The vulva is the entire external genital area of the female body. It includes everything you can see on the outside: the outer and inner lips, the clitoris, the urethral opening, and the vaginal opening. The vagina, by contrast, is the internal muscular canal. Many people use “vagina” when they actually mean “vulva,” but they’re distinct structures.
Parts of the Vulva
The vulva is made up of several structures, each with a specific role. Starting from the outermost area and working inward:
The mons pubis is the soft, rounded pad of fatty tissue that sits over the pubic bone. It forms a V-shape from the top of the pelvis down to where the thighs meet. After puberty, this area is typically covered in pubic hair.
The outer lips (labia majora) are two plump folds of skin that run vertically on either side, enclosing and protecting the more delicate structures inside. They contain fat tissue and hair follicles on their outer surface.
The inner lips (labia minora) are thinner, hairless folds tucked inside the outer lips. They start above the clitoris, where they meet to form a small hood of skin, and extend downward past the vaginal opening to the perineum (the patch of skin between the vaginal opening and the anus). The inner lips are rich in nerve endings and blood vessels.
The clitoris sits at the top of the vulva where the inner lips converge. The visible part, called the glans, is roughly pea-sized and sits beneath the clitoral hood. But the clitoris extends well beyond what’s visible. Internally, a body branches into two legs (crura) that surround the vaginal canal and urethra, along with a pair of bulbs that press against the vaginal wall. The entire structure is packed with nerve endings, making it the primary organ for sexual pleasure.
The vestibule is the smooth area enclosed by the inner lips. It contains two important openings: the urethral opening (where urine exits the body), located just below the clitoris, and the vaginal opening, located below that. The vaginal opening is where the external vulva transitions to the internal vagina. The outermost third of the vaginal canal is densely supplied with nerve endings.
Two sets of small glands also sit within the vestibule. One pair flanks the urethral opening and secretes fluid during arousal to help with lubrication. Another pair near the vaginal opening serves a similar function.
Vulva vs. Vagina
The confusion between these two terms is extremely common, but the distinction is simple. The vulva is everything on the outside. The vagina is the flexible, muscular canal on the inside that connects the vulvar opening to the cervix and uterus. You can see and touch the vulva directly. The vagina is an internal passage that allows for menstruation, penetration, and childbirth. The vaginal opening, visible within the vestibule, is the boundary between the two.
What “Normal” Looks Like
Vulvas vary enormously in appearance, and nearly all of that variation is completely normal. About half of all people with vulvas have inner lips that extend beyond the outer lips. Some people think of these as “innies” and “outies,” similar to belly buttons. Neither is more common or healthier than the other.
Exact symmetry is rare. Most people have one inner lip that’s slightly longer or fuller than the other, the same way most people have one foot that’s a bit bigger. Color ranges widely too. Inner lips can be pink, brown, reddish, or purplish. They may match the surrounding skin or be noticeably lighter or darker. All of this falls within the normal range, and color and size can change over a lifetime due to hormonal shifts, aging, and childbirth.
Caring for Vulvar Skin
The skin of the vulva is more sensitive and thinner than skin elsewhere on the body, which makes it more prone to irritation. Many everyday products cause problems: scented soaps, bubble baths, shower gels, feminine hygiene wipes, fragranced detergents, talcum powder, and panty liners can all irritate vulvar tissue. The British Association of Dermatologists recommends avoiding all of these on the vulva.
Washing once a day is enough. More frequent washing can strip moisture and cause dryness. Use your hands rather than a washcloth, which can scratch the delicate skin, and pat dry gently with a soft towel. A plain, unscented emollient (a simple moisturizing ointment or cream) works well as a soap substitute and can also be applied as a protective barrier throughout the day. Ointments generally protect against moisture loss better than lotions, but personal preference matters. The key is keeping the ingredient list short and fragrance-free.
The vagina itself is self-cleaning and does not need internal washing or douching. Vulvar care is purely external.
Common Vulvar Conditions
Because vulvar skin is sensitive and exposed to friction, moisture, and contact with various products, several conditions commonly affect this area.
Contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent issues. It’s essentially an irritation reaction triggered by soaps, detergents, wipes, or synthetic fabrics. It typically causes redness, itching, and sometimes a burning sensation. Removing the irritant and switching to gentle, fragrance-free products usually resolves it.
Yeast infections affect the vulva and vagina together, causing itching, swelling, and sometimes a thick white discharge. They result from an overgrowth of yeast that normally lives in the area in small amounts.
Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, thinning of the skin, and itching or pain. The vulva is the most common site for this condition. It tends to be progressive and benefits from early treatment to manage symptoms and prevent scarring.
Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain without an identifiable cause. It can feel like burning, stinging, or rawness and may be constant or triggered by touch or pressure. It’s a real medical condition, not a sign that something looks abnormal.
Persistent itching, pain, unusual lumps, changes in skin color or texture, or sores that don’t heal all warrant medical attention. Many vulvar conditions are easily treatable when caught early, but they’re often underreported because people feel embarrassed or assume symptoms are normal.