The vulva and its functions. What diseases affect the vulva?

Proven content

The vulva, although the name is associated with defeat, has very important functions in the female body. It is a collection of the external genitalia that protects the internal ones. Unfortunately, the vulva is exposed to certain diseases due to poor hygiene and microbial infections.

What is the vulva?

Often in everyday speech, the female genitalia is called the vagina. Meanwhile, it is a mental shortcut. The vagina is part of the reproductive system, a tube about 6-8 cm long that connects the vulva to the cervix. Meanwhile, the entire external female genitalia is the vulva.

The functions of the vulva

The structure of the vulva is not accidental as it has to fulfill several functions. First of all, it is about protecting the entrance to the vagina and its interior against mechanical injuries and pathogens. The labia, both larger and smaller, play this role. On the other hand, the Bartholin glands, located symmetrically on both sides of the vaginal opening, secrete mucus needed to moisten it, mainly during intercourse. An important element of the vulva is also the clitoris, an organ called the female equivalent of the penis. The comparison is due to the fact that during sexual intercourse, it also fills with blood and responds to pleasure.

Also read: “Intimate hygiene with five plus points”

Vulva – innervation and blood supply

Blood supply and innervation are important elements of the vulva. Both are important during both sexual intercourse and childbirth. When it comes to the blood supply to the vulva, the arteries in the area provide the blood that is rich in nutrients and oxygen. The blood supply to the blood vessels comes from the femoral artery, but the main one is the internal labia, which is a branch of the internal iliac artery. Further, the internal labia artery divides into the vulvar artery, posterior labial branches, the artery of the vaginal bulb and the dorsal clitoral artery.

On the one hand, the innervation of the vulva makes a woman feel pain and other unpleasant ailments, but on the other hand, she also experiences clitoral orgasm. It is the vulva nerve that is responsible for orgasm, the branch of which is the dorsal nerve of the clitoris. In addition, the anterior labial nerves from the ilioinguinal nerve (the front part of the labia), the posterior labial nerves that are a branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh (the rear part of the labia), and the sex nerve from the genitourinary nerve (labia majora) run through the vulva. .

Construction of the vulva

The vulva is a group of elements that include:

1. the pubic mound, i.e. a bulge consisting of fatty tissue, extending over the labia majora to the groin, overgrowing with pubic hair in adolescence, has sebaceous glands under the epidermis,
2. vestibule of the vagina – a shallow depression surrounded by the labia minora on both sides, as well as the clitoral frenulum at the front and the labia frenulum at the rear; in the atrium, the ducts of the vestibular glands (Bartholin’s glands) and the urethra have an opening; The greater vestibular gland adjoins the perineal membrane and is partially covered by the bulbar-spongy muscle and the atrium bulb – the equivalent of the penile spongy body.
3. clitoris – a cylindrical body about 2 cm long, formed as a result of joining two cavernous bodies, consisting of a glans, shaft and legs; lies under the pubic mound,
4. clitoral foreskin – skin fold above the clitoris,
5. clitoral frenulum – a skin fold that is part of the front part of the labia minora,
6. labia frenulum – the place where the labia minora join,
7. posterior commissure of the labia – the place where the labia majora are joined at the back,
8. anterior commissure of the labia – the place where the labia majora are joined at the front,
9. labia minora – skin layer, pigmented, thin and devoid of hair and sweat glands, their front ends are divided into two laminae; are visible after opening the labia majora,
10. labia majora – extended folds of skin that extend from the pubic mound to the anus and are separated on the side by a dermal-femoral furrow; on the medial side there is a vulva gap between the lips.

What does the vulva look like?

Although there are pictorial drawings showing the individual elements of the external genitalia, the appearance of the vulva differs from woman to woman. It is difficult to talk about one pattern here, although it is important that its structure is correct. The differences in the appearance of the vulva may include the development of larger or smaller labia. In some women, the larger labia completely cover the smaller ones, in others the smaller ones will protrude slightly beyond the larger or equal to them.

However, it is worth mentioning some defects of the vulva here. They include:

1. hypertrophy of the labia – it is primarily about the hypertrophy of the labia minora, which is painful and significantly impedes functioning (even in childhood, you can undergo plastic surgery, which will improve the functions and aesthetics of the girl’s vulva),
2. clitoral hypertrophy – a non-physiological hypertrophy often dependent on hormones, it can be noticed already within the vulva in an infant.

The vulva can change appearance under a variety of circumstances. The biggest changes are related to pregnancy. The vulva becomes more sensitive before birth, and the reduction in estrogen production makes its mucosa thinner and more susceptible to infection. In addition, a woman develops discoloration on the abdomen, as well as on the external genitalia. The vulva undergoes even more advanced changes after childbirth. During the first solution, the labia ligament is torn, among other things.

Pregnant vulva

In addition to the fact that discoloration (darkening of the epidermis) may occur, the vulva will also be much more supplied with blood during pregnancy. Like the vagina, it will become congested and swollen due to the increased number of blood vessels. This is what will explain a swollen pregnant vulva.

Many women wonder about itchy vulva in pregnancy. This is the effect of mucosal hypertrophy and a reduction in the acidity of the vulva environment, which in turn may lead to fungal infections and accompanying inflammations.

Check also: “What is worth knowing about intimate hygiene fluids?”

Srom – disease

Like any organ, the vulva is also exposed to various diseases and ailments.

1. Itching of the vulva. The feeling of itching can be caused by various reasons – poor hygiene or allergic reactions to intimate hygiene products, washing powder, hygiene products. There is also itching of the vulva before the period, which is most often associated with vaginal dryness. However, itching can also be a sign of more serious problems, such as mycosis of the vulva or inflammation of the intimate area. Less commonly, itching is a signal of a tumor.
2. Mycosis of the vulva. It is a disease that affects up to 75 percent of people. women of all ages and almost always height. Candida yeasts are responsible for its development. The most important symptoms of mycosis of the vulva are itching, white and cheesy lumps, reddening of the labia, white thrush and severe pain during sexual intercourse. If you have these symptoms in the vulva, see your doctor as soon as possible.
3. Inflammation of the vulva. A condition that is relatively rare, much rarer than urethritis or vaginitis. It is itching and burning and results from mechanical damage to the vulva epithelium, i.e. burns, abrasions and irritations. These, in turn, can be the result of vaginal dryness, low estrogen levels, inadequate intimate hygiene, or frequent change of sexual partners. Sometimes vulvitis is caused by fungal or bacterial infections. They also coexist with ailments such as nephritis, urinary incontinence or diabetes.
4. Cancer of the vulva. Cancer that most often affects the clitoris and the labia. Itching is one of the first symptoms, but the most important symptom is a small lump that you can feel under your fingers. In addition, the vulva affected by cancer will be ulcerated. Cancer is most common in women over 60 and results from mechanical damage to the vulva epithelium and skin. This does not mean, however, that it does not attack younger patients either. In these cases, cancer of the vulva is associated with an HPV (human papillomavirus) infection. However, regardless of age and causes, prompt detection and treatment implementation make the likelihood of mortality low. The prognosis is worse when lymph node metastasis occurs.
5. Benign tumors of the vulva. There are at least five such cases. The first of these is fibroma, i.e. excessively multiplied connective tissue cells – fibroblasts. The lesion is surgically excised. Another example is a lipoma, a lesion that grows slowly. Its sudden enlargement and pain may indicate malignancy. This type of cancer of the vulva is also treated by resection. The hemangioma attacking the vulva takes the form of red, non-bleeding nodules that must be removed when detected because they may be painful with enlargement. There may be polyps in the vulva, but rarely – small changes in the epithelium with strong vascularization. The last case is condyloma, or genital warts. These are difficult to treat, numerous and minor skin lesions. Their cause is infection with HPV 6 or HPV 11 virus, which is sexually transmitted.
6. Herpes. It is caused by herpes simplex viruses. It hatches for about 2 to 10 days, after which ulcerations appear on the vulva in the form of bubbles, which then turn into pustules and erosions. There is also vulvar erythema. In active lesions, the herpes contagiousness is the highest, and when they are accompanied by bacterial infection, abdominal and muscle pain, fever and headaches may occur. Vulvar herpes is diagnosed by vesicular virus culture or PCR testing.
7. Lichen sclerosus of the vulva. There is no clear origin. It manifests itself with pain, itching and burning around the vulva, as well as the appearance of clear or white lumps. Sometimes the symptom is also dryness and cracking of the skin. The disease affects not only the vulva, but also the area around the anus. Lichen sclerosus affects both sexes, but it affects women more often, especially during menopause. If left untreated, it can lead to neoplastic changes and leave unsightly scars. That is why it is so important to care for the vulva in the menopause.
8. Inflammation of the Bartholin gland. It most often affects sexually active women between the ages of 20 and 30. It has a bacterial basis. Symptoms of this type of disease in the area of ​​the vulva are increased body temperature, swelling and redness of the vulva, as well as the appearance of a lump in the vestibule of the vagina. As a result, the ailment is painful, especially when changing positions, e.g. sitting down. The lump itself is filled with pus. Inflammation of the Bartholin gland can be acute (short and painful) or chronic (long and with muted symptoms).

Srom – hygiene

Vulva health largely affects vaginal health. While the vagina is a self-cleaning organ (it should not be irrigated), the vulva should be looked after. P.Proper hygiene helps to avoid infections and inflammations that can lead to serious complications.

1. The first rule is regularity. You should wash your vulva every day, at least once, but no more than twice a day. Exceptions are hot days and days of menstruation.
2. The best solution is to take a shower, frequent bathing can break the protective barrier of the vulva. The water should not be hot, and the washing itself should be done with the hand, as washcloths and sponges can harbor microbes.
3. Washing should start from the vagina towards the anus to avoid the transfer of bacteria.
4. Plain water is the best for washing. There used to be a few drops of vinegar added. You can also take care of the vulva by using intimate hygiene fluids. Here, however, it is worth being careful and carefully examining the pH value declared by the manufacturer.
5. After washing, the vulva should be thoroughly dried with a cotton towel.

In addition, you should put on cotton underwear, limit the wearing of tight pants and give up thong panties. The hygiene of the vulva is also influenced by appropriate hygiene measures such as sanitary napkins, pads and tampons. It is worth avoiding perfumed and non-breathable ones.

Vulva – hygiene in babies

Intimate hygiene is also very important in the case of babies. It should be done daily. How to properly wash a girl’s vulva? Skin cleansing should be started from the pubic mound towards the anus, so as not to transfer microorganisms from the anus area. In the first weeks of life, the labia may be red and swollen, which should disappear after some time.

The labia should be gently parted and carefully washed with a cotton ball soaked in plain, clean water. There may be white discharge between the labia. It should be left on as it is the natural protective barrier of the vulva.

Ointment for the vulva

Often, in the case of itching and burning of the elements of the vulva, various types of ointments are used to alleviate irritation and injuries, as well as have an antiseptic effect. Vulva cream is a good remedy for vaginal and external genital dryness. Most often it is based on substances such as lactic acid, which support maintaining the proper pH. What about lubricants? Vaseline on the vulva when used as a lubricant is a bad idea. Petroleum products make the vulva more susceptible to infection. Instead, it is better to use special oils with a declared natural pH.

Content from the site medTvoiLokony they are intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and his doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.