featured Can the vulva be affected by common skin issues such as folliculitis, dermatitis, dehydrated skin, scars & blemishes etc.?
Yes, the vulva can be complicated with common benign skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Like skin on other parts of the body, malignancy can also occur.Dr. Tan Toh Lick10 April 2019
Can hormonal changes in your body affect the health of the vulva (i.e. Menopause / pregnancy etc.)?
At puberty, fatty tissues deposit around the vulva increasing the size of the labia majora and mon pubis. In some girls, the pink labia minora may become darker. Pubic hair also starts to appear around this time. The vulva then remains similar until pregnancy. During pregnancy, the vulva can become engorged and varicosities are common. Pigmentation of the vulva, as with other...
Is the skin of the Vulva the same as the skin of the rest of the body or is it more sensitive in comparison?
The skin of the labia majora and the perineum are covered with skin just like on the rest of the body. In contrast, the labia minora are lined with a mucous membrane, whose surface is kept moist by fluid secreted by specialised cells. The area is often moist from normal vaginal discharge, sweating and in some women, incontinence. The combination of being...
Why is Vulva Care important, and how should I take care of my vulva?
Like the skin on other parts of the body, care for it is important to having a healthy vulva. Infections, skin conditions, chronic pain and scarring can affect the individual’s quality of life and self-image. Although rare, vulva cancer can be devastating and lethal. Persistent pain, soreness, tenderness, itch, raised thickened patches, lumps or moles should be reviewed by a doctor. Dr....
I’ve always thought that the vagina and the vulva refer to the same area. Can you explain the anatomical difference between the two body parts and what is the specific function of the Vulva?
The vagina refers to the elastic muscular tube extending from the external genitals to the neck of the womb (cervix). It is a reproductive conduit connecting the external environment to the internal genitalia. During sexual intercourse, it receives the penis and allows the sperm to swim up into the womb. Conversely, it allows blood flow to be expelled from the womb during...
What are the specific functions of the clitoris, labia majora and labia minora?
The clitoris can be aroused and erect when sexually stimulated. This stimulation of the clitoris can cumulate into an orgasm.The fleshy padded tissue of the labia majora protect the other external genital organs. They also contain sweat and sebaceous glands, which produce lubricating secretions particularly during sexual intercourse. During sexual stimulation, the labia minora swell as their blood vessels become engorged with...
