The vulva

The vulva is made up of:

• two thin, delicate folds of skin called the labia minora
• two large, hair-covered folds called the labia majora – these surround the labia minora.

Between the labia are two openings:

• the entrance of the vagina (birth canal)
• the opening of the tube that drains urine from the bladder (the urethra).

At the front of the vulva is the outer tip of the clitoris. The clitoris is a sensitive structure that helps with sexual response and orgasm.

On either side of the vagina are two small glands called Bartholin’s glands. These make a fluid that acts as a lubricant during sex.

Above the vulva is an area of fatty tissue called the mons pubis.

Further back, under the legs, is the opening to the back passage (anus). The area of skin between the anus and vulva is called the perineum.

The area where the skin creases at the top of each leg is called the groin. There are lymph nodes under the skin of the groin. These are part of the body’s lymphatic system.

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