If you are somebody who is confused by the terminology or has used these terms interchangeably, you are not alone!
There is indeed a difference between the two. Using the correct terminology matters when it comes to issues like reproductive and sexual health. So, let’s clear up the confusion once and for all.
Vulva
Whilst the vaginal opening is just one part of the vulva, many use the word ‘vagina’ when they actually mean the vulva. To put it simply, the vulva is the part of the genitals that are outside of your body.
- Clitoral hood
This is a fold of skin that surrounds the head of the clitoris. Its purpose is to protect the clitoris from friction and can vary in appearance from person to period. Larger or smaller hoods are perfectly normal! - Mon pubis
This is fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. After puberty, you’ll start to see pubic hair - Clitoris
The tip of the clitoris is located at the top of the vulva and, again, everyone’s is a different size. Its sole purpose to make you feel good! This is just the beginning of the clitoris, it actually extends inside the body, back and down on both sides of the vagina. The clitoris is right under the point where the inner labia meet and form a hood (as mentioned above). - Urethral opening
This is a tiny hole located just below the clitoris that you pee out of. - Vaginal opening
This is the opening where menstrual blood exits and what babies are born through. - Anus
Your butthole. The opening to the rectum! - Perineum
This is the area between the genitals and the anus. Its main function is to support urogenital (urinary and genital organs) and gastrointestinal (intestines etc) systems. It plays an important role in sexual intercourse, childbirth and more. - Labia majora
The outer lips are fleshier and it’s not uncommon for them to be have public hair. These too begin at the clitoris, but end under the opening to the vagina. - Labia minora
The labia, also commonly referred to as lips, are folds of skin around the vaginal opening. The labia minor (or inner lips) are inside your outer lips. They begin at the clitoris and end under the opening to the vagina.
Vulva diversity is important
The great thing about vulvas is that no two look exactly the same. It’s a wonderfully diverse body part and this fact doesn’t get celebrated enough! Shame surrounding the vulva can lead to a lot of issues; awareness of its function, the correct terminology and diversity is incredibly important.
A lack of vulva diversity not only enforces unrealistic stereotypes, it directly impacts gynaecological and sexual health. In 2016, labiaplasty was the fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the world [1]. A procedure many doctors have stated should only be given to those who have a medical abnormality.
Shame also stop young people from going to health appointments such as regular cervical screenings as they fear that their body parts are abnormal.
In addition to this, a lack of inclusive education is another issue young people face. Highlighting natural diversity is fundamental in teaching people their anatomy is nothing to be ashamed of.
Instagram accounts promoting vulva diversity and education:
Vagina
Using the term ‘vulva’ when we really mean vagina can create some confusion. It leads to people using products (wipes, sprays etc.) internally when they have been designed for external use (spoiler alert: you don’t need to use them at all). It stops people from making sense of how they feel in their bodies and therefore agency.
In terms of sexual pleasure, it furthers the orgasm gap. By referring to the entire anatomy as the ‘vagina’, we’re reducing the sexual organs to the part that prioritises the penetrator’s pleasure. When realistically, most require clitoris simulation to reach orgasm.
Bottom line is, how will you express how you are feeling to both partners and healthcare providers if you don’t have the correct terminology?
So, let’s dive right in!
- Uterus
This is an organ located in the pelvis between the bladder and rectum. It is pear-shaped and has a thick muscular wall with a lining that is supplied with blood vessels. This is where a fetus develops and grows. - Ovary
The ovaries produce hormones that control things like a period and pregnancy. There’s one each side of the uterus. During puberty, the ovaries start to release an egg each month and continue to do so until menopause. - Vagina
The correct definition of vagina is a muscular tube that connects the vulva with the uterus. That’s right, it’s essentially a stretchy canal that expands when you’re horny. A variety of things can go inside: fingers, penises, sex toys, period products. - Cervix
The cervix is the bottom of the uterus and connects it to the vagina. It lets menstrual blood out and sperm in. During childbirth, it stretches open. The rest of the time it looks like a donut with a teeny hole in the middle! - Fallopian tube
These are two narrow tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. Sperm also travels through them in order to try fertilise the egg.
References
- 2016 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery