Vulva vs Vagina: What’s the Difference?

For many of us, the word "vagina" has been the go-to term for everything down there, but it's not technically correct. It's important to recognize the difference between the vulva and the vagina.

The terms "vulva" and "vagina" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different parts of female sexual anatomy. 

The vulva is actually what you see on the outside — it includes the mons pubis (the pubic mound where hair grows), labia majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), clitoris, clitoral hood, urethral opening, and vaginal opening. Think of it as the gateway to the internal reproductive system. On the other hand, the vagina is an internal canal that connects the vulva to the cervix, serving as the birth canal and the passage for vaginal discharge and menstrual blood.

Knowing the difference between these parts is important not just for understanding your body, but also for your sexual health. Being able to clearly explain your symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider can make a big difference in getting the right diagnosis and treatment.

Below, we take a closer look at the difference between vulva vs. vagina, and why it’s so important to use the correct terminology.

The vulva

The vulva is what we commonly refer to as the external female genitalia. It’s made up of the labia, clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal opening. 

The labia majora are the outer folds where pubic hair grows, while the labia minora are the inner, hairless folds. These can vary greatly in size and appearance, and it's normal for one side to look different. It’s also completely normal for the labia minora to be longer than the labia majora (or stick out). Humans are rarely perfectly symmetrical, and genitals are no exception. 

The clitoris (often likened to the male penis in terms of its role in sexual pleasure) is a highly sensitive organ located at the top of the labia minora. It's actually much larger than its visible part, with internal extensions that wrap around the vaginal canal. The clitoral hood covers and protects it, retracting during arousal to expose the glans clitoris.

In a 2018 study involving over 600 women, researchers found there's no such thing as an "average" vulva because each one is totally unique. They discovered that the length of labia minora ranged from 5 mm to 10 cm on average, and labia majora could be anywhere from 1.2 cm to a whopping 18 cm long. As for the clitoris, it averaged around 7 mm, but some ranged from as tiny as 0.5 mm to as large as 3.4 cm. Like people, genitals come in all shapes and sizes.

Other components of the vulva include a tiny hole called the urethral opening, from which pee exits, and the vaginal opening, where the labia minora meet. These openings are distinct and serve different functions, despite their proximity. There is also the “vestibule”, a thin piece of tissue between the labia minora and the vagina. 

The vagina and internal reproductive organs 

Beyond the vulva, women have an internal reproductive tract that goes beyond just the vagina. It also includes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

The vagina is a muscular canal extending from the vaginal opening to the cervix. It's where vaginal discharge and menstrual blood exits, tampons, sex toys, and menstrual cups are inserted, and where penetrative sexual intercourse takes place.

The vagina is a self-cleansing organ that makes vaginal discharge to maintain a healthy environment by flushing out bacteria and dead cells. Douching or using soaps inside the vagina can disrupt this balance and increase your risk of infections.

The uterus (or womb) is where a fertilized egg implants and grows during pregnancy, while the cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. The ovaries produce eggs and hormones, playing a key role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive health.

Why the difference matters

Understanding the difference between vulva vs. vagina isn't just about using correct terminology; it empowers people to take charge of their health. Awareness of normal variations in anatomy can ease unnecessary insecurities about the way your genitals look. Remember, each person's anatomy is unique, and differences in appearance are completely normal.

By demystifying these terms, we can not only foster a healthier relationship with our bodies but also advocate for more informed healthcare decisions. Some conditions that affect the vagina won’t affect the vulva, and vice versa. Knowing the difference makes it easier to recognize any worrisome symptoms and troubleshoot any issues.

FAQ

Is the vulva the lips?

The vulva includes two sets of “lips” — the labia majora and labia minora. So while the outer and inner lips are part of the vulva, they’re called “labia”. 

Is vulva the correct term?

Vulva is the correct term for the female external genitalia. These include the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris (and clitoral hood), and the urethral and vaginal openings. 

Does the vulva include pubic hair?

Although pubic hair isn’t considered part of the vulva, it does grow on the vulva — specifically, the mons pubis and labia majora.