AskAwayHealth
Vulva vs vagina — what’s outside and what’s inside?
August 5, 2026
Many women have spent more time looking at the back of their own head in a mirror than they have at their own vulva.
For many of us, “down there” has been treated as something mysterious, or even something to feel ashamed of. It’s often only talked about when there’s pain, or something feels wrong.
But having simple, clear, and honest conversations about this part of the body is important. Understanding the difference between the vulva and the vagina is a good place to start.
Watch the full video
Why knowing the difference matters
The easiest way to remember it is:
- The vulva is the outside.
- The vagina is the inside.
The vulva includes everything on the outside between your legs. It extends from the area where the pubic hair grows towards the back passage (anus) and includes the openings from the bladder and the vagina.
The vagina is the internal cavity. It is the passage through which a baby travels during birth.
A simple way to think about it is:
- Outside = vulva
- Inside = vagina
What is part of the vulva?
Starting from the area with pubic hair, you come to the clitoris.
The clitoris includes what was described as the clitoral complex, including the head and surrounding structures.
The vulva also includes:
- The outer lips (labia majora), which are the folds on the outside.
- The inner lips, which sit inside the outer lips.
- The opening from the bladder (the urethra).
- The opening to the vagina.
Towards the back is the perineal body, followed by the anus
Key takeaway
Understanding the difference between the vulva and the vagina is the first step towards feeling more confident about your body.
Remember: the vulva is the outside, and the vagina is the inside. Knowing the correct terms can make it easier to understand your anatomy, notice changes, and have clearer conversations with your healthcare professional.
More Reading
Review date
This post will be medically reviewed by August 2028
About the Author
Dr Sylvia Kama-Kieghe (FRCGP, FRSM, FRSPH) is a UK-based NHS General Practitioner with over 15 years’ experience in family medicine and women’s health. She is the founder of AskAwayHealth and works clinically in primary care, urgent care and digital health.
She is an honorary lecturer at the University of Sheffield Medical School, and involved in teaching and supervising trainee doctors. Her clinical practice includes a strong focus on menopause, menstrual and fibroid-related problems, vulval and vaginal health, and preventive care for women across the life course.
Dr Sylvia is the RCGP (Royal College of General Practitioners) 2026 Digital Champion and has been shortlisted multiple times for the CAHN Black Healthcare Awards for her work in reducing health inequalities. She also collaborates with the Patient Information Forum (PIF) on projects tackling online health misinformation and improving the quality of patient information.
Through the AskAwayHealth YouTube channel and website, Dr Sylvia aims to provide clear, calm and clinically sound explanations that help women understand their symptoms, know which red flags to look for, and feel more confident when speaking to their own doctors.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer — If you notice changes to your vulva, or have anything that concerns you, speak to your doctor. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace an assessment by a healthcare professional.
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