Anus

The anus is the opening at the end of the digestive tract through which stool leaves the body. It is located behind the vulva and is separate from the vaginal and urethral openings.

Bartholin glands

The Bartholin glands are two small glands located near the vaginal opening. They produce fluid that can help lubricate the vaginal entrance.

Bartholin cyst

A Bartholin cyst is a fluid-filled lump that can develop when one of the Bartholin gland ducts becomes blocked. Some cysts cause no symptoms, while others can become painful or infected.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV)

Bacterial vaginosis is a common vaginal condition caused by a change in the balance of bacteria in the vagina. It can cause a thin discharge and a noticeable fishy smell, although some people have no symptoms.

Cervix

The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects the uterus with the vagina. It sits at the top of the vaginal canal and changes position and texture throughout the menstrual cycle.

Clitoral hood

The clitoral hood is a fold of skin that covers and protects the glans of the clitoris. Its size and shape vary naturally from person to person.

Clitoris

The clitoris is a highly sensitive sexual organ located at the front of the vulva. The small visible part is the glans, but most of the clitoris extends internally beneath the vulva.

Clitoral glans

The clitoral glans is the visible external part of the clitoris. It contains many nerve endings and is often highly sensitive to touch.

Discharge

Vaginal discharge is fluid or mucus produced by the vagina and cervix. Normal discharge can vary in colour, consistency and amount throughout the menstrual cycle.

Dyspareunia

Dyspareunia is the medical term for persistent or recurrent pain during sexual intercourse or penetration. Pain can have many possible causes and may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex and other symptoms.

Estrogen

Estrogen is a group of hormones involved in reproductive and sexual development. Estrogen also influences vaginal and vulvar tissues, including their moisture and elasticity.

Female genital anatomy

Female genital anatomy includes both external and internal reproductive structures. The external genitalia are collectively called the vulva, while the vagina is an internal muscular canal.

Fourchette

The fourchette is the area where the inner labia meet at the lower part of the vaginal opening. It is sometimes called the posterior fourchette.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is inflammation of a hair follicle. On the vulva or pubic area, it can appear as small red or tender bumps and may be associated with shaving, friction or irritation.

G-spot

The term G-spot describes an area inside the front wall of the vagina that some people report as particularly sensitive. Its anatomy and existence as a distinct structure remain subjects of scientific discussion.

Genital herpes

Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). It can cause blisters or sores around the genitals, although some people have no noticeable symptoms.

Genital warts

Genital warts are small growths around the genitals or anus caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Different HPV types have different health effects.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. Some types can cause genital warts, while others can cause cellular changes associated with certain cancers.

Hymen

The hymen is a thin, flexible rim of tissue that can partially surround the vaginal opening. Its shape and appearance vary greatly, and it is not a reliable indicator of whether someone has had sex.

Inner labia

The inner labia, medically called the labia minora, are folds of skin surrounding the vaginal and urethral openings. They vary considerably in size, shape, colour and symmetry.

Interlabial space

The interlabial space refers to the area between the labia. Its appearance varies naturally between individuals.

Jock itch

Jock itch is a fungal skin infection that usually affects the groin and inner thighs. Despite its name, it can affect people of any sex.

Kegel exercises

Kegel exercises involve repeatedly contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. They can help some people improve pelvic floor muscle strength and control.

Labia

The labia are folds of skin that form part of the external genitalia. They include the labia majora and labia minora.

Labia majora

The labia majora are the outer folds of skin of the vulva. They usually contain fatty tissue and pubic hair after puberty and help protect the more sensitive structures of the vulva.

Labia minora

The labia minora are the inner folds of the vulva. They surround the urethral and vaginal openings and vary widely in length, thickness, colour and shape.

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect the vulva and surrounding skin. It may cause itching, irritation, white patches or changes in the skin's texture and should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Lichen simplex chronicus

Lichen simplex chronicus is a thickening of the skin caused by repeated scratching or rubbing. It can develop on the vulva and may create an itch-scratch cycle.

Lubrication

Vaginal lubrication is fluid that helps reduce friction, particularly during sexual arousal. Lubrication can vary depending on hormones, medications, stress, arousal, age and other factors.

Mons pubis

The mons pubis is the rounded area of fatty tissue over the pubic bone. Pubic hair commonly grows here after puberty.

Menopause

Menopause is the point when menstrual periods permanently stop because ovarian hormone production decreases. The hormonal changes around menopause can affect the vulva and vagina, including causing dryness or changes in tissue elasticity.

Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome is the community of microorganisms living in and around the vagina. Lactobacillus bacteria are commonly abundant in a healthy vaginal microbiome and contribute to its acidic environment.

Mucous membrane

A mucous membrane is a moist layer of tissue lining parts of the body. Parts of the vulva and vagina contain mucosal tissue that is different from ordinary external skin.

Nerve endings detect sensations such as touch, pressure, temperature and pain. The vulva contains many sensory nerves, particularly around the clitoris.

Orgasm

An orgasm is a peak of sexual pleasure that can involve rhythmic contractions of muscles around the genitals and pelvic floor. Experiences of orgasm vary widely between individuals.

Ovaries

The ovaries are two reproductive organs that produce eggs and hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Perineum

The perineum is the area of skin and tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus.

Pelvic floor

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues supporting the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs. These muscles are also involved in urination, bowel movements and sexual function.

Pubic hair

Pubic hair grows around the external genital area after puberty. It is completely normal and can vary significantly in thickness, colour, texture and distribution.

Pubic mound

The pubic mound is another term commonly used for the mons pubis — the soft area of tissue over the pubic bone.

Queef

A queef is the release of trapped air from the vagina. It can happen during sex, exercise, changing positions or other movements and is completely normal.

Razor burn

Razor burn is skin irritation that can occur after shaving. It may cause redness, itching, burning or small bumps around the pubic area.

Reproductive system

The female reproductive system includes structures such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina. The vulva is the external genital anatomy associated with the reproductive and urinary systems.

Skene's glands

Skene's glands are small glands located near the urethral opening. They are sometimes referred to as the female paraurethral glands and may contribute to fluid released around the urethra.

Smegma

Smegma is a natural combination of oils, shed skin cells and other fluids that can accumulate around genital folds. Gentle washing with water is generally sufficient; aggressive scrubbing can irritate vulvar skin.

Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

A sexually transmitted infection is an infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Examples include HPV, herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Transverse vaginal septum

A transverse vaginal septum is a rare congenital condition in which a wall of tissue develops across the vaginal canal. The thickness and location of the tissue can vary.

T-zone of the vulva

There is no medically recognised "T-zone" of the vulva. The term may occasionally be used informally to describe the central area around the clitoris and vaginal opening.

Urethra

The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The urethral opening is located on the vulva, above the vaginal opening.

Urethral opening

The urethral opening is the small opening through which urine leaves the body. It is located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is an infection affecting part of the urinary system. A bladder infection can cause burning when urinating, a frequent urge to urinate and lower abdominal discomfort.

Vagina

The vagina is a muscular canal connecting the vaginal opening with the cervix. It is located inside the body and is different from the vulva, which refers to the external genitalia.

Vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness occurs when the vagina produces less lubrication than usual or when the tissues feel dry or irritated. Hormonal changes, including those associated with menopause, can contribute to vaginal dryness.

Vaginal opening

The vaginal opening is the external entrance to the vagina. It is located within the vulva, below the urethral opening.

Vaginal microbiome

The vaginal microbiome is the collection of microorganisms living in the vagina. Its composition can change with hormones, sexual activity, menstruation, antibiotics and other factors.

Vaginitis

Vaginitis means inflammation or irritation of the vagina. It can have several causes, including infections, hormonal changes and irritation.

Vulva

The vulva is the collective name for the external genital structures. It includes the labia, clitoris, clitoral hood, mons pubis, urethral opening and vaginal opening.

Vulvar acne

Small spots or bumps can appear on the vulva or surrounding pubic skin. Causes can include blocked follicles, friction, shaving or irritation. Not every vulvar bump is acne.

Vulvar dermatitis

Vulvar dermatitis is inflammation of the vulvar skin. It can be triggered by irritation or allergic reactions to products such as soaps, fragrances, detergents, sanitary products or topical products.

Vulvar pain

Vulvar pain refers to pain, burning, irritation or discomfort affecting the vulva. Persistent or unexplained vulvar pain should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is chronic vulvar pain lasting at least three months without an identifiable cause. The pain may feel like burning, stinging, irritation or rawness.

Warts

Genital warts are growths caused by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). They can occur on the vulva, vagina or surrounding genital skin.

Xerosis

Xerosis means unusually dry skin. Vulvar skin can become dry because of irritation, skin conditions, hormonal changes or other factors.

Yeast infection

A vaginal yeast infection, commonly caused by Candida, occurs when yeast grows excessively in the vagina. Symptoms can include itching, irritation and thick white discharge, although symptoms vary.

Zone of the vulva

There is no single standard "zone" system for the vulva. Different parts of the vulva have different structures, functions and levels of sensitivity, and every vulva has its own natural anatomy.