Vulva vs. Vagina: What's the Difference and Does it Matter?

It is essential for your sexual and overall well-being for you to know what and how your body functions, especially when it comes to your genitals. The more you know your body, the better you can take care of it.

The Vulva 

The vulva is the outer or external part of the female genitalia; it includes the labia majora, labia minora, urethra, and clitoris. The vulva protects a woman's sexual organs, urinary opening, vestibule, and vagina, and did we mention it's the center of a woman's sexual response? 

(Graphic: Property of Medical News Today.)

Anatomy Of The Vulva

• The Clitoris: While it may look tiny, this part of the clitoris that sits on the vulva is just the tip of the iceberg. The rest of this magical organ spreads internally and can be as long as 5 inches for some women. It has over 8,000 nerve endings, double the amount found in the penis, sorry boys. Just like the penis, the clitoris can also become erect due to increased blood flow that happens when aroused. 
• Labia Minora: The labia minora or inner lips are inside your outer lips or labia majora. They help protect your vulva and vagina from irritation and infections. Labia Majora: The labia majora or outer lips are the folds of skin around your vaginal opening. Labia vary in size, texture, and color.
• Clitoral Hood: It sits at the top of the vulva, where the inner labia meets; it covers the external area of the clitoris.
• The Urethra: This tube connects to the bladder and allows urine to leave the body. 
• Mons pubis: The mons pubis is the mound of tissue above your vulva that cushions your pubic bone. It becomes covered with hair at puberty.

The Vagina

The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the cervix and the uterus to the outside world. It's what babies pass through during vaginal childbirth, where a woman's menstrual blood leaves the body, and more.

(Graphic: Property of Medical News Today.)

Anatomy Of The Vagina: Vaginal Opening, Vaginal Wall, The Cervix & The Uterus

• The Vaginal Opening: Located between the urethra and the anus, this is where menstrual blood exits the body, where babies pass through during birth, and penetration occurs during sex.
• The Vaginal Wall: The vaginal wall is similar to the roof of your mouth. The vaginal walls have many nerve endings that help you experience pleasure during sexual intercourse or masturbation. 
• The Cervix: Connects your womb (uterus) and vagina. The cervix stretches during childbirth to allow the baby to pass and opens to allow the passage of menstrual blood.
• The Uterus: The uterus or womb is a pear-shaped organ in the reproductive system responsible for pregnancy, menstruation, labor, and delivery.

Summary

Your vulva is all the external parts of your genitalia, which include the clit, the urethra (where you pee), and your lips. The vagina, on the other hand, is all of the internal parts. It allows you to experience sexual pleasure and vaginal birth; the vagina is also where menstrual blood exits the body.

Keep reading our regular blog feature, where we answer your 'real' questions about feminine health. 

References:

Cleveland Clinic, Medline Plus, Healthline, WebMD.