Intimate anatomy 101: Understanding your vulva, vagina and pelvic floor
Last updated 12 March 2026
This article has been medically reviewed for accuracy and relevance by Caley Maxwell, Registered Nurse (NZRN, PGDip Microbiology).
Disclaimer
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or personal care.
Intimate anatomy is central to health, comfort and confidence - yet for most of us, a proper introduction was never part of the curriculum. No diagrams. No explanation of how structure connects to function, or how function shapes care.
This guide changes that.
Understanding your anatomy isn’t about memorising terms. It’s about autonomy. When you know what each part does, you’re better equipped to recognise what’s normal, what may need medical attention, and how to care for your body in a way that supports, rather than disrupts, its natural balance.
Vulva and Vagina: Why the distinction matters
The vulva refers to the external genital structures.
The vagina is the internal muscular canal that connects the vulva to the cervix.
When products are marketed for “vaginal hygiene,” they are often intended for external use only. Using cleansers or fragranced products inside the vaginal canal can disrupt its delicate microbiome and pH balance.
Clear language supports better decisions.
The vulva: External structures and their role
The vulva includes:
Labia majora
The outer folds of skin. These contain hair follicles and sweat glands and provide cushioning and protection.
Labia minora
The inner folds, which vary significantly in size, shape, and colour from person to person. They contain sebaceous (oil) glands but no hair follicles.
Labial diversity is entirely normal. Asymmetry is common. Colour variations - from pink to deep brown - are also normal and influenced by genetics and hormones.
Clitoris
Often described only as a small external “button,” the clitoris is actually a much larger internal structure. The visible part is the glans, but beneath the surface are crura and vestibular bulbs that extend internally along the pubic bone.
The clitoris contains thousands of nerve endings and plays a central role in sexual response.
Urethral opening
Located below the clitoris, this is where urine exits the body.
Vaginal opening (Introitus)
The entrance to the vaginal canal.
Perineum
The area between the vaginal opening and the anus. This tissue stretches significantly during childbirth and is an important structural support area.
The vagina: Internal structure and function
The vagina is a muscular, elastic canal extending from the vaginal opening to the cervix.
It is:
Self-cleaning
Lined with mucosal tissue (not regular skin)
Colonised predominantly by Lactobacillus species in most reproductive-age individuals
These bacteria help maintain an acidic pH (typically around 3.8–4.5), creating an environment that protects against harmful microorganisms.
The vaginal canal does not require cleansing with soap or washes. In fact, internal washing (douching) has been associated with increased risk of bacterial vaginosis and other infections in multiple clinical studies.
Supporting the vaginal microbiome means avoiding unnecessary disruption.
The pelvic floor: The foundation beneath it all
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that span the base of the pelvis.
It supports:
The bladder
The uterus
The rectum
It also plays a role in:
Bladder control
Bowel function
Sexual sensation and orgasm
Core stability
Pelvic floor dysfunction can present as leaking urine, pelvic heaviness, pain during intercourse, or difficulty emptying the bladder. These symptoms are common, but not something you simply have to live with. Pelvic health physiotherapists specialise in this area.
Understanding this muscular layer helps explain why hydration, tissue health, and hormonal changes matter.
Vulval skin is not like the skin on your arm
The vulva includes both keratinised skin (like the outer labia) and mucosal tissue (like the inner labia and vestibule).
Mucosal tissue:
Is thinner
Has higher permeability
Is more sensitive to irritants
Responds differently to fragrance and harsh surfactants
This is why product formulation matters. Ingredients that feel fine on the body can cause irritation in the vulval area.
Gentle, microbiome-conscious formulations are not a luxury, they are anatomically appropriate.
What’s normal?
Understanding anatomy helps you recognise normal variation.
Normal includes:
Asymmetrical labia
Visible veins
Pigmentation differences
Mild, cyclical changes in discharge
Subtle changes in appearance across the menstrual cycle
Changes that warrant medical review include:
Persistent itching
Unusual odour
Pain
Thick, green, grey, or cottage-cheese-like discharge
Bleeding unrelated to your cycle
When in doubt, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Why anatomy literacy matters for intimate care
When you understand:
Which areas are external vs internal
Which tissues are mucosal vs keratinised
How the vaginal microbiome protects you
How the pelvic floor supports your organs
You can make informed choices about cleansing, hydration, lubrication, and overall intimate wellbeing.
Intimate care should never be about masking odour or striving for unrealistic standards. It should support the body’s existing systems.
Education is empowerment.
And when we normalise informed conversations about intimate anatomy, we increase connection and confidence, and strengthen long-term health outcomes.
References
Gray's Anatomy. Standring S, ed. 41st ed. Elsevier; 2016.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Vaginitis in Nonpregnant Patients. Practice Bulletin. 2020.
Lloyd J, Crouch NS, Minto CL, Liao LM, Creighton SM. Female genital appearance: “normality” unfolds. BJOG. 2005;112(5):643–646.
O’Connell HE, Sanjeevan KV, Hutson JM. Anatomy of the clitoris. J Urol. 2005;174(4):1189–1195.
Ravel J et al. Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women. PNAS. 2011;108(Suppl 1):4680–4687.
Ma B et al. Vaginal microbiome: Rethinking health and disease. Annu Rev Microbiol. 2012;66:371–389.
Zhang J et al. Vaginal douching and adverse health effects: A meta-analysis. Am J Public Health. 1997;87(7):1207–1211.
DeLancey Pelvic Floor Anatomy. DeLancey JO. In: Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery texts.
Dumoulin C et al. Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018.
Farage MA, Maibach HI. Lifetime changes in vulvar skin. Dermatol Ther. 2004;17(1):14–19.