The vulva

The vulva is the outer parts of the female genitalia, the parts you can see. On the other hand, it is a bit tricky, which means that many women actualy don’t know what their vulva really looks like. A great way to get a better picture and understanding of what your vulva actually looks like is to use a mirror. Squat down, place the mirror between your legs and look. The vulva is unique and individual in both color, shape, hair and even smell. Therefore, one should never compare oneself with others.

Mons Pubis

Mons pubis looks like a soft mound below the stomach. It can vary from woman to woman how prominent mons pubis one have and it is unique, just like the rest of the vulva.

Outer lips (labia majora)

The vulva is framed and protected by the outer labia. They consist of adipose tissue and swelling body tissue that swells when aroused. Sometimes the labia can become sore, dry or irritated due to several different reasons, such as tight clothing or excessive cleaning. Then it can be nice to lubricate and moisturize with a intimate cream.

Inner lips (labia minora)

If you separate the labia majora you will find the inner labia, which consists of skin and folds of mucous membranes. They contain tissue that swells during arousal and sebaceous glands that produce a softening fat around the vagina. The appearance of the inner lips varies from woman to woman. One lip can be larger than the other and the inner labia can also be visible outside the outer labia, which is normal.

Clitoris

Where the inner labia meet at the top, there is the clitoris. Or rather the clitoris ollon, since most of the clitoris actually is located inside the body. The entire clitoris is about 10 centimeters and has a shaft that divides in two and extends on each side of the urethra and the vaginal opening. The clitoris is the part of the body with the highest concentration of nerve endings. When touching the clitoris, many women experience that they can have an orgasm.

The vaginal opening

Under the urethral opening is the vaginal opening. The vaginal opening leads in to the vagina and the inner parts of the female genitalia. Read more about the inner parts here.

Bartholin’s glands

On both sides of the vaginal opening, are two oval glands called Bartholin’s glands. They are about the size of a pea and produce a slippery fluid that helps lubricate the vaginal opening. If for some reason there is a blockage in the small tube from which the liquid comes out, it can cause problems. A cyst can then form, which can become inflamed and cause pain. The cyst can sometimes become as big as a ping pong ball and it can be painful to sit or walk. If this happens to you, you should contact a doctor or a gynecologist to get help to empty the cyst, which is done with a small surgical procedure. If you have recurring problems with cysts and inflammation in the Bartholin’s glands, these can be surgically removed.

The hymen – a myth

The hymen is a myth that there is a membrane in the sliding opening that breaks when you have intercourse for the first time. The myth of the hymen is connected with girls bleeding the first time they have intercourse when the “hymen” ruptures. However, the most common is not to bleed the first time you have intercourse.