitive part. The clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings in the small tip that we see externally!
The clitoris can also be stimulated from within and enhances vaginal intercourse, as it is well-positioned around the vagina. Some can even be stimulated through the so-called G-spot, which is believed to be located 2-7 cm inside the vagina on the front wall (towards the stomach).
Unlike the vagina, the clitoris does not self-lubricate, so it can be helpful to use lubricant or vaginal moisture when touching the clitoris. Otherwise, friction can cause irritation and discomfort.
The vaginal opening is located below the urethral opening. Through it, discharge, menstrual blood, and babies during birth are expelled. Tampons and menstrual cups are also inserted through the vaginal opening, which is why you can urinate with a tampon or menstrual cup inserted, as the urethra remains open.
Discharge is a normal part of the vulva's cleansing process, but it can also be used to detect irregularities. Normally, discharge is clear or white, but it can change with the menstrual cycle and become yellowish or brownish. The amount and smell of discharge vary between people and also change throughout the menstrual cycle. It is important to know your body and recognize how your discharge usually looks, as significant changes in your usual discharge can indicate an infection.
Since the vulva cleans itself, it is not recommended to use soap on the inner labia or inside the vagina. It is sufficient to maintain hygiene with warm water on the external genitalia and allow the vagina to clean itself.
The urethral opening is located just below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening. It is very small, so there is no risk of confusing it with the vaginal opening. Urine exits from there, and fluid can also come out during squirting.
Squirting is part of an orgasm that some people experience. Fluid is released from the urethra that is not urine and resembles more the moisture produced in the vagina. The sensation of squirting can feel like needing to urinate. The fluid that comes out does not come from the bladder but from glands called Skene's glands.
The uterus is located above the bladder and is usually about the size of a clenched fist. It is made of muscle tissue, and inside the uterus is a lining called the endometrium. The endometrium changes throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy. During menstruation, the endometrium sheds from the uterus and exits through the vagina. If a fertilized egg implants in the endometrium, it stops the bleeding process.
At the lower end of the uterus is the cervix. It prevents anything from passing from the vagina into the uterus. The only thing that can pass through is sperm. Tampons and other objects cannot enter the uterus.
The cervix can be sensitive, so deep penetration during intercourse can cause discomfort if the cervix is touched. Some positions can alleviate discomfort, or attempts can be made to go less deeply into the vagina.
The vagina starts at the vaginal opening and ends at the cervix. It is usually around 6 cm in length. During sexual arousal, the uterus can lift up and lengthen the vagina, and it also relaxes and widens. This allows penises longer than 6 cm to enter the vagina.
Small glands are located on either side of the vaginal entrance and secrete fluid that lubricates the vagina, like natural lubricant. The inner walls of the vagina are sensitive, and small tears can occur during intercourse. The main reason is insufficient lubrication or lack of relaxation. It is not dangerous if there is bleeding during intercourse, but it can be easily prevented with lubricant or more time for foreplay and relaxation before sex.
The vagina is good at self-cleaning, which is why discharge is produced, and there is a specific bacterial flora that protects the vagina. If this flora is disrupted, a yeast infection can occur. This can happen due to soap or other substances entering the vagina, taking antibiotics, menstruation, tight clothing, and more. Yeast infections can also be transmitted between partners. Medications are available to treat the infection and restore the flora to its proper state.
This sensitive bacterial flora also makes it unwise to move anything directly from the anus into the vagina. During intercourse, it is recommended to change condoms when going from anal to vaginal, and when using sex toys, they should be cleaned thoroughly between uses.
The hymen is a stretchable membrane or ring that lies inside the vagina. For some, it covers the entire opening and "closes" the vagina, but often it is just a thick ring inside the vagina. This membrane can tear or rupture, and it does so for most people over their lifetime. For some, it ruptures during sex, while for others, it happens due to physical activity like gymnastics or cycling. There may be slight bleeding when the membrane ruptures for the first time.
The ovaries store all the eggs we are born with. They also produce our sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. During each menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg, usually just one, but sometimes more (this is how fraternal twins are conceived). This release of eggs stops around the age of 40-50, and menopause occurs. Menstruation stops, and conception is no longer possible.
The fallopian tubes catch the egg released from the ovaries and carry it down to the uterus. Fertilization (when a sperm meets an egg) occurs in the fallopian tubes. The eggs can survive for a few days in the fallopian tubes.
It is not recommended, as a tampon should not be left in for more than 8 hours. After that time, there is a risk of infection. It is worth noting that you should remove the tampon before having sex, as otherwise, it could be pushed further up into the vagina, making it very difficult to retrieve later.
Sometimes the tampon is not the right size, i.e., it is too large for your vagina. However, this is not always the case; sometimes, the tampon is simply not inserted far enough or is directed in the wrong way. A tip is to place one foot on the toilet seat, relax the muscles around the vagina, and use a bit of Vaseline on the tip of the tampon. Some people prefer not to use tampons and opt for other menstrual products instead.
At the age of 23, a cervical screening is recommended. You visit a doctor or health center, lie on a bed with your legs apart, and a swab is used to take a sample from the cervix inside the vagina. The exam is neither painful nor time-consuming, but it is very useful for detecting potential cell changes and identifying cancer before it progresses.
If you feel like you still don't know enough or your question wasn't answered, don't hesitate to get in touch!