About women

So, what is the vulva?

Originally Published: June 07, 2002 ~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: March 10, 2004

 

Dear Alice,

What is the vulva?

-knowledge-searching person

 

Dear knowledge-searching person,

The vulva is a woman's external genitals, and most of its parts, all of which are enclosed by the soft, inverted triangle shaped area where most of the protective pubic hair grows. The vulva includes the mons veneris ("mountains of venus" — the fatty pad at the top of the vulva), the clitoris, the inner and outer lips (labia), and the vaginal opening (not the vaginal canal) and its surrounding area, called the vestibule.

Alice

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