Where Is the Vulvar Area?

The “vulvar area” refers to the organs and features that make up the external female genitalia or “vulva.”

The vulvar area is the part of the external female genitals which includes the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and the opening to the urethra (where urine passes). 

The parts of the vulva include: 

• Labia
  • Often referred to as the “lips,” the labia are the folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening
  • The outer labia (labia majora) are the fleshy visible outer parts of the vulva that protect the inner, more sensitive parts of the anatomy 
  • The inner labia (labia minora) are inside the labia majora and surround the vaginal opening 
  • The labia have a wide range of shapes, sizes, and appearances; this is normal
    • The appearance of the labia varies widely from woman to woman and can be long or short, smooth or wrinkly, and each side may differ in size
    • Some women may have larger outer labia and some women may have larger inner labia 
    • The labia can vary in color from pink to brownish black and the color can change as women age
• Clitoris
  • The tip of the clitoris is located at the top of the vulva, where the labia minora meet
  • The clitoris can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a thumb
  • The clitoris is covered by the clitoral hood
  • The clitoris is actually a larger organ that measures about 5 inches long and extends deeper inside the body
  • It is comprised of spongy tissue that becomes engorged when a woman becomes aroused 
• Opening of the urethra
  • The urethra is the small hole where urine is excreted from the body, located just below the clitoris 
• Vaginal opening
  • Located just below the opening of the urethra
  • This is where menstrual blood passes during a woman’s monthly period, and where babies are born