Understanding the Vulva: Anatomy, Care, and Health
Understanding the Vulva: Anatomy, Care, and Health
The vulva, the external part of the female genitalia, plays a crucial role in sexual function, urinary function, and childbirth. In this post, we'll explore the anatomy of the vulva, proper vulval care, and common health conditions affecting this area.
Anatomy of the Vulva
The vulva refers to the external genitalia of the female reproductive system and includes several structures:
1. Mons Pubis: The rounded mound of fatty tissue located above the pubic bone.
2. Labia Majora: Outer folds of skin and fatty tissue that enclose and protect the other vulvar structures.
3. Labia Minora: Inner folds of skin located within the labia majora, surrounding the openings to the vagina and urethra.
4. Clitoris: A highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, responsible for sexual arousal and pleasure.
5. Vestibule: The area enclosed by the labia minora, containing the openings to the vagina and urethra.
6. Bartholin's Glands: Glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete fluid to lubricate the vulva.
Vulval Care
Proper vulval care is essential for maintaining vaginal health and preventing discomfort or infection.
Here are some tips for vulval care:
Gentle Cleansing: Wash the vulva with water daily. Avoid harsh soaps, douches, or scented products, as they can disrupt the natural balance of the vagina and lead to irritation or infection.
Wear Breathable Underwear: Choose organic fiber underwear such as cotton and avoid tight-fitting clothing, which can trap moisture. Wash these items with a fragrance and enzyme free washing detergent.
Feminine hygiene products: choose organic cotton tampons or pads if possible and change regularly. Try to avoid wearing a pad or liner everyday. You may like to try a menstrual cup for a daily wear during menstruation. Choose a cup without suction if you have an intrauterine contraceptive device to reduce the risk of unwanted malpositioning of the IUD. Avoid feminine hygiene sprays, washes, wipes and other perfumed products.
Hair care: In most cases, this is a personal choice as to whether it is necessary. Any form of pubic hair removal has the potential to cause folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) and/or skin irritation, but shaving is a significant cause of folliculitis. Laser hair removal is an excellent choice. Waxing can cause irritant reaction and mild folliculitis for some.
Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that can affect the vulva and vagina.
Check-ups: Schedule an appointment if you are concerned. Your doctor will examine your vulva during your cervical screening test to monitor vulval health and detect any abnormalities or infections early.
Lets talk about vaginal discharge
Vaginal discharge is a normal part of the female reproductive system and serves to keep the vagina clean and healthy. It helps to lubricate the vagina, flush out bacteria and dead cells, and maintain a healthy pH balance. Normal vaginal discharge is usually clear or milky white and may vary in consistency throughout the menstrual cycle. However, changes in the color, consistency, or odor of vaginal discharge can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue. This can be influenced by factors such as hormonal changes, sexual activity, or hygiene practices.
Changes that may indicate a medical review is needed:
Abnormal Odor: or fishy odor may indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or a sexually transmitted infection.
Unusual Color: Yellow, green, or gray discharge may be a sign of infection or other underlying health issues.
Changes in Consistency: Thick, clumpy, or cottage cheese-like discharge may indicate a yeast infection, while thin, watery discharge may suggest bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.
Itching or Irritation: Persistent itching, burning, or irritation of the vulva or vagina may be a sign of an infection or inflammatory condition.
Pain or Discomfort: Pain during urination, sexual intercourse, or pelvic exams, along with unusual discharge, may indicate an infection or other gynecological issue.
Common Vulval Health Conditions
Several health conditions can affect the vulva, causing discomfort or other symptoms. Some common vulval health conditions include:
Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (Yeast Infection): A fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the vagina and vulva, resulting in itching, burning, and abnormal discharge.
Vulvar Dermatitis: Inflammation of the vulvar skin, often caused by contact with irritants or allergens, leading to redness, swelling, and itching
Bacterial Vaginosis: An imbalance of bacteria in the vagina, characterized by a fishy odor and thin, grayish-white discharge.
Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite, resulting in itching, burning, and frothy, greenish-yellow discharge.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, or genital herpes can cause changes in vaginal discharge, along with other symptoms.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs, often caused by untreated STIs, leading to abnormal discharge, pelvic pain, and fever.
Genital Herpes: A viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), characterized by painful blisters or sores on the vulva and surrounding area.
Lichen Sclerosis: A chronic inflammatory condition that causes thinning and whitening of the vulvar skin, leading to itching, pain, and discomfort.
Vulvar Cancer: Although rare, cancer can develop in the tissues of the vulva, causing symptoms such as persistent itching, pain, or changes in the appearance of the skin. To reduce your risk avoid smoking, get routine cervical screening and extra examinations if symptoms arise.
Vulval Atrophy (Atrophic Vaginitis): common in menopausal women due to decreasing oestrogen levels. Resulting in thinning, drying, and inflammation of vaginal and vulvar tissues. Symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and pain during intercourse. This can be managed with oestrogen therapy (topical or systemic), and lubricants.
Vaginismus: Is a condition of involuntary tightening of the vaginal muscles when something enters the vagina. IT can be primary (lifelong) or develop later in life and can involve an element of fear or anxiety. This condition can be managed with pelvic floor physiotherapy and psychology.
Pelvic floor dysfunction: involves dysfunction or overactivity of the pelvic floor muscles causing pelvic pain and bladder or bowel symptoms. Treatment includes pelvic floor physical therapy, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques.
Vulvovaginal pain: Chronic pain of the vulva without an identifiable cause, such as those listed above is call vulvodynia. Symptoms include burning, stinging, raw or irritation which may be generalised of specifically localised. Vestibulodynia is a specific type involving the verstibule (entrace to the vagina) where pain occurs with tough or pressure, such as during intercourse, tampon insertion of pelvic examination. Treatment is individualised and a multidisiplinary team can be helpful. This might again include pelvic floor physiotherapy, psychology and pharmcological pain management.
Conclusion
The vulva is a complex and sensitive area that requires proper care to maintain optimal health. By understanding the anatomy of the vulva, practicing good hygiene, and being aware of common vulval health conditions, women can take proactive steps to protect and maintain their health. If you experience symptoms or have concerns about your vulval health, don't hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.