Could you tell your GP exactly where it hurts — your vulva or your vagina? Or would you just say “down there”?

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What is the vulva?   

The vulva is everything you can see on the outside, between the legs. It extends from the soft pad of skin over the pubic bone and pubic hair, back almost towards the anus and back passage.

It includes the openings you can see from the outside.

The vagina is different. It is the inside muscular canal and the passage that connects the outer opening to the womb. So, the vagina is the internal part, while the vulva is on the outside.

The different parts of the vulva  

There are several parts within this outer map: 

1. Clitoris
At the front tip of the vulva is the clitoris. It is a small, highly sensitive structure. What you can usually see is the head and a little fold of skin over it, like a hood.

2. Outer lips
These are the fuller folds on the outside of the vulva. In clinic, they are called the labia majora, meaning the large outer lips.

3. Inner lips
These are the thinner folds, called the labia minora, meaning the small inner lips. They meet near the clitoris at the front and frame the opening of the rest of the vulva.

4. Bladder opening
Just below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening is the urethra, or bladder opening. This is the small opening from which urine comes from. It is separate from the vagina.

5. Vaginal opening
This is the entrance to the vaginal canal, a muscular tube which ends in the entrance to womb (cervix).

6. Skin bridge/perineum
There is a short stretch of skin between the vaginal opening and the anus, or back passage. Knowing this area exists can help when talking about soreness that is right at the back rather than inside the canal.

Why knowing the names can help 

Saying “down there” is a very big map. A sore on the outer skin of your vulva is not the same as pain inside the vaginal canal.

The right words don’t replace a proper assessment, but they can help your clinician start in the right place.

You might say, “I’ve got an itch on my outer lip,” describe pain close to the opening of the vagina, or mention a lump near the front tip. Being more specific can steer the conversation a whole lot better than saying something hurts or itches “down there”.

Key takeaway

Vulva outside, vagina inside. The vulva is not a mystery, just different parts with different names. Knowing these names can help you explain what you are experiencing more clearly to your GP.

⚠️ Important Disclaimer — If you notice changes to your vulva and vagina, 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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