The Vulva
The vulva is a general term that refers to all the external features of the female sex organs, such as the labia, clitoris, and vagina. Because females' genitals are partially hidden under pubic hair, they can seem mysterious to many women. To see a detailed illustration and description of the various parts of a vulva, click to our female anatomy page. This area is a primary source of sexual pleasure in women, so no one should feel funny or ashamed to learn about it. Women should explore and understand their bodies and men should learn as well!
Are All Vulvas the Same?
Many women never really know what they have 'down there', which leaves them with many questions and may keep them from experiencing maximum pleasure. Women need to get to know themselves and take a good look at their vulvas. Examine the vulva by standing or sitting in front of a mirror. Vulvas are NATURAL every woman has one and each is unique. They come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. If you find, while exploring, that yours doesn't come close to looking like the ones you've seen on this web site, in Playboy, etc, DON'T WORRY! Each person's body is different! IT'S OKAY!
Slip and Slide!
One of the biggest sources of concern about the vulva are the discharges and the smells associated with it. The vulva can be a little bit messy, as is the case with many other parts of the body, but that is perfectly normal. With the onset of puberty, the vagina begins producing a clear, white discharge (called leukorrhea) that acts more as a germ and pollutant removing mechanism than anything else. It is kind of like a self-cleaning oven, making sure that no bacteria or other harmful substances enter. A different discharge is produced when the vagina becomes sexually aroused (this is clear and slippery, serving as a natural lubricant).
People either love or hate the unique smell of a vulva. Many do not realize that a healthy vulva should not smell unpleasant at all. Fishy, yeasty, or foul smells may indicate the presence of an infection, and should be checked out by a health practitioner.
Vulva Maintenance
The vulva is self-cleaning, so douching and using feminine deodorants really doesn't do much good. Douching on a regular basis can upset the natural amount of bacteria found in the vagina and is one way a woman can contract vaginitis.
The best thing to do to keep your vulva healthy is to eat healthily, exercise on a regular basis, wash regularly with soap and water, and wipe from front to back. If you wipe from back to front, you may accidentally infect the vagina with agents from the anus.
Check out www.teenwire.com, and/or www.sexetc.org, for more info on the vulva and all of its parts.