# Vulva vs vagina: an anatomy tour

> Getting the names right, and knowing every shape is normal.

Category: Body literacy · 4 min read · Written by the Splash team · Sources checked October 2026
URL: https://splash.care/learn/body-literacy/vulva-vs-vagina

## Quick answer

- The vulva is the outside; the vagina is the internal canal.
- Vulvas come in a huge range of normal shapes, sizes and colours.
- The vagina self-cleans: warm water and mild, non-perfumed soap on the skin around it is enough.

People often say "vagina" when they mean the whole area. But the bit you can see on the outside is the [Vulva](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/vulva). The [Vagina](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/vagina) is the internal canal. A study quoted in an NHS hospital leaflet found only 9% of people could correctly name all seven parts of the vulva, so you are in good company if this is new.

## The vulva (outside)

- **Mons:** the soft mound at the front, where pubic hair grows.
- **Labia majora:** the outer lips, usually with hair.
- **Labia minora:** the inner lips, without hair.
- **Clitoris:** at the top where the inner lips meet. The [Clitoris](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/clitoris) has lots of nerve endings, and much of it is under the surface. Its two internal "arms" are around 5 to 9 cm long, according to Jean Hailes.
- **Urethral opening:** where wee comes out.
- **Vaginal opening:** below the urethra.
- **Perineum:** the area between the vaginal opening and the anus.

## The vagina (inside)

The vagina is a stretchy, muscular canal from the vulva to the [Cervix](https://splash.care/learn/glossary/cervix). It is where period blood flows out, and where [tampons](https://splash.care/learn/period-care/products-compared) and cups go.

## Every vulva is different

Jean Hailes, an Australian women's health charity, says everyone's vulva is unique in shape, size and colour. [Labia](https://splash.care/learn/glossary#labia) can be long or short, symmetrical or not, and inner lips often show beyond the outer lips. Media images are often edited and do not reflect real bodies.

## Caring for it

- The vagina cleans itself, so do not wash inside it or douche. The vulva only needs gentle washing with warm water.
- The NHS says to use mild, non-perfumed soap if you use any.
- Skip perfumed soaps, gels, deodorants and scented wipes, which can irritate.
- Douching and perfumed products can upset the balance of vaginal bacteria and make BV more likely.

**Myth:** You need special products to keep your vagina clean.

**Fact:** The vagina is self-cleaning. The NHS advises against douching, scented products and deodorants, and says to use warm water and mild, non-perfumed soap on the skin around it.

> **Splash says:** have a look with a hand mirror sometime. Knowing your normal helps you spot changes like a new lump, sore or rash.

### When to see a doctor

See a GP or sexual health clinic if you notice a new lump, sore, ulcer, wart, a patch of skin that changes colour or texture, ongoing itching, or pain. Do not wait if something is bleeding or does not heal.

## Sources

1. [Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Trust: Anatomy of the vulva (patient leaflet)](https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/patient_information/PHY057_Anatomy_of_the_Vulva.pdf)
2. [Jean Hailes: Vulva and vagina](https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-topics/vulva-and-vagina/)
3. [Jean Hailes: Five things you didn't know about vaginas and vulvas](https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/articles/five-things-you-didnt-know-about-vaginas-and-vulvas-free-health-article/)
4. [NHS: Vaginal discharge](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/vaginal-discharge/)
5. [NHS: Bacterial vaginosis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bacterial-vaginosis/)

This is general information, not medical advice. Splash can’t diagnose. If you’re worried, talk to a GP, pharmacist or sexual health clinic. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US).