The anatomy of the female intimate area
A woman’s intimate area includes the vulva, a term that encompasses the external genital organs: labia, clitoris, and vestibule. The entrance to the vagina is also part of the female intimate area, but it is classified as an internal genital organ. Therefore, the vulva and vagina are not the same, as is often mistakenly believed.
The external genital organs (= external genital area) of a woman (see diagram): :
- Mons pubis (Venus mound)
- Labia majora (outer labia)
- Labia minora (inner labia)
- Clitoris
- Vestibule (Vaginal vestibule)
- Bartholin’s glands (vestibular glands)
The mons pubis and the outer labia are protective fat pads that surround the center of the vulva: the inner labia, the clitoris, and the vaginal vestibule. The vaginal vestibule, a small slit-like space between the inner labia, contains the entrance to the vagina as well as the opening of the urethra, through which urine is expelled. The region between the vaginal opening and the anal opening (anus) is the perineum. It is especially known in obstetrics, as it can tear during childbirth (perineal tear). The urethra and perineum are not part of the vulva.
While most of the vulva is covered with skin, the vaginal vestibule and vagina are lined with mucous membranes.
Vagina and vaginal mucosa
The vagina, a muscular tube about 10 cm long, extends from the vulva to the uterus. The vagina and uterus, together with the ovaries and fallopian tubes, form the internal genital organs. The vaginal mucosa is colonized by Döderlein bacteria (lactic acid bacteria, lactobacilli). These produce lactic acid, which ensures an acidic pH level (pH 3.8 – 4.5). The low pH level, in turn, prevents harmful germs from multiplying in the vagina and causing infections, such as a yeast infection (vaginal candidiasis) caused by the yeast fungus Candida albicans. Therefore, vaginal douching should be approached with caution, as it can do more harm than good to the Döderlein bacteria and the acidic vaginal environment.
The vulva as an erogenous zone
The vulva, the external female intimate area, plays a significant role in sexual pleasure during intercourse. The clitoris, in particular, plays a key role, as it is similar to the male penis: it is highly sensitive to gentle touch and friction due to its intricate network of nerves. When sexual arousal occurs, its erectile tissue fills with blood, causing it to enlarge and become erect. The visible part of the clitoris, which belongs to the vulva, is just a small portion of the organ; the much larger part is located within the body. Other parts of the vulva, such as the inner labia and the vaginal vestibule, also contain sensitive nerve networks and erectile tissue. The Bartholin’s glands, located in the vestibule, release fluid during sexual arousal to facilitate the smooth entry of the penis into the vagina.
The vulva as a site of intimate discomfort
The delicate and sensitive skin in the external genital area makes the vulva an erogenous zone. Unfortunately, it is also a zone that reacts with pain, itching, burning, and/or other discomforts even to the smallest skin damages. These can be very distressing and greatly reduce a woman’s quality of life, particularly her sexual satisfaction. This is especially true when the problems are persistent, such as in cases of vulvodynia, psoriasis, lichen sclerosus, or during menopause (climacteric). A common factor in these conditions is that the intimate skin of the vulva is damaged, dry, and/or overly sensitive.
Gentle cleansing with Deumavan Washing Lotion and the application of Deumavan Protective Ointment several times a day can alleviate or even resolve intimate discomfort in the vulva. Additionally, Deumavan can be used as part of daily intimate hygiene for care and prevention.
If intimate discomfort in the vulva is mistakenly attributed to the vagina and treated on one’s own, ineffective or even harmful measures are often employed, which can also be costly. Therefore, it should be every woman’s top priority to consult a gynecologist for unclear or persistent intimate discomfort.
