Vaginal and vulval problems

The vagina is a tube connecting the uterus (womb) to the outside. At the top is the cervix, which is the base of the uterus. The cervix has a hole in the middle to allow menstrual blood to pass out from the uterus into the vagina. If you put two fingers into the vagina and push upwards, you will be able to feel the cervix. It feels quite large and round, and has a firm consistency (similar to the end of your nose).

During penetrative sex, the penis is in the vagina and sperm are squirted out over the cervix at orgasm (cum). Many of the sperms find their way through the hole in the cervix and up through the uterus. At the top of the uterus, there are two Fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus. The sperm swim up into the Fallopian tubes. If an egg is there, one of them will fertilize it and a baby has begun.

The vagina is about 7–9cm long, but it is very, very stretchy. It has to be stretchy to allow a baby to pass along it during childbirth. During childbirth the hole in the cervix enlarges to allow the baby to pass through.

 

The vulva is the area that surrounds the vaginal opening. 

 

If you feel forwards from the opening of the vagina, you will feel the clitoris just before the inner lips join together. It feels like small, soft pea. Its name comes from the Greek word kleitoris meaning little hill. Anatomically, its structure is somewhat similar to the male penis. It has a sensitive surface (rather like the end of the male penis) sheltered by a hood of skin (rather like the foreskin of the male penis, but not extending all the way round). Most of the time the clitoris is soft and hidden under the hood but, during sexual arousal, it swells with blood (similar to erection of the male penis) and sticks out.

 

Research from the University of Melbourne, Australia (Journal of Urology 1998;159:1892) has now shown that the clitoris is much larger than most people realize. It extends quite a long way inside, hidden by fat and bone. The main part is about the size of the end section of your thumb, and only the tip is visible externally. The part that extends inside divides into two arms (rather like a wishbone) surrounding the urethra (pee hole) and reaching towards the vagina. When the clitoris swells during sexual arousal, the whole structure can become quite large.

 

The clitoris is very sensitive and sexual pleasure is one of its main functions. However, the Australian researchers have found another function. The swollen arms probably squeeze the urethra closed to prevent germs being sucked into the bladder during orgasm. They may also support the walls of the vagina so that sex is easier.

 

If you have a problem in the vulval or vaginal area, such as itching or pain or discharge, you may feel too embarrassed to get help. (Of 100 women attending a clinic for vulval problems in Oxford, UK, five had suffered for over 20 years before plucking up the courage to see their family doctor.) To get help, you must overcome that anxiety. Remember that: 

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Wednesday, February 24th 2010

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Comments on this article

Posted by Optional on 13/07/2010 at 12:36:40 pm

Hi, I had tried sex with my boyfriend thrice. Whenever he insert his ** into my hole, i felt only pain instead of excitement. Later i realized whatever i insert into my hole to do masturbation, i got only pain nothing else. Im fear about my future marriage life. I've polycystic ovaries too. please clarify whats my problem and how to recover.

Posted by I don't know what to do... on 01/07/2010 at 10:20:40 pm

so I started my period when i was 17 and it was on and off for a while then it was steady and now i havent had it for about 6 months and i.v never had sex and now for about 2 years i have had white ish/ clear ooze coming out of my vagina and it kinda smells i dont know what it is or what to do??

Posted by karen on 14/06/2010 at 03:53:55 am

to minx hiya girl just like to say two things first of all your vaginal mound aka pussy bulge why feel embarreshed because you have s large vaginal mound.you should feel proud and happy of your vaginal mound. thats why us girls wear tight fitting jeans and swimsuits in the first place a vaginal mound is a sign of adulthood and is very sexy to men.second liposuction will not work on vaginal bulges because this is made of muscle and not fat and is an important part of your sexual system.so in my view if a man made a comment to you about your vaginal bulge because he thought you was wearing a sanitary pad it just goes to show you that he knew nothing about women how ignorant.so girl do not feel ashamed of your vaginal mound it is part of your body so you wear tight swimwear and bikinis after all,all womem have one .so do not feel embaressed about it after all,all women have one it is part of your body so enjoy it.ihope ihave gave you some advice and confidence go for it girl and good luck....karen

Posted by karen on 12/06/2010 at 03:34:49 pm

to optional who is 14 hi.sorry to hear about your promblem.what is causing your discharge is your age.your sex hornmones are racing a round your body at your age and sadly sometimes this one of the symtoms.sweetheart you need steroid cream from the doctors.also avoid deoderants around your vagina as this can make matters worse.just use soap and water your condition will clear up in time.take care and good luck us girls are with you....karen

Posted by Optional on 12/06/2010 at 02:22:33 pm

I have been bleeding now for 7 days I have notice a smell odor with the bleeding. I have not itching or discharge except for blood. I not sure what can be wrong? I know I'm memopause now. I did skip few periods then started up again for the last two months. I have never bleed this long.

Posted by karenl on 11/06/2010 at 09:12:06 am

to minx hiya well first of all do not be ashamed of your vaginal mound aka pussybulge.why do you think us girls shave our pubic hair and wear tight fitting jeans.it is to enhance of our vaginal mounds in the first.second liposuction will not work on vaginal mounds as this is muscle not fat.be proud of your vaginal mound wear a tight swimsuit or bikini and show it off on the beach the tighter the better iam not a shamed of my pussybulge so why should you be ihope i have given you some confidence good luck girl and show your pussybulge off yours karen

Posted by ??? on 05/06/2010 at 09:19:56 am

So Sunday night my boyfriend and I kind of had some rough (and poorly lubricated...) sex. Until about Wednesday I thought that I was just sore and itchy from the sex, but started getting thick white discharge and waddaya know, it's a yeast infection. I've been doing some at home remedies that seem to be working a bit until I can see a doctor. I only itch every now and then, it's not a chronic thing and it doesn't burn to the touch anymore or when I use the restroom. I still have that white discharge though. Could this be a sign that it's getting better? Or is that just typical?

Posted by Optional on 30/05/2010 at 02:55:54 am

for the past 16 months i have been itching in the vulva area. i have tried all sorts of creams. i have changed toilet paper, soaps and wonder whether the municipal water may be the cause as i have just moved from france and find that the water in the town i live in smells heavily of chlorene. the problem only started when i moved to england, which made me think it could be a water problem. could it also be menapausal?

Posted by Optional on 11/05/2010 at 08:47:57 pm

Hey "I'm 14" You have a yeast infection. You should see a doctor as soon as possible. I really hope you've done this already because it's been over a month.

Posted by Optional on 07/05/2010 at 06:17:20 am

I am a virgin but any time i try to have a foreplay with my guy than i start bleeding and am also having boils on my vargin,it goes nd comes back.i also have some spotting before the date for my menstrution is due.l am afraid please help me.

Posted by Optional on 24/04/2010 at 02:33:15 am

ive ben having pelvic pain and now my vagina hurts

Posted by Optional on 10/04/2010 at 12:32:49 pm

I have had cystitus in the past, but this seems diferent. Randomly mid-day today i have been needing the toilet continuesly and its being stinging really badly. I've put a pad in to catch any leaking but i'm worried somethings not right. I've had a look at my genitals using a mirror although unfortunately i don't actually know what they're meant to look like?!? i'm scared somethings come out of place or is swollen.. any advise?

Posted by Optional on 10/04/2010 at 10:08:11 am

there is pain in the lower abdomen after sex. Is this treatable with surgery?

Posted by Optional on 31/03/2010 at 03:03:18 pm

im 14, i keep getting awful smelling discharge which is a thick white/yellow colour it gets everywhere and soaks through my knickers and sometimes even my trousers, often i get really sore and itchy lips which i make worse by constantly itching/rubbing until the pain goes away and to top things off i get a slit at the top of my clitoris which bleeds and i think, but am not sure that this is what causes most of the discharge, is there a reason which you know of that i get this??

Posted by MINX on 26/03/2010 at 03:14:19 pm

I have a very embarrasing problem. The mound of my vaginal seems to look quite swollen, but its not. It does not hurt or anything, but when I wear a bikini or a swimsuit or a tight fitting dress the top of my vagina becomes very promanant. I have even had one boy asking me if I had a sanitary on. I was so embarassed! I have thought about having liposuction around the Vaginal mound, to get a much flatter look. Is lipo the answer?

Posted by frrrreee on 17/03/2010 at 09:10:35 am

When i go pee sitting down pee often sprays on my leg. is this normal?

Posted by Optional on 16/03/2010 at 08:13:09 am

The inner lips of my vagina are also really stretchy and I have a constant white discharge that I cant get rid off. Ive been getting it since I first started getting my period about 5 years ago. Is that normal? What does white discharge mean?

Posted by Optional on 18/02/2010 at 01:48:16 pm

The inner lips of my vagina are light purpleish and stretchy. is this strange?

Posted by Anonymous on 09/02/2010 at 05:48:00 pm

Abdominal pain after intercourse. Burning sensation in vagina when urinating, thick yellowish discharge. Married 44 years only one partnet.

Posted by Anonymous on 04/02/2010 at 08:40:00 am

I have a very thin vulva, and my inner vulva lips have virtually disappeared after having the following surgery while I was in my late thirties to mid-forties: 1)caesarian section, 2) vaginal surgery,3) abdominal hysterectomy + dyathermy. My last baby was born by C-Section, but previously I had 4 babies delivered normally and the effects had formed thick vaginal inner and outer lips. I don't look like that anymore. My husband finds my vagina feels the same, but the spontaneity of our sex life isn't there much in reality. Do you think there's some skin grafting or stem-cell grafting for my vulva, which may help improve my sex life?

Posted by Red, sore, itching painful Vagina & Vulval on 13/01/2010 at 02:56:00 pm

Hello. Well About 1 week ago i started getting vaginal soreness and itching so i got some thrush canesten cream as i thort it was a yeast infection. but it didnt work. then i started gettin pain whilst going to toilet and orange urine sometimes i started complaining about it alot more because it was alot more irritating for me. so i finally got into doctors and he took a swab im still waiting for mt results but the pain is still there and feels as if its getting worse. i dont no what to do though. because its slowing me down as i am a very active girl and taking time off school with important things coming up. does anyone no what it might be please. im in agony! thankyou xx

Posted by B on 13/01/2010 at 05:51:00 am

I have a small hole (the size of my pee hole) on the right side of the peehole on my vagina. Ihe opening is facing away from the vaginal hole, and it appears as a tube-like tunnel going in my vagina, it is also a bump at the opening. Is this normal?

Posted by Anonymous on 07/01/2010 at 10:02:00 pm

What does it mean if i have white looks like discharhe on the walls of the vulva

Posted by Donita Williams on 25/12/2009 at 04:08:00 am

Where are the answers/resolutions, etc. my problem is the same as chic123, posted 9/17 only, my husband has not had an affair (to my knowledge) my doctor says it has to do with menopause/walls of vagina thinning.

Posted by beback on 28/11/2009 at 07:49:00 pm

i married since 10 years up till now i practise sex only superficially without introduction as i can not tolerate it how ican solve the proplem

Posted by lou on 27/11/2009 at 08:26:00 pm

i had a baby 9 months ago and i had a 3rd degree tear which i had to have surgery on. I recently checked my vagina and noticed that there were a few skin tags type of things and when i stood up it looked as though the inside of my vagina seemed to protrude it does'nt hurt when im having sex or when i pee or any other time is there something wrong?

Posted by Jordan mcbride on 27/11/2009 at 12:10:00 am

i would like to comment on the " fishy smells" section on this website it has encougered me to wash more

Posted by Jane on 05/11/2009 at 02:44:00 pm

A week ago for the first time I felt a strange feeling around my Vagina at work which would not go away and it is starting to get on my nerves. I feel as though I could have an orgasm when walking or even sitting this feeling is with me allthe time I am awake.. My husband as made an inspection of the area and besides a slight white discharge sees no untowards reason. I have no other problem except I am coming into the menopause. Please advise your thoughts please.

Posted by Anonymous on 29/10/2009 at 03:04:00 pm

I have the same problem that someone posted on 15/04/2009 13:10:00, may i see the answer or response please?

Posted by Anonymous on 05/10/2009 at 08:31:00 am

I have what feels like a canker sore on only one side of my vulva. It hasn't grown or shrunk and started as just a pain during sex 5 days ago with my fiancee. Neither of us have a history of Herpes and I wanted to prepare myself for what it might be before going into the doctor's office.

Posted by chic123 on 17/09/2009 at 12:59:00 pm

I have these rasied things on the inside of my vulva lips-there are no flu-like symptoms- there is n pus, I don't see clear fluid, it only stings when I have to use the restroom. Once I use it the tingle goes away--like the wetness--There is no pain in the vagaina area,--I can't get into the doctor and i think they will leave there are two of them. Can this be tested afterwards. I have had the same partner, he unfortunatley decided he needed to cheat and not use a condom (forget my health huh)

Posted by Lerato on 04/09/2009 at 12:10:00 am

A week after having sex my vulva becomes itchy, my urine and discharge are ok. Should i be worried?

Posted by M on 10/07/2009 at 08:36:00 pm

I am 13 never had sex, never masturbated. I won't let anyone touch me in that area. I've had bladder infection 3 or 4 times and this week i've been haveing a little bit, but lately i've just been itchy inside the vagina and it's kinda red and dry. i take a shower daily and its driving me nuts! I don't have discharge when i do it's normal. I haven't had my period either. I'm scared to tell my mom cause when i said i had bladder infection the 4th time she freaked out..

Posted by sunrays on 06/07/2009 at 06:30:00 pm

i have a large sore lump to the right of my pee hole it aint got a head on it like a spot i cant cross my legs it hurts so much

Posted by B on 18/06/2009 at 07:20:00 pm

I keep getting a funny smell, sometimes it can be fishy but my vigina isnt swollen or sore. iv tried the BV treatment it goes but then it just comes back. Do you think it might be thrush?

Posted by Anonymous on 24/05/2009 at 12:15:00 am

im having problems with my vigina at the moment it is really sore and it sometimes itches, im too scared to go and see some one about it. Cud you help me???? thanks

Posted by feeling unclean on 18/05/2009 at 02:37:00 am

I have had a fishy smell for years like 30years and I have being to lots of Doctors and they give me medicine and its help for a few days and than they next time it don't seam to work. I have a itches discharge I cant reach a orgasms I feel like i have to pee all the time I hurt and >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>. Oman I just feel like just dieing sometime you know what I mean

Posted by Anonymous on 30/04/2009 at 11:59:00 am

I have been told I have a prolaspe in my vagina which is causing a problem where I have to use my fingers to be able to pee and also it feels like my rectum is also involved where I can feel the lump in there and it feels like itn is in the wrong place and I find it hard to have a bowel movement, I see a speacialist on the 7th but the problem is so uncomfortable and i have to also use my fingers to sometimes have a bowel movement. Can this be fixed to where I can be normal again? I have had a hysterectomy and also a bladder loop thing done in 1987. Can you plese help with some advice?

Posted by Anonymous on 22/04/2009 at 06:33:00 pm

Ive got a itchy and sore vagina, i dunno what this could be. i also produce alot of yellow discharge everyday

Posted by maya on 21/04/2009 at 01:53:00 pm

hi i have a problem in my vagina outer lips pigmentation.i have been to hospital to gynacologist and he said i will have under general anastetic removed that area and they also will biopsi some part. i did not ask doctor how i have this. can you help me with some information please. i am little anxious about operation i am having on the 6 th may 2009 kind regards maya

Posted by eve on 18/04/2009 at 12:36:00 am

i have had itching, red and swollen vultal for about 2-3weeks now. i dont know what it could be. i think it might be thrush, do you think it is?

Posted by Anonymous on 15/04/2009 at 01:11:00 pm

I cannot go to the bathroom and sit on the toilet seat to do the toilet like women are supposed to. I have a problem that when i do the toilet, urine goes everywhere over my leg and bum. Why does it not go straight down? I cannot use toilets anywhere as I need a shower straight after its not fair, I really need help.

Posted by Anonymous on 14/04/2009 at 08:58:00 pm

i have had a few sexual partners and both of them cant seem to make my orgasm... why is this? is there something wrong?

Posted by Anonymous on 07/04/2009 at 11:07:00 am

I have a cyst just above the clitoris and eurethra it bothers, me I can feel it there and wonder if it is interfereing with the 'waterworks' as I am always sore and have had a few urine infections.

Posted by Anonymous on 03/04/2009 at 02:46:00 pm

My boyfriend says he can feel my clitoris touching his stomach durng vaginal sex.Is it just possible that I have a long or big clitoris when its swollen that can make it easier to feel? He thinks its possibly a penis