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FTLOI Learning Center
Anatomy
Vulva
The vulva. Not to be confused with the vagina.
It is often the case that when the world says "vagina", what they really meant is "vulva". Unfortunately, the word vagina is mistakenly used to refer to all the female genitalia that we can see on the outside of the body. Actually, the vagina is a separate individual piece of the reproductive system that shares a part of itself, the opening, with the vulva. The vulva also houses such other parts as the labia (inner and outer), clitoris, and urethral opening. To put it basically, inside is the vagina and outside is the vulva. ​​​​
While the vulva is home to the highly sensitive, pleasure-inducing structure in the clitoris, there are other parts that can be very pleasure generating. The outer labia function as the protective cover to the majority of the vulvar components like the urethra and vaginal opening. The inner labia begin at the clitoris and end just below the vaginal opening and offer additional protection. Pubic hair grows on all outer labia, but the size, shape, and color of both sets of labia from one person to the next can vary significantly. Over half of vulva owners will have have visible inner labia extending past the outer. During arousal, both labia fill with blood and enlarge, increasing in sensitivity. It can be pleasurable to touch, lick, nibble, pull, or pinch the labia.​​​​
One more vulva erogenous zone that is not well known is the urethral opening, sometimes referred to as the "U spot". The urethra itself is surrounded by tissue that engorges and swells during arousal. This tissue it tapped into the complex and powerful nerve networks of the clitoris. In fact, the urethral sponge is the tissue directly beyond the vaginal wall when the G area is being stimulated. As a result, it can be quite pleasurable to stroke and/or apply gentle pressure to the urethral opening.
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The vulva also contains openings for two sets of glands that provide lubrication and moisture (both everyday and for intercourse). The Skene's, or paraurethral, glands are located on either side of and just below the urethral opening. The other set are the Bartholin's, or greater vestibular, glands located just below and on either side of the vaginal opening.
Why the confusion?? This mislabeling is not a result of direct or deliberate ill intent. As some have put it, it is just how everyday language refers to that anatomy. This language is the culmination of years of developing sexual education primarily around reproduction. Only the vagina is relevant as only it accepts a penis for egg fertilization, moves menstrual flow, and delivers babies. The rest is not as important, especially something like the clitoris which is for pleasure. When discomfort when speaking about female sexual anatomy is so common, even among women themselves, it is hardly surprising terms are misused.
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So, since the word "vagina" has evolved as an everyday reference to all the female sexual anatomy, there is no great harm in doing so. However, if one wants to precise and correct, use "vulva" when speaking about the external parts. Language is flexible, it simply takes more people to feel more comfortable with and adopt the correct sexual health terms. ​​​​