Vulva
Hear this word Vulva
Also known as: Many people call this area the vagina, but “vagina” really refers to the area inside the body. This is why most of the slang words used for vagina are the same ones that are used for vulva.
Image description: Illustration of a vulva
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An Example
Pax wants to learn more about their vulva, so they get a hand mirror and put it underneath their legs. Pax looks at their vulva. In some ways, their vulva is different from vulvas they’ve seen in illustrations. In other ways, their vulva is similar. Pax remembers that there is no one way for vulvas to be, and that all vulvas are unique! Pax feels proud because they are becoming more knowledgeable about their vulva.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- The vulva is a group of different body parts. When a person looks at their vulva using a hand mirror, they notice the color of their vulva, the way the pubic hair surrounds their vulva (or lack of pubic hair if it is removed), and they also might notice the labia. Some people might be able to view the clitoris as well. To see the opening of vagina, some people may need to move the labia apart.
- Vulvas look different from person to person, and that is okay.
- If there are any bumps, discharge, or feelings of pain or irritation in the vulva, make sure to contact a health care provider immediately.
- No one should touch another person’s vulva without permission (consent). Talk to someone you trust if someone is pressuring or forcing you to touch their vulva or to touch your own vulva.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
Do all vulvas look the same?
No, all vulvas do not look the same. All vulvas look different from person to person.
Explore illustrations of different vulvas at thevulvagallery.com
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!