When it comes to intimate health, one of the most common mistakes is mixing up the words vulva and vagina. Many people, even in the media and health conversations use them interchangeably. But they’re not the same thing, and understanding the difference is essential for your body, your confidence, and your health.

At Yoni Glow, we believe knowledge is power. Let’s clear things up once and for all.

The Vulva: What You Can See

The vulva is the external part of your genitals. It’s everything you can see on the outside, including:

• Mons pubis – the soft mound of skin and tissue above the pubic bone.

• Labia majora – the outer lips, which can be fuller or thinner, and vary greatly in appearance.

• Labia minora – the inner lips, which can be shorter, longer, darker, or lighter than the outer lips.

• Clitoris – a highly sensitive organ with thousands of nerve endings.

• Urethral opening – where urine exits.

• Vaginal opening – the entrance to the vagina.

Think of the vulva as the front door to your intimate health, it protects, signals changes, and deserves gentle skincare.

The Vagina: What’s Inside

The vagina is the internal muscular canal that connects the vulva to the uterus. Its functions include:

• Allowing menstrual blood to leave the body.

• Serving as the birth canal during childbirth.

• Providing natural lubrication and elasticity for intimacy.

The vagina is self-cleaning, thanks to healthy bacteria and natural discharge that help maintain its delicate pH balance. This means you don’t need harsh soaps, douches, or cleansers inside, it takes care of itself.

Why the Difference Matters

Understanding the difference isn’t just about anatomy, it’s about care:

• The vulva benefits from gentle external skincare - like hydration, exfoliation, and pH-balanced cleansers (hello, Yoni Glow Oil).

• The vagina should be left alone internally - avoid anything that disrupts its natural environment.

Mixing the two can lead to misinformation, over-cleansing, or using the wrong products where they don’t belong.

Quick Myth-Busting

Myth: The vagina needs to be washed with soap.
Truth: The vagina cleans itself—soap can disrupt its natural balance.

Myth: All vulvas should look the same.
Truth: Vulvas come in endless shapes, sizes, and colors—all completely normal.

 

The Bottom Line

The vulva is the outside. The vagina is the inside. Both are important, but they need different kinds of care. By knowing the difference, you can treat your body with the respect and love it deserves.

At Yoni Glow, we’re here to make vulva care simple, natural, and empowering—because your intimate health should never be confusing.