Australia's Jean Hailes for Women's Health sums up the vulva vs. vagina debate in two lines: "The vulva is the outside part of the female genitals that you can see," while the vagina is a tube inside the body that connects the vulva to the cervix.
That sounds simple, yet the two words get swapped constantly. Here is a plain guide to which is which, why it matters for your health, and what it means if you use a period cup.
Quick answer: The vulva is the external genital area: clitoris and clitoral hood, labia, urethral opening, vaginal entrance and the perineum. The vagina is the internal tube running from the vaginal entrance to the lower part of the uterus, the cervix. Wash the vulva gently; the vagina is self-cleaning and needs no washing inside.
What parts make up the vulva?
Five main areas make up the vulva, according to Jean Hailes:
- the clitoris and the clitoral hood;
- the outer lips (labia), covered with pubic hair;
- the urethral opening, where wee comes out;
- the vaginal entrance;
- the perineum, the skin between the vagina and the anus.
Healthdirect adds that there are two pairs of labia: the larger outer labia majora and the smaller inner labia minora around the vaginal and urethral openings. Its page on labia problems explains that the labia help protect the clitoris and those openings.
So what is the vagina?
The vagina is the internal muscular tube that starts at the vulva and leads up to the cervix. You can only see its entrance. Jean Hailes describes it as a self-cleaning organ and notes that it is more acidic than the rest of the body, an environment that helps protect it from infection and keeps bad bacteria and yeast in check.
Is my vulva normal?
Almost certainly, because there is no single normal look. Jean Hailes says everyone's vulva is unique in size, shape, colour and appearance, and that it is normal for the left and right sides to differ. Healthdirect agrees that labia come in a wide range of sizes and shapes and may change as you get older or when your hormones change. Rarely does a real vulva look like the edited images that circulate online.
How do I look after my vulva and vagina?
Treat the outside gently and leave the inside to do its own thing. Jean Hailes recommends:
- soap-free products or just warm water on the vulva;
- no perfumed soaps, bath products, douches or vaginal washes, which may irritate;
- never using talcum powder on the vulva, as it can cause inflammation.
When to see a GP
See your doctor if you notice any unusual change, or if something doesn't look or feel normal for you. Healthdirect lists these symptoms as reasons to book in:
- burning, itching, pain, redness or swelling;
- cracked or split skin, or a change in skin colour;
- unusual discharge from the vagina;
- any unusual lump, which healthdirect says not to ignore.
Jean Hailes also flags an unpleasant, yeasty or fishy smell as a possible sign of infection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the vulva and the labia?
The labia are one part of the vulva, not another name for it. Healthdirect describes two pairs: the outer labia majora and the inner labia minora. The vulva is the bigger umbrella, which also includes the clitoris, the urethral opening, the vaginal entrance and the perineum between the vagina and the anus.
Does the vagina need cleaning after my period?
No. Jean Hailes describes the vagina as a self-cleaning organ and suggests you leave it to do its own work. Gentle daily washing of the vulva with warm water is enough. Douches and vaginal washes may irritate, so skip them, and see your GP if you notice an unusual smell or discharge.
Where does a period cup sit?
A period cup sits inside the vagina, not on the vulva. You fold it and insert it through the vaginal entrance, and it opens inside the canal to collect menstrual fluid. Knowing that the urethral opening is a separate opening from the vaginal entrance makes the first few tries far less confusing.
Why are my labia uneven?
Uneven labia are common and usually nothing to worry about. Both Jean Hailes and healthdirect note that the two sides often differ in size and shape. Labia can also change with age and hormones. See your GP if they become painful, swollen, itchy or cracked, or if you notice a lump.
Keep learning with get to know your vulva and vagina better and our article on destigmatising vulvar and vaginal health.
Once you know your way around, a menstrual cup is easy to get the hang of. The Lunette period cup is made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone and lasts up to 10 years with proper care. Check the size guide to pick between Size 1 and Size 2.
General information only, not medical advice. For anything that worries you, talk with your GP or a women's health nurse.
