Vulva
The external genital organs of the female, or external opening of the vagina is known as the vulva (also sometimes called the pudendum).In human beings it consists of the labia majora and labia minora (whilst these names translate as "large" and "small" lips, often the "minora" can be larger, and protrude outside the "majora"), clitoris, opening of the urethra (meatus), and the opening of the vagina.
The main functions involving the vulva are urination, sexual behavior, menstruation, and childbirth.
The soft mound at the front of the vulva is the mons pubis. Or specifically for humans, the mons veneris or "mount of Venus". After puberty it is covered with pubic hair to some extent, the amount being determined primarily by heredity. The labia majora or large lips extend on either side of the vulva, and may also be covered with pubic hair. The labia majora entirely or partially hide the other parts of the vulva. The colour of the skin of the labia majora is usually close to the overall skin colour of the individual, although there is considerable variation.
The labia minora are two soft folds of skin within the labia majora and to either side of the opening of the vagina. The clitoris is at the front of the vulva where the labia minora meet. The opening of the urethra is between the clitoris and vagina.
The vulva has Bartholin glands that produce a lubricating substance that makes sexual penetration easier (the vagina also exudes vaginal lubrication). If this lubrication is insufficient, artificial lubrication may be used.
The appearance of the vulva and the size of the various parts varies a great deal from one woman to another, and it is common for the left and right sides to not "match" exactly in an individual woman. In many cultures, including modern Western culture, some women have shaved or otherwise depilated part or all of the vulva.
Western cultures have commonly viewed the vulva as something shameful that should be hidden; the term pudendum literally means "shameful thing." However, in some other cultures it has been celebrated and even worshipped. In some Hindu sects the vulva is revered under the name yoni, and texts seem to indicate a similar attitude in some ancient Middle Eastern religions. As an aspect of Goddess worship such reverence may be part of modern Neopagan or Wiccan beliefs, and may be indicated in paleolithic artworks. Some cultures consider the vulva to be "unclean" and go as far as to advocate female circumcision.
In the Muslim world, a woman is considered 'unclean' during the duration of the menstruation cycle (because of the discharge of blood), and is thereby exempt from ritual prayers and worship such as Salah and fasting. Incidentally, in Islam, anyone, man or woman, who is bleeding for any reason, whether it is due to an injury or menstruation, is considered 'unclean' and therefore exempt from ritual prayers, until the blood discharge ceases.
Heterosexual couples wishing to avoid pregnancy should note that conception is possible if semen comes in contact with the vulva (even through underwear) because the sperm can be introduced into the vagina by capillary action. Furthermore, if penetration occurs but ejaculation never takes place, pregnancy can still result.
In common speech, the term "vagina" is often used improperly to refer to the vulva or female genitals generally, even though strictly speaking the vagina is a specific internal structure and the vulva is the exterior genitalia only. Calling the vulva the vagina is akin to calling the mouth the throat.
See also:
- Labia
- Clitoris
- Urethra
- Vagina
- Anus
- Orgasm
- Vulvovaginal health
- Pussy
- Female genital mutilation
- Clitoridectomy