What is the shape and composition of the vulva and what are its most important functions?
The vulva is considered one of the most sensitive areas for women, as it expresses the female genital area that is outside the vagina, and because this part is very sensitive and it is important for every woman to know its secrets and mysteries, follow this article with us, we will explain to you all the information related to this organ.
What is vulva?
The vulva is the area that expresses the external anatomy of the vagina. The vulva includes the female genital organs and protects these organs. It is the main focus of sexual response. Some diseases, such as infections and sexually transmitted diseases, may affect this part of the body.
Vulva configuration
This organ is located under the pubic bone and in front of the anus. The vulva includes a number of organs inside it. These organs are sensitive tissues. The formation of the vulva can be explained as follows:
pubic mass;
It is the upper part of the vulva, and it consists of fatty tissues. Its location is the front of the pubic bones. It is prominent and visible from the outside, as if this part is where the pubic hair appears. This part contains sebaceous glands that secrete sex hormones.
The labia majora
They are prominent folds of skin and tissue that cover the contents of the vulva.
labia minora
They are located inside the labia majora, which are folds of skin also starting from the clitoris, and they are also considered a cover for the clitoris.
clitoris
It is considered clitoris It is a round part located above the vulva inside the labia minora, and is considered the primary sexual organ for women. This part is divided into two parts: the glans clitoris and the body of the clitoris. This part oozes with blood when aroused and protrudes more outside the vulva.
vestibular bulbs
These are follicles made up of tissue, near the back of the clitoris and extending into the urethra-vaginal canal.
The vestibule of the vulva
It is a smooth part located under the labia minora, which contains the urethral opening and the vagina.
Bartholin’s glands
They are located on either side of the labia minora, and are about the size of a pea. The vestibular glands are responsible for secreting sticky substances to facilitate penetration and sexual intercourse.
The opening of the urethra or urinary canal
It is an extension of the bladder, which is the part responsible for the exit of urine from the body, and it is tubular in shape.
opening of the vagina
This part is an extension of the cervix to the surface of the vulva. It is a muscular but flexible tube. This part is partially covered by the hymen.
The anatomy and shape of the parts of the vulva differ from one person to another, as the colors and size of the pubis, the clitoris, and the shape of the labia majora and minora differ. These differences are closely related to the proportions and amount of estrogen during puberty, but these differences do not affect functions. Also, some women may face some congenital abnormalities in the formation of these parts, including deformities of the uterus, cervix, and vagina.
vulva function
This part of the body may be primarily associated with sexual function. Among the most famous of these functions:
- He is directly involved in the process of sexual intercourse.
- The process of sexual arousal begins with it, and blood flows to most of its organs, which stimulates sexual pleasure.
- It produces some hormones that facilitate sexual intercourse.
- Excretion and disposal of urine.
The most famous diseases of the vulva
This part may be affected by some different health problems, and these problems may be due to sexually transmitted diseases, Among the most famous of these diseases:
chlamydia
Chlamydia is one of the most prevalent and common sexually transmitted diseases, and it is caused by a bacterial infection.
Gonorrhea
Gonorrhea infection often occurs with the problem of chlamydia, and its symptoms may include infections, secretions, and pain.
Syphilis
Syphilis may not show symptoms at first, but its symptoms soon appear on the body, and it is a serious disease that may cause serious complications.
herpes
Known as genital herpes, this disease causes lesions on the vulva, its symptoms appear and disappear, because it is a condition that cannot be fully cured, but it is lethargic and active.
Human papilloma virus
Or what is known as HPV, which is genital warts that appear on the vulva and genitals, and it is a viral infection, and it may disappear or become a chronic condition, in which case it may lead to cancer.
Immunity deficiency Virus
It is also known as HIV, which is also a viral infection, and it is a serious disease that attacks the immune system, and for this reason, immune functions may weaken, and AIDS may develop, and so far there is no effective treatment to get rid of this infection.
Hepatitis B and C
This inflammation is an infection that may result through sexual intercourse, so prevention and caution must be taken.
Pubic lice
Sexual intercourse is also the most common form of spread of this problem, and this problem is very common and painful.
other diseases
In addition to some other problems that affect this part of the body, namely:
- Urinary tract infectionIt is a bacterial infection of the urethra.
- Bartholin’s abscessThis condition affects the Bartholin glands and their ability to secrete hormones.
- lichen sclerosus, It is a chronic itching that causes irritation.
- vulvitis or itching of the vulvaThis condition causes swelling, redness, and burning, as well as vaginal discharge.
- Vaginal candidiasis or what is known as a vaginal yeast infection, This infection causes itching and pain, especially during sexual intercourse and urination.
- Atresia of the hymenThis problem occurs due to the blockage of the hymen, as it does not allow the menstrual cycle or anything from the vagina to pass, so it must be pierced.
- Vulvar cancerIt is a rare condition that may result from human papillomavirus infection or if lichen sclerosus develops.
How to maintain the health of the vulva
This part is very private and sensitive, so it must be preserved. This is done through some steps, such as:
- Conduct periodic examinations for him, whether the tests that you conduct for yourself to be reassured that there is nothing worrisome, or through the method of medical tests that help you in the early detection of any problem.
- Use warm water while washing the vulva, and dry it gently with clean towels.
- Do not use a vaginal douche without consulting a doctor, because the vagina cleans itself automatically through vaginal secretions.
- Keep wearing cotton underwear, preferably white only, because this maintains the health of the vulva and avoids infections.
- Rinse the underwear very well after washing it to get rid of the laundry detergent products completely.
- Any new underwear must be washed before you start wearing it.
- Keep toilet paper soft and white.
- It is necessary to change sanitary pads frequently during the menstrual cycle, and it is better to use tampons instead of pads for married women.
- Avoid scratching this area to avoid scratching and infection.
- Do not use any feminine hygiene products of unknown origin because they may cause irritation to this area, such as deodorants, sanitary pads, scented oils, shower oils, and others.