Where Is the Vulva Located?
The vulva is a crucial part of the female reproductive organs, which is exposed to the outside. When the vagina produces secretions, neglecting personal hygiene easily leads to vulvitis. Vulvitis can cause symptoms such as vulvar itching, excessive secretions, redness, swelling, and unpleasant odor. In severe cases, it can even lead to bacterial and viral infections. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good hygiene and take care of the vulva. However, many women may not be fully aware of where the vulva is located. Let's explore this topic in detail below.
The vulva refers to the exposed part of the female reproductive organs, located between the inner thighs. It extends from the pubic symphysis in the front to the perineum in the back. The vulva comprises various structures, including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vestibular bulbs. Since the vulva is exposed to the outside and the vagina produces secretions, neglecting hygiene in this area can easily lead to vulvitis, manifesting as itching, redness, swelling, increased secretions, and unpleasant odor. It can also trigger bacterial and viral infections. Therefore, women should maintain good vulvar hygiene, frequently change and wash underwear, and clean the vulva daily with warm water to ensure it remains clean and dry. Avoiding unsafe sexual practices is also crucial.
Vulvitis refers to inflammation of the vulva, the external genitalia of women. It affects the tissues from the pubic symphysis to the perineum and the area between the inner thighs. Under normal conditions, vaginal secretions are acidic (while cervical mucus is alkaline), inhibiting the activity, reproduction, and upward migration of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, inflammation is generally uncommon. However, changes in the vaginal pH or the invasion of specific pathogens can trigger inflammatory responses. Typically, lactobacilli dominate the vaginal flora, along with a small number of anaerobic bacteria, mycoplasmas, and Candida species. These microorganisms maintain a normal ecological balance. However, when the immune system weakens, endocrine hormones fluctuate, or external factors such as tissue damage or sexual intercourse disrupt the vaginal ecological balance, these resident bacteria can turn pathogenic, breach the vaginal barrier, and cause infections.
