Vaginal and vulval problems
What are the vagina and cervix?
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.
What is the vulva?
The vulva is the area that surrounds the vaginal opening.
- On the outside, there are the outer lips, which are usually fleshy and covered with hair and skin.
- If you spread the outer lips apart, you will see the inner lips. These are usually thin. Like all parts of the body, they come in all shapes and sizes. In some women, the inner lips are completely enclosed by the outer lips. In other women, the inner lips hang down further than the outer lips; this is absolutely normal.
- The area inside the inner lips round the vaginal opening and the urethra (pee hole) is moist and pink. The medical name for this area is the vestibule.
- The clitoris is at the top, where the outer lips meet.
What is the clitoris?
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.
Getting help for a vaginal or vulval problem
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:
- most vaginal and vulval problems can be dealt with easily
- if you do have an infection, it needs to be treated promptly
- doctors are used to examining the genital area – it is just like any other part of the body to them
- if you do not want to see your family doctor, you can go to your local genitourinary medicine clinic, or talk to the nurse at your doctor’s surgery.
Thinking about the problem
Before seeing the doctor, think carefully about what the actual problem is. Is it pain or is it itching? Do you have a discharge? Are you worried that someone could have given you an infection? Are you worried that your vulva does not look normal? Remember, your doctor cannot help you if he or she does not know what the problem is!
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 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
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Vaginal vulva problems
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