The Vulva-Vagina Confusion:
An Essential Guide to Intimate Health
– Kellie Leonard, Biomedical Scientist
– Kellie Leonard, Biomedical Scientist
In the realm of female anatomy, there exists a common misunderstanding that has persisted for generations: the confusion between the vulva and the vagina.
Often used interchangeably, these terms actually refer to distinct parts of the female reproductive system. Understanding this difference is not only crucial for anatomical literacy but also for maintaining optimal intimate health.
Let’s start with a quick anatomy lesson.
The Vagina
The vagina is the internal canal that connects the uterus to the external genitalia. Its primary functions include facilitating menstruation, childbirth, and sexual intercourse.
The Vulva
On the other hand, the vulva refers to the external genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening. Despite being adjacent, these structures serve different purposes and require distinct care.
Your Vagina and Vulva have different hygiene needs
One of the most remarkable aspects of female anatomy is the vagina’s self-cleaning mechanism. Unlike many other parts of the body, the vagina has its own natural ecosystem that maintains a delicate pH balance and microbiome. This self-regulating environment helps prevent infections and maintains overall vaginal health.
While the vagina cleanses itself internally, the vulva requires external care. The skin of the vulva is subject to sweat, bacteria, and other external factors that can disrupt its pH balance and lead to discomfort or infection. It’s important, therefore, to clean your vulva, however, because of its sensitive nature, perfumed soaps must be avoided to prevent irritation, and instead, gentle, soap-free cleansers or just warm water are recommended.
Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash:
Gently cleanses intimate skin
This is where products like Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash come into play. Designed with the unique needs of the vulva in mind, Femfresh offers a pH-balanced formula enriched with aloe vera and calendula extracts. This gentle formula cleanses and cares for skin while maintaining the optimal pH for intimate health.
Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash, can help your intimate skin remain happy and comfortable throughout the day. Furthermore, made with 94% natural origin ingredients and is free from soap, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash:
Helps maintain the natural acidity of the vulva while supporting a healthy microbiome
With its dermatologically and gynecologically tested formula, Femfresh provides gentle yet effective cleansing without compromising the natural pH balance of the vulva.
The pH balance of the skin is crucial for maintaining a healthy vulva and vagina. The skin in this area tends to have a lower pH than other parts of the body, typically ranging between 3.8 and 5.0. Using harsh soaps or cleansers with high pH levels can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to irritation, dryness, or even infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
Your Vulva and Vagina are not meant to smell like roses
It’s important to note that the vagina and vulva are not meant to smell like roses. Products like Femfresh Daily Intimate Wash are there to help aid intimate hygiene. If you are concerned with the way your intimate area smells, ensure that you are speaking to your GP to ensure you are not suffering from an infection.
Proper intimate care is essential for a healthy & happy you
In conclusion, understanding the distinction between the vulva and the vagina is essential for proper intimate care. While the vagina has its own self-cleaning mechanism, the vulva requires external attention to maintain its pH balance and overall health.
By using products like femfresh Daily Intimate Wash, you can support the natural balance of your intimate area and enjoy lasting freshness and comfort. Prioritise your intimate health, and remember: a happy vulva leads to a happier you.
Meet the expert
Kellie Leonard, Biomedical Scientist
Specialist biomedical scientist and women’s health journalist Kellie Leonard is our go-to scientific expert. Passionate about communicating the science behind women’s health, she has extensive knowledge from the NHS laboratory bench to medical writing publications.
This is an educational blog post for Femfresh: Femfresh are really committed to being leaders in women’s health education and breaking taboos
References:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/vulva
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22469-vagina
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9959050/
https://www.femfresh.co.uk/expert-advice/vaginal-health-faqs/
https://www.femfresh.co.uk/expert-advice/ph-balance/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7789027/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8618584/#:~:text=The
%20naturally%20neutral%20pH%20is,from%20pathogenic%20organisms%20%5B4%5D.