Female Vulva and Vaginal Anatomy – A Complete Guide

Vaginal anatomy is a very complex yet intriguing concept in the female reproductive system. Most people know very little about it.

Understanding your intimate health better allows you to make informed decisions regarding your body and overall well-being.

It is important to be familiar with vaginal anatomy to practice self-care of the intimate areas then, keeping it healthy. This blog breaks down the anatomy of your vagina so that you’ll have a better idea of what makes up your body, why you need to care for it, and even what lies within your lady parts.

Understanding Vulva & Vaginal Anatomy

Vaginal anatomy refers to the composition of the vagina, its supporting structures, and the external and internal parts. Many people think that the vagina and vulva are the same thing— They are not!

Difference Between The Vagina & Vulva

You’ve probably heard vaginas used to describe everything down there, but that is not entirely correct.

The vulva and vagina make up your body but come with different structures, and learning where the differences lie presents a great starting point.

The Vulva Anatomy

Vulva Anatomy Diagram

About the female genitals, the vulva relates to the external structure of that area. The mentioned anatomy comprises the following:

• Mons pubis: It covers up the fatty tissue surrounding your pubic bone.
• Labia majora: This refers to the large lips that cover the external genitalia.
• Labia minora: These are small lips lying between labia majora.
• Clitoris: This is small in structure, with highly sensitive nerve endings; responsible for sexual feelings located at the superior aspect of the vulva where labia minora meets
• Urethral opening: This is the outlet through which urine is issued from the body, placed just below the clitoris.
• Vaginal opening (introitus): The opening to the vagina, below the urethral opening, surrounded by the hymen (in some women, this may be stretched or no longer present).

The Vagina Anatomy

Vaginal Anatomy Diagram

The vagina is the inside canal that runs from the vulva to the cervix, which opens up to the uterus. It’s a muscular, stretchy tube that plays a significant part in menstruation, sexual activity and birth.

Curios to know more about vagina, read our detailed guide on different types of vagina

Clitoris Is An Important Part Of Vaginal Anatomy

The clitoris is something that most people think of as small and external, but it is much more complex.  The outside part, or glans, is small, but the clitoris extends deep inside and has about 8,000 nerve endings-more than any other part of the body. Internally, it includes two “legs” or crura that extend several inches into the pelvis. Its only role is to facilitate sexual intercourse, which is an important part of the female anatomy.

The Cervix is Like Your Body’s Gatekeeper

At the top of the vagina sits the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It serves an important role when it allows menstrual blood to pass through during menstruation, and it dilates to allow the baby pass during childbirth. There is a small opening within the cervix that dilates during ovulation, allowing sperm into the woman’s body. A routine Pap smear or cervical screening is necessary to check on the cervix’s health and potential early signs of cervical cancer.

Self-Care Tips To Keep Your Vagina Healthy

With a basic understanding of the vulva structures and inside of vaginal anatomy, you’ll know how to take care of this area of your body. Just remember these things:

• Hygiene Comes First

Water alone is enough for washing the vulva gently while avoiding harsh soaps, douches, or feminine hygiene sprays, which easily distort the chemical balance in the vulva and cause infections.

• Prefer Wearing Airy Underwear

Cotton underwear allows air to circulate the vulva, limits moisture, and helps prevent infections like yeast infection.

• Get Regular Checkups

Regular gynaecological exams, which include the smear test, can detect abnormalities such as cervical cancer. Other things you need to get checked include sexually transmitted infections, and if you have any concerns, discuss them with your doctor.

• Keep Track Of Your Menstrual Cycle

Maintain a menstrual calendar. Know what normal is for you, and talk with your doctor right away if you have any unusual symptoms like irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or severe pain.

• Practise Safe Sex

Protected sex helps you stay away from Condoms STIs if you are sexually active. Finally, good communication with your sexual partner about sexual health would help you to protect and prevent infections against each other.

These tips will help you take care of your vagina effortlessly and stay away from any Itchyness down there with intimate health risks. Still, if you experience an itchy vagina, read our detailed guide on how to stop itching down there immediately

Effects Of Ageing On Your Vulva Anatomy

As you age, particularly during and after menopause, hormonal imbalances—mainly the drop in oestrogen—directly impact your vulva’s anatomy. Lower oestrogen levels reduce tissue elasticity, causing the labia to become lax and sag. These changes can affect the vulva’s appearance, leading to thinning, dryness, and a loss of firmness. If you want to improve these changes, consider consulting for Morpheus8 V in Bradford. This treatment uses a combination of radiofrequency (RF) and microneedling to tighten and firm labial tissue, helping restore a more youthful look.

Take Care Of Your Vaginal Anatomy & Complement Overall Well-Being

Vaginal anatomy plays an important role in reproduction, sexual satisfaction, and a general state of health. Thus, knowing the parts of such systems and taking care of them can empower you and keep you informed of your health. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the very first time you’re learning this or merely expanding your knowledge; the time taken to know your body is worth it and a step towards healthier you!

FAQs About Vaginal Anatomy

1. Where is the vaginal opening?

The urethral opening is where your pee comes out. The vaginal opening is just below your urethral opening.

2. What are the signs of a healthy vagina?

If your vaginal discharge is clear and whitish with no foul or fishy smell, it is a sign that your vagina is healthy.

3. Should a vagina be wet or dry?

Your vaginal walls are mucous membranes, which means they are always moist. However, arousal and hormonal fluctuations affect the dryness or wetness of your vagina.

4. Where is the vulva area?

The vulva area or vulva structures refer to the outside of your vagina. It includes clitoris, labia minora and labia majora.