Facts About the Vagina and Vulva Everyone Should Know

There is a lot of misinformation about the vagina and vulva out there. So, we put together some facts about the vagina and vulva so you know fact from fiction.

The vagina and the vulva are different 

The vagina has become a popular umbrella term for female genitalia, but our intimate area has many different parts. The vagina is the internal muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the uterus. The vagina is usually 3-6 inches long. The vulva is the external part of the reproductive system. The vulva includes the labia majora and the labia minora, as well as the clitoris. 

The clitoris has 8000 nerve endings

The clitoris is the only part of the human body that’s sole function is for pleasure. This is why many women require clitoral stimulation to have an orgasm. The clitoris sits at the top of the vulva, just right above the vaginal opening. This is the part of the clitoris you can see, but much of the clitoris is internal. 

The A-spot is another erogenous zone

The A-spot is known as the anterior fornix erogenous zone and may be another pleasure point for some women. The A-spot is separate from the G-spot, although they are both near one another. The A-spot is located about 2 inches deeper than the G-spot. Because the A-spot is a couple of inches deeper, it may be more difficult to reach with just fingers. Using a toy with enough length will help stimulate the A-spot.

The vagina is self-cleaning

The vagina does not need any douching, soaps, dyes, or perfumes because it is naturally self-cleaning. The vaginal walls are made up of glands to help lubricate and cleanse the vagina. This is why douching is a bad idea – it flushes out the natural lubrication causing vaginal dryness and infections. 

Vaginal discharge is usually normal

Vaginal discharge is important for optimal vaginal health and maintaining a healthy microbiome. Your vaginal glands produce the discharge which regularly eliminates any unwanted, bad bacteria and dead skin cells. Normal vaginal discharge is either clear, white, off-white, thin or thick, and can be sticky with a slight (but not off-putting) odor.

Abnormal vaginal discharge will often have an unusual or foul smell, is a different color such as green, brown, pink, or yellow, and has a different texture or consistency.

Kegels give your vagina the workout it needs

Kegels help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, including those that support the uterus, bladder, small intestine, and rectum. 

To do a Kegel, contract your pelvic muscles as though you’re stopping the flow of your urine, hold for three seconds, relax for three seconds — repeat 10 to 12 times as often as you’d like.  It may be helpful to consult a pelvic floor physical therapist if you are uncomfortable or uncertain as to how to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.

The vagina may feel loose or narrow

The vagina is designed to expand and return to its normal state. With age, childbirth, or pelvic surgery there is a possibility the vagina will lose some of its elasticity and may feel loose. However, the vagina may also become narrower and shorter. This is known as vaginal stenosis. Vaginal stenosis may be accompanied by vaginal atrophy characterized by dryness, itching, and burning. The tissue of the vagina often becomes inflamed caused by decreased levels of estrogen. 

The vagina is acidic 

The vagina has a delicate ecosystem and is quite acidic. The vagina has a pH balance of 3.8 to 4.5. Douching, soaps, dyes, and perfumes can throw off this delicate balance, increasing the possibility of infections. 

The vagina and vulva need to be moisturized 

If you moisturize your face every day, then you should be moisturizing your intimate skin. As we age, the body produces less estrogen and collagen leading to dryness and the appearance of fine lines (yes the vulva can show the appearance of fine lines too). Investing in a high-quality vaginal moisturizer will help ensure the vaginal tissue remains healthy. 

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FemmePharma has been helping women navigate menopause for over two decades. No matter where you are in your journey, you deserve to have knowledgeable, intimate healthcare partners to help you feel your best. Explore our other articles, podcast episodes with women’s health experts, and products to ease your transition into menopause.

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