These two organs of the female genital tract have different functions
A survey conducted in 2020 called “Os Stigmas da Vagina”, developed by Nielsen Brasil in collaboration with Troiano Branding, was intended to understand how Brazilian women deal with health, sexual pleasure and the intimate region.
The survey involved 398 women aged between 16 and 45 from the South, Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil. The results showed that 50% of the respondents could not identify in a photo what the vagina and vulva would be, which makes visible the difficulty many women face when it comes to understanding the anatomy of their bodies.
The female reproductive system consists of external and internal organs. Internally there are the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and vagina. The external region of the genitals, called the vulva, covers the pubic mound, labia majora, openings to the urethra and vagina, labia minora, and clitoris.
BUT, FINALLY, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VULVA AND THE VAGINA?
NO. They are not the same thing. “The vulva corresponds to the entire external part of the female sexual organ. In general, it is formed by the labia majora and labia minora which protect other structures that are part of the female genitals, such as the clitoris and the openings of the urethra and vagina”, explains the Dr. Priscilla Pirrogynecologist, obstetrician and sexuality specialist.
“When we open the labia majora, we look at the clitoris above and the labia minora below. By opening the labia minora, it is possible to find the urethra and, just below, towards the anus, the opening of the vaginal canal,” adds the doctor.
Totally oriented towards female sexual pleasure, the clitoris is an organ with a lot of innervation and blood supply and which can increase in size when stimulated. The urethra, which is usually shorter in women than in men, is responsible for conducting urine towards the external environment.
According to the gynecologist, the vagina is the channel that extends from the cervix to the entrance of the labia minora and is the organ where penetration takes place during sex. Its functions are: to welcome the penis in the sexual act, to drain the menstrual blood and to be the exit for a child born with a normal birth.
HOW TO TAKE CARE?
On the shelves of markets, pharmacies and perfumeries, you can find a variety of feminine intimate soaps, with the most diverse fragrances. However, the gynecologist states that these products are not absolutely necessary for cleaning the vulva.
“The vulva can be washed under running water. Intimate soap is not necessary. Although we live in a culture of ‘smelling vulva’, the vulva is not dirty and it is not a contaminated place. It has a protective flora that must be preserved “, warns Dr. Priscilla.
You’ve probably heard of douching, which involves washing the inside of the vagina with water or other products. There are women who believe that this act really makes a difference when it comes to taking care of the region, but the doctor points out that it actually harms intimate health.
“The vaginal canal hosts a very rich and protective microbiota and flora, important for our health balance, to prevent infections and to conduct semen. When we take a vaginal shower, there is an alteration of this microbiota, causing an imbalance and increasing the risk of infections,” he points out.
So, the bottom line is: to cleanse the vulva, use only running water. As for the vagina, it is not necessary to have any specific care, as it is clean and is always in balance naturally, according to the specialist. “If there’s some imbalance, you need to seek out a gynecologist for treatment,” he concludes.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
