Here’s an alarming fact:

According to Bodyform (leading UK feminine brand), 73% of women STILL don’t know what a vulva is. And this is because everybody prefers not to talk about this.

Why all the stigma?

There’s a lot of stigma and taboo around female anatomy that prevents women and girls from getting to know their bodies inside and out, and here at Vaginesse®, we are NOT OK with body shaming at any level. So how do we fight this stigma? With education and knowledge!

Here’s your first hard fact: “vagina” is NOT a dirty word! Say it loud and say it proud. This is a part of your body like an arm or a leg, that serves a specific function and maintains you healthy.

Why would you feel embarrassed to talk about it?

Starting to call your parts by the correct name is a great first step towards fighting stigma, and it will also prevent future misunderstandings. Which reminds us… Let’s get something straight: the vulva and the vagina are two separate things!

The terms "vulva" and "vagina" are often used interchangeably, and this causes confusion, but they refer to two distinct anatomical structures in the female reproductive system. They are not interchangeable terms even though they are usually used as umbrella terms.

So, what is actually the difference? Let’s dive in.

The Vulva

The vulva

Is what we most likely think of when we hear any of the euphemisms around the female anatomy. The vulva is the external part of your lady parts so to speak. The vulva is composed of the labia, the clitoris, the vaginal opening, the opening to the urethra, and the area surrounding these structures.

The labia

Is the skin around the vagina opening and it’s divided in two: labia majora (outer) and labia minora (inner).

The labia majora

Are the skin folds that connect to the mount pubis and are usually covered by pubic hair; they also cover the labia minora, which begins at your clitoris and ends under the opening of the vagina.

The clitoris

Is located at the top of the labia minora, and it can vary widely in size and look. It’s also the human female's most sensitive erogenous zone. It is a highly sensitive organ, and its only purpose is to give pleasure, and for that, we salute you!

The vulva, particularly the clitoris, is highly sensitive and is a primary source of sexual pleasure for many women.

Here’s another fact: No, women DO NOT pee from their vaginas.

The opening of the urethra and the opening of the vagina are two very different things. The first one is a tiny hole from where your pee comes out, while the latter (right below the first one) is from where menstrual blood comes out.

The vulva consists of soft and sensitive external structures, including skin, fatty tissue, and mucous membranes. The clitoris, a key part of the vulva, is densely packed with nerve endings.

Proper vulvar hygiene is important to prevent infection and maintain comfort. It involves cleaning the external parts, but it is essential to avoid aggressive cleaning or the use of harsh soaps that can disrupt the natural balance of the vulva. You can use natural, organic products like our Vaginesse® products.

The vulva serves several functions, including protection, sensation, and reproduction. It includes the clitoris, a highly sensitive organ whose only purpose is to provide sexual pleasure, and for that we salute you!

It also includes the vaginal opening, which serves as the entry point for sexual intercourse and childbirth. And this leads us to the...

The Vagina

The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the vaginal opening of the vulva to the cervix of the uterus and connects your cervix to the outside world. It is inside the body, and it is not visible externally. It is covered by many folds called rugae which make it EXTREMELY flexible, and it can expand enough to make way for an entire human baby. Woah!

The vagina is composed of smooth muscle tissue and mucous membranes. It is relatively elastic, allowing it to expand during sexual activity and childbirth. It has fewer nerve endings than the vulva, so it is less sensitive to touch. However, some women may find stimulation of the vaginal walls pleasurable.

The vagina serves as a passage for sexual intercourse, the birth canal for childbirth, and a route for menstrual blood to exit the body. It also contains natural lubrication and maintains the pH balance to support a healthy environment for sperm to travel through.

Fun fact:

the vagina is self-cleansing! This means the natural vaginal secretion is enough to keep it fresh and healthy, you DO NOT need to douche or get anything in there (unless your doctor tells you otherwise). All the intimate cleansers (yes, our Vaginesse® Cleanser. included) are aimed towards THE VULVA, so leave the Vag alone!

Potential Health Issues:

Vulva

Health issues related to the vulva can include irritation, itching, and infections such as yeast or bacterial vaginosis. The vulva can also be affected by skin conditions, allergies, and contact dermatitis. So, make sure you keep it clean and healthy with the right products and habits of proper hygiene.

Vagina

Vaginal health issues may involve infections (e.g., yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis), vaginal dryness, and conditions like vaginismus. Gynecological conditions, such as uterine fibroids or cervical polyps, are also related to the vagina. For this kind of issues you need to consider consulting a gynecologist or health professional.

Understanding the differences between the vulva and the vagina is important for women's health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Regular gynecological check-ups can help address concerns related to both the vulva and the vagina, ensuring their health and proper function.

So this was vulvas and vaginas 101. We hope that this encourages you to learn more about your body and to love it for what it is: an amazing and perfect machine!