10 Surprising Vulva Facts

If you weren’t taught a lot about the vulva in school, that’s okay! Most of us were only taught about the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes when it came to female anatomy. The full structure of the clitoris wasn’t even discovered until the late 1990’s and, unfortunately, is rarely mentioned in sex ed.

Whether you have a vulva, are interested in vulvas, or just want to know more about the human body, here are some surprising facts about the vulva that you should know.

Vulva Fact #1

The vulva includes the labia, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal opening. Essentially, everything on the “outside” is considered the vulva.

Vulva Fact #2

The vulva has five main functions:

• Menstruation

• Reproduction

• Sexual pleasure

• Urination

• Protection

Vulva Fact #3

Vulvas come in different shapes and sizes. Also, a vulva may change size, shape, and color throughout a person’s life. When a person is sexually aroused, a vulva can appear darker because blood rushes to it.

Childbirth and menopause can cause permanent changes regarding the vulva's shape and size.

Vulva Fact #4

Vulvar dryness can be caused by changes (especially reductions) in estrogen typically associated with childbirth, breastfeeding, menopause, perimenopause, and ovary removal surgery. Cigarette smoking and douching can also disrupt the vulva’s natural biome and cause dryness as can immune disorders (such as Sjorgen’s syndrome).

Antidepressants, antibiotics, as well as cold and allergy medications can also lead to vulvar dryness and other vaginal health issues. If you are experiencing vulvar dryness, consider using a non-hormonal moisturizer that is meant to be used as a vaginal moisturizer. Don’t use your hand cream or face cream!

Vulva Fact #5

There is no medical evidence that removing pubic hair leads to a healthier vulva, a decreased risk of infection, or a decreased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Vulva Fact #6

“Vulva” comes from the Latin “volvere” meaning “wrapper,” and the vulva forms a type of protection for internal reproductive organs.

Vulva Fact #7

Cotton underwear is better for vulva health than is nylon, which can trap in too much moisture and heat and contribute to vaginal infections.

Vulva Fact #8

You can keep your vulva clean with water and mild soap. Harsher chemicals or cleaning routines (such as douching) may disrupt the natural and beneficial balance of your vulva’s flora, and may spark a yeast infection.

Vulva Fact #9

According to the Mayo Clinic, vulvodynia is “a type of long-term pain or discomfort around the outer part of the female genitals, called the vulva. It lasts at least three months and has no clear cause.” As many as 16 percent of people with vulvas in the U.S. experience vulvodynia at some point in their lives.

Vulva Fact #10

The Skene’s glands are part of the urethral opening. They produce a milky substance that lubricates your urethral opening when you urinate and can contribute to “squirting” for females during sexual activities (check out The Squirting Issue to learn more).

Want to learn more?

To find out more about the vulva, what’s “normal,” and what feels good and why, check out my ezine’s The Vulva Issue.

You can also chat with me. As an experienced sex and dating coach, I’ve helped people better understand their bodies, answer questions that they may not feel comfortable asking others, and improve their sex lives and dating strategies. Click here to learn more about sex and dating coaching with me.