You’ve probably heard people use the words vulva and vagina like they mean the same thing. No judgment, we’ve all been there. But here’s the twist: they’re not the same. Not even close. A recent survey showed that 44% of women couldn’t correctly point to the vagina on a medical diagram. Only 40% identified the vulva, and just one-third could label all the major reproductive structures. And honestly? It’s not surprising. We weren’t taught this clearly, and society loves to keep conversations about women’s bodies hush-hush.
So let’s change that and talk about what’s actually what, minus the awkwardness.
Where is the vulva located?
The vulva is everything you can see on the outside. Think of it as the whole external neighborhood like the mons pubis (the soft mound at the front), the labia majora and labia minora (your “outer” and “inner” lips), the clitoris and its hood, the urethral opening, and the vaginal opening. This entire area protects the deeper organs, helps with lubrication, supports sexual arousal, and acts as the body’s first line of defence against infections.
Where is the vaginal canal located?
The vaginal canal starts at the vaginal opening and extends inward toward the cervix. It’s a stretchy, muscular tube that naturally stays collapsed until something, like a tampon, a penis, or a speculum, gently opens it. Inside, it’s surrounded by tissue that can expand during sex or childbirth. The vagina sits between the bladder (in front) and the rectum (behind), forming the main pathway from the uterus to the outside world.
Is the vulva a part of the vagina?
Nope! But the vagina does open into the vulva. They’re made from similar tissues during fetal development, which is why they’re closely related structures. But functionally, they play very different roles. The vulva is like the outer door and the vagina is the hallway inside.
Blog continues after the ad.
How do the vulva and vagina function together?
The vulva is your body’s built-in security team.
The labia protect delicate tissues and help keep bacteria out.
The clitoris is the star of sexual pleasure, housing thousands of nerve endings.
The vagina handles menstrual flow, intercourse, and childbirth.
Both need to be healthy and well-balanced for comfort, pleasure, and overall reproductive health.
What are the differences between the vulva and the vagina?
Why is it important to know the differences between the two?
When we don’t know the correct terms, it becomes harder to describe symptoms, ask questions, or even notice when something’s off. Many women confuse vulvar irritation with a vaginal infection or mix up urinary discomfort like a UTI with a vaginal issue. Better body literacy means better care.
Plus, knowing your anatomy helps you feel more confident, whether you’re at a doctor’s office, reading a product label, or just trying to understand what’s normal for your body. This knowledge is especially empowering if you don’t have easy access to a gynecologist or prefer online consultations.
At the end of the day, your vulva and vagina aren’t taboo, they’re simply parts of you. And getting to know them better is one of the smartest, healthiest things you can do.
Our experts work round the clock to provide you with the answers that you are looking for. So, if you have any, leave it in the comment section below or send us a DM at @nuawoman. This is a safe space that we have built for you so do not hold back on any doubts you may have about your body and mind.
Read other articles by Dr. Vaishali Joshi here.
