The Vagina vs. Vulva Debate: What's the Difference?
Content Verification
📝 Key Points at a Glance
✨ Vagina and vulva are often confused, but they are distinct parts of the female anatomy.
🩸 The vagina is the internal passageway, while the vulva is the external part.
💡 Understanding this helps in better communication and awareness about health!
📚 The difference is crucial when discussing hygiene, health, and well-being.
🔑 Quick Fact: Knowing these terms can improve your health conversations with professionals!
💡 Key Advice & Tips from Our Experts
- 🌸 Embrace the terminology - it's empowering to know the difference!
- 👩⚕️ Keep your health in check – consult a professional if you're unsure!
- 🧼 Always prioritise hygiene for both the vagina and vulva, but don't overdo it. Keep it gentle.
🔎 Remember, knowledge is power, darling! 💪
There has been a lot of debate about the vagina and vulva and many people do not seem to differentiate between the two.
There are even gynecologists who aren’t sure of the answer to this common question! The vagina and vulva are often used interchangeably, but they are very different parts of the female anatomy. This article seeks to clarify the answers, so you can confidently know where each anatomical part fits into the puzzle of your body.
Anatomy of a Genital
According to Foster (2016), genitalia is often detailed, and hard sometimes to differentiate the parts. They are one of the most important parts of our bodies as far as reproduction is concerned. The female genitalia however has always been a debate, where is the clitoris? What is the vulva? Is there a difference between the Vulva and Vagina? These many questions might be because of the unclear anatomy that some people have.
Evans (1993) showed that the female genitalia is divided into two sections: the external body parts and the interior body parts. These two have other smaller details that might be a great help in understanding the female body. The first part of the Female genitalia is called The Vulva. It is composed of many small parts such as The Clitoris, Labia Majora, Labia Minora, Mons Pubis, and Vestibule of the vagina among others. This outer part is visible and is normally just on the outer parts of the genitalia. The second part of the Female genitalia is the Vagina, this is more interior and is not visible by just simply looking at the Female genitalia. The vagina is simply the interior and the Labia is the outer part of the Female genitalia.
Anatomy Overview
Several structures compose the female reproductive system, such as the uterus, cervix, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and external structures like labia major/Majora, Labia minor/minora, and mons pubis, clitoris, and more. According to Patel & Gohil (2012), Human anatomy is a scientific study that is concerned with organs of the body and how they work when with other organs of the body. It deals with several different areas including how an individual functions physically and physiologically.
Nguyen& Duong (2019) noted that Labia Majora/labia major is usually called the outer lips of the vagina. It is composed of fat tissue that gives it its color and size which can vary depending on how much fat is there. This tissue covers part of the vulva which is also present in males as well but they are very small in size compared to females due to hormonal differences. Daniels & Piechowski (2009) showed that a majority of women have an incorrect understanding of their bodies—and oftentimes, these misunderstandings lead to insecurity and self-esteem issues. For example, many women believe their labia minor (inner vaginal lips) should be a certain length or width; however, all vaginas are different sizes. There isn’t a normal way for them to look—and even if you find your inner vaginal lips lacking compared to other women’s, do not worry because what matters most is how YOU feel about your body.
The vagina is a favorite term for female genitalia but it is a completely different part of the genitalia, it is the part of the interior and is responsible for sexual penetration. The vagina might also include the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and the fallopian tubes
Vulva (external genital)
Labia & Clitoris
The labia consist of two main parts, the Labia majora and Labia minora. Lewis& Neill (2018) reported that the Labia majora is the outer lips and are usually fleshy and this is where the hair grows. Inside these outer labia lips are the inner labia or Labia minora, these lips are much softer and are hairless compared to the outer lips. The inner labia might start from the clitoris to the area where the vagina opening is, although there are many variations with their look, they still maintain a general look. The labia can be of different lengths and sometimes the inner labia might be visible, they might even vary in color as one gets older. These labia are both sensitive and might swell when one is stimulated.
The clitoris is the most famous part of the female genitalia, the clitoris is located at the top of the Vulva. It is usually covered by the Labia in a hood-like shape, this is where the inner lips meet. The clitoris is made up of a very soft spongy tissue that is swollen when you are stimulated. This clitoris is home to more than 8000 nerve endings, which is why it is very sensitive to give you all the pleasure you need. It gets better than that, the clitoris extends to the back and owns both sides of the Vagina, so that one does not miss a sensation.
The urethra and the vagina opening are both present in the vulva. The urethra is an external structure that starts from Skene’s glands (Bartholin glands) and ends up at the bladder’s end.
The Vagina
Ali et al. (2016) observed that the Vagina is a muscular canal that connects the vulva, cervix, and uterus. It is responsible for sexual penetration and is where the child passes through during birth. It is also where sex toys, fingers, and menstrual cups pass through. This is because the vagina is flexible and can stretch when you are stimulated.
Sundahl (2003) noted that the G-spot is located just a few inches inside the Vagina on the upper wall and can swell when turned on or touched. The cervix however divides your vagina and uterus, it allows menstrual blood out while preventing other things such as tampons or other objects from getting any deeper inside.
Other organs such as the uterus and fallopian tubes also play a larger role in the Female genitalia. The uterus is responsible for hosting the fetus when is pregnant. The fallopian tubes carry the eggs when released from the ovaries until they are fertilized.
Conclusion
Now you know the difference between what people refer to as the vagina and vulva. Although it might be hard for you to use the word Vulva in public it is understandable and is still accepted that you refer to the labia as the Vagina. It is however important to remember that the Labia is the outer part while the Vagina is the inner part of your female genitalia. So go on and have fun while you use the two words correctly now!
References
Ali, C. I., Makata, N. E., & Ezenduka, P. O. (2016). Cervical cancer: a health limiting condition. Gynecol Obstet (Sunnyvale), 6(378), 2161-0932.
Daniels, S., & Piechowski, M. M. (2009). Living with intensity: Understanding the sensitivity, excitability, and emotional development of gifted children, adolescents, and adults. Great Potential Press, Inc..
Evans, D. T. (1993). Actinomyces israelii in the female genital tract: a review. Genitourinary medicine, 69(1), 54.
Foster, R. A. (2016). Male genital system. Jubb, Kennedy & Palmer's Pathology of Domestic Animals: Volume 3, 465.
Lewis, F. M., & Neill, S. M. (2018). Benign Diseases of the Vulva. Dewhurst's Textbook of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 793-810.
Nguyen, J., & Duong, H. (2019). Anatomy, abdomen and pelvis, female external genitalia.
Patel, N. R., & Gohil, P. P. (2012). A review on biomaterials: scope, applications & human anatomy significance. International Journal of Emerging Technology and Advanced Engineering, 2(4), 91-101.
Sundahl, D. (2003). Female ejaculation and the G-spot. Hunter House.