What’s The Difference Between The Vulva And The Vagina?

If you were asked to name the main organs of the female reproductive system, you would most likely name the vagina and uterus as the major female reproductive organ. While this is not false it is not entirely true because the female reproductive organ includes the external genital structure (Vulva), Vagina, Uterus and cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

While the accurate knowledge of the above is important, we will not be dwelling much on it today, rather we will focus on the difference between the vulva and the vagina.

Different terms same meaning?

What is the Vulva?

The Vulva is the external part of the female genital system (the part you can see between your legs). It is the part where you find the labia majora and labia minora also known as the “double doors”  the clitoris also known as (the door bell), the mons pubis, the opening of the vagina and other anatomical structures. (Fig. 1)

The vulva is the part that is most visible to the eyes hence the reason most people call it the vagina, but it is important to note that they are not the same, they have different parts and functions that clearly states their difference.

What is the Vagina?

The vagina is the tube between the vulva and the cervix. This tube is the connection between your uterus and the outside world. The vagina is what babies exit through during birth, and what menstrual blood exits through during your period. The vagina is also used for insertion, such as with a penis, finger(s), female condoms, sex toys, tampons, or menstrual cups etc.

During penis-vagina sex, sperm is deposited in the vagina, allowing sperm to enter the uterus through the cervix. The walls of the vagina can also be used as an administrative route for medications and contraceptives, such as intervaginal hormone creams, the hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring, or vaginal suppository medications. (Do not administer any of these medications without prescription from a certified medical practitioner)

How do you maintain the Vulva-Vagina Hygiene?

The vagina and the vulva are not cleaned the same way, the vagina is a self cleaning organ which means you do not need any external cleaning agent to clean it, however, the vulva is not the same. The vulva requires that you clean it is at least twice a day with a mild soap.

You can clean around the labia and under it in order to remove sweat or any sort of dirt that may have been accumulated there also to help protect the vagina from potential contamination from unhealthy bacteria.

Many people do not know the difference between vagina and vulva. This is not surprising, since some products meant for the vulva health is usually referred to as vaginal products.

For instance, a feminine wash meant for the vulva may be called a vagina wash hence the misconception. It is important that the producers of some feminine products name them accordingly so as not to misinform the end users or scare them away from using it.

Imagine after learning that the vagina is a self cleaning organ then you are offered a product which states that it is meant for cleaning the vagina as the end user, you may be confused as to whether you need it or not. Some producers of these products claim they name these products ”vaginal wash” instead of ”vulva wash” for general acceptance as it is believed that some people may not know the difference.

In all, it is important that we all know the difference and address them accordingly! Cheers!!

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