Vulva vs Vagina: What's The Difference?

Bloomi Intimate Talk

Vulva vs vagina — of course, they both start with a V and can be found in the same region — but they are not the same thing. Enter: Bloomi. We’re here to help you learn the key differences (and don’t worry, it’s OK if you don’t!)

It turns out, it is really common for women (and folks of all genders) to not know much about the female anatomy. In a survey commissioned by INTIMINA, fifty-seven percent of the women surveyed admitted they didn’t know as much about women’s anatomy as they thought they should. A lot of women aren’t familiar with their own bodies, with no proper sexual education in schools, and a lack of understanding passed from generation to generation.

Luckily, it’s never too late to learn more about your own body and explore what it is capable of. Here is what you need to know about your own vagina and vulva, below.

Vagina vs Vulva: How to Tell the Difference

Simply put, the vagina is the passageway through your body to your uterus or womb. It’s also where blood comes from during your monthly period cycle. Your vulva, though, is the term used to define the genitalia on the outside of your body. 

The Anatomy of the Vagina

A diagram of the vagina is going to look different than a diagram of the vulva. But they each play their own important role in how your body functions. We may hear the word a lot, but what exactly is a vagina?

The vagina is essentially a muscular pipeline. It’s perfectly designed for sex — extending to your cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and finally your ovaries. Think of the whole system as an elongated oval with two circular loops on the end; those are your fallopian tubes and ovaries. Although similar in basic structure, there is no one way your vagina should look, feel or be shaped like — it’s different for everyone.

The Anatomy of the Vulva

On the opposite end, your vulva isn’t the interior muscular pipeline, but the bits you can see on the outside. It is made up of two folds of skin — your labia majora or what are sometimes called lips. There are two sets of folds: the outer lips, called your labia majora, and the inner lips known as the labia minora.

These folds of skin offer an important layer of protection over the opening of the urethra (the tube where urine comes from) and of course, the vagina.

The Key Difference Between the Vagina and the Vulva

The key difference between the vagina and the vulva is that the vagina is located inside of your body, and the vulva is located on the outside of your body. Seems pretty simple to remember, right?

The 9 Most Frequently Asked Questions About The Vulva & Vagina

If you still have questions, don’t worry! No question is off-limits. According to our own research, here are nine of the most frequently asked questions about the vulva and vagina, with straightforward answers, below.

1. Where is my vulva area?

Your vulva is a broad term that encompasses all of the parts that make up the female external genitalia. Think: your lips (the labia majora and labia minora) your pubic bone, the clitoris, urethra and even the opening of your vagina. As a whole, if you can see it from the outside, it’s considered your vulva.

2. Is the vulva inside the lips?

Wondering where exactly the vulva is? There is an outer vulva, the parts of the exterior vagina that are outside of the lips. In addition, there is an inner vulva tucked inside of the lips. 

3. Should you clean your vulva?

It is recommended to wash your vulva in the shower with water and a mild product such as Bloomi Cleanse Intimate Foaming Wash ($14). This aloe-based foam is the perfect gentle cleaning solution to add to your daily shower routine. Simply add two to four pumps onto the palm of your hand and gently rub over the area, careful to only apply to the external area and not inside of the vagina. 

4. Is the vulva an opening?

The vulva includes the opening of the vagina, but once you go inside, that’s where the vagina begins. The vulva also contains the opening to the urethra, where pee comes out. 

5. What does a “normal” vulva look like?

Every vulva is slightly different in appearance, just like every person, so there is no “normal. While they all contain the same general parts and overall function, your vulva is uniquely you.  

6. What happens to a vulva when turned on?

Being turned on isn't just a mental thing; physical things are happening too. The vulva, including the vaginal opening, clitoris, as well as the inner and outer labia, experience an increase in blood supply, causing engorgement.

7. What does a “normal” vagina look like?

As we mentioned previously, there’s no such thing as a ‘normal-looking vagina.’ Your vagina is as unique as every other part of your body. Just as no two faces look exactly the same, neither do two vaginas.  

8. How do you self-examine your vagina?

The best way to stay on top of your feminine health is to examine yourself regularly. No one knows your body better than you do, and so you will likely be the first person to notice any changes or irregularities. 

Things to look out for: Soreness, redness, bumps, blisters, or warts. You can scope it out by sitting in front of a mirror with your legs pulled apart — it’s a great way to see the whole picture and get to know your body even more intimately.

9. Should you clean your vagina? 

Vaginal hygiene is just as important as any other form of hygiene. You wouldn’t want to forget to brush your teeth or wash your armpits, so don’t forget about your vagina. But make sure to only wash the outer regions and be careful of getting any soap or cleaner inside of your vagina. Bloomi Cleanse Intimate Foaming Wash ($14) is a safe and effective way to keep your nether regions clean and fresh.