Vulva and vagina

Everyone’s vulva is unique in size, shape, colour and appearance. It’s normal for the left and right sides of your vulva to be different in shape and size, especially the inner lips (labia).
It’s a good idea to see what your vulva looks like. You can use a mirror to see what is normal for you. This will make it easier to notice any changes in appearance, for example, changes in colour or skin.

Try not to compare yourself to images you see online – many of these are edited. Instead, check out the Labia library for photos of real labia.

It’s normal for your vulva and vagina to have a different smell at certain times during your menstrual cycle, and after menopause.

There are many fluids associated with the vulva that can affect how it smells. For example:

• urine (wee)
• sweat
• menstrual blood
• skin oils
• vaginal and gland secretions.

If the smell is unpleasant, yeasty or fishy smelling, this may be a sign of an infection. An unpleasant smell may also be due to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), a tampon that needs to be changed, or not wiping thoroughly after going to the toilet.

After menopause, the smell may be different because the bacteria in your vagina changes.

If you’re worried about the smell or have other symptoms, see your doctor.

Hormonal changes after childbirth, while breastfeeding and around menopause can make the vulva and vagina feel dry.

You may have a loss of natural lubrication, which can cause painful sex.

1. With clean hands and using a mirror, look at and feel the areas covered with pubic hair.
2. Gently part the outer skin folds and check the inner, hairless folds.
3. Check the skin around your vagina and urinary opening (where wee comes out).
4. Check the skin between your vagina and anus.
5. If something doesn’t look or feel normal for you, visit your doctor.

Look and feel for changes in your vulva, like:

• a new lump
• a cut, rash or ulcer
• soreness or itchiness
• new or changing freckles or moles
• unusual discharge or unusual bleeding.

You can learn more about vulva self-checks in this Q&A with GP and sexual health expert Dr Sara Whitburn.

Use soap-free products or just water to wash your vulva. Avoid using perfumed soaps and bath products, douches or vaginal washes as these may irritate your vulva.

Never use talcum powder on your vulva, as it can cause inflammation.

Wear natural fibre underwear, such as cotton, because:

• they’re breathable
• they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction than synthetic fabrics, like polyester.

Wash your underwear in pure or unscented soap.

Avoid tight-fitting jeans and pants. And if you wear pantyhose, make sure they have a cotton gusset.

After exercise, change or shower straight away. Lycra and sweat can irritate your vulva.

If you swim in chlorinated water, you can use a barrier ointment to avoid vulval irritation. These ointments are available in most chemists and supermarkets.

After swimming, try to shower straight away. Wash your vulva to remove any chlorine or salt from the pool.

After you go to the toilet, wipe or pat your vulva from front to back. And try to use white, unscented toilet paper.

Use 100% cotton sanitary pads and tampons, and change them regularly.

If your menstrual blood irritates your vulva, you can use tampons or a menstrual cup instead of pads.

Learn more about period products

If you need extra lubrication when having vaginal sex, use silicone-based or water-based lubricants.

You can also use good-quality natural oils, such as olive or almond oil. Don’t use oil-based lubricants when using a condom, as the condom may break.