Understanding your body- from vulva to vagina

While female bodies have often been objectified and viewed through the male gaze as objects of desire, there has been limited discussion about their anatomy and how it functions. Our body parts are often referred to using cute terms that don't directly relate to their names. As a result, many of us may not fully understand what is happening, especially down there. While we know the terms vagina and vulva, how many of us can confidently claim to understand it? Let's understand!

The vulva is the outer part of our intimate area that is visible to us. The vagina is the muscular canal that connects the vulva with the cervix. The vulva is a donut-shaped muscle above your vagina.

The vulva is the outer part of the female genitalia and includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, clitoral hood, urethral opening, and vaginal opening. You might wonder if how you look down there is normal. However, remember vulva comes in different shapes and sizes. We cannot point to one shape and consider it to be the standard. Even the colours may vary. While some have pinkish vulva, some have purple or brown, making them normal, unless there's any sudden shift in colour along with any discomfort.

This is the outermost part of your vulva- the fleshy outer lips where pubic hair grows. They can be different in shape, size and colour.

Labia minora is the inner part of labia majora. Another set of fleshy lips but thinner, softer, wet and hairless. This part grows during puberty.

This is the main area for sexual sensation. It is an oval-shaped nub that is above the labia minora. Its visible part is called the 'glans clitoris'. The entire structure of the clitoris is much bigger inside your body. Want to know a fun fact? Your clitoris has over 10,000 nerve fibres in total-more than any organ! Plus clitoris is there for your pleasure.

It is a flexible fold of skin covering your glans clitoris. This part protects your clitoris from friction and irritation. When aroused, your clitoral hood pulls back as the clitoris swells due to pleasure. This process exposes your glans clitoris making your experience the pleasure.

Yes, we pee from a different hole! The urethral opening connects the urethra to the vulva. This opening is above your vagina and below the clitoris. This opening helps us in eliminating urine from the body.

The final part of your intimate anatomy is the vaginal opening. It is a visible opening from the outside. When you give birth, this opening dilates and the baby comes out. This is also the same opening through which your period blood flows out.

This is the inner muscular canal which starts at the vaginal opening and connects the vulva to the cervix. The walls of your vagina help you bleed during your periods, they even create the discharge that you often see.

• The vagina is a self-cleaning organ. Your intimate area cleans itself. Hence, you must never try to clean out your vagina.
• With the vulva and other visible parts of your intimate area, mild soaps and water are enough. If you experience discomfort or infection go to the doctor and follow their word.

Understanding the anatomy of the female genitalia is crucial for both personal health and empowerment. Embrace your body's uniqueness and ensure you are informed and confident about your intimate health.