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how down there works

Vaginas are as individual as their owners, so don't worry if yours looks different to the ones you see in pictures. The most important thing to know is what it looks like when it's healthy, and what to look out for when it's not.

Vaginal anatomy

Many women feel uncomfortable talking about or looking at their genital area, and as a result are unsure of the difference between their vulva and vagina¹. The vulva is the external part of the female genital area, which includes the labia majora and labia minora (inner and outer lips), clitoris, urethra and vaginal opening.

The vagina is a muscular tube which leads from the vulva to the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus (womb).

The fact that the genital area is not easy to see also makes it difficult for women to easily identify the different parts. It can be useful to have a look with a mirror if you are unsure about your genital area.

According to the sexual health experts, Marie Stopes International², the key bits you need to know about down there include:

1. Ovaries: These are two tiny organs (about the size of a baked bean) that lie on either end of the fallopian tubes. Their job is to hold the thousands of unripe eggs every girl is born with. The ovaries release one egg a month.
2. Fallopian tubes: These two tubes connect the ovaries to the womb. It is through these tubes that an egg travels on its way to the womb.
3. Uterus: Also known as the womb. This is an upside down pear shaped organ, where a foetus grows during pregnancy. If conception does not occur, the uterus sheds its lining during menstruation (a period).
4. Cervix: Also known as the mouth of the womb (uterus). It opens into the top of the vagina.
5. Labia: The folds of the external part of the female genitals. Labia minorum are the two lips of skin on either side of the entrance to the vagina. Labia majorum are the two outer folds of skin.
6. Clitoris: Small pea-shaped bit, situated near where you urinate - very sensitive during sex.
7. Urethra: The tube that urine passes through out of the body.
8. Vagina: The passage leading from the womb to the outside of your body.
9. Perineum: The region of skin between the anus and the genitals.
10. Anus: The end of the digestive tract, where the solid waste leaves the bowel.

Vagina discharge – what is it?¹

Secretions from the cervix and the glands at the entrance of the vagina help to keep it clean and healthy. These secretions vary during the menstrual cycle and are part of a normal, healthy vagina. Fluid also passes through the vaginal walls in response to physical activity and sexual arousal.

All these secretions make up the vaginal discharge and fluid that a woman normally notices. Usually discharge is whitish, drying yellowish on underwear, and varying in amount throughout the month. It has a characteristic (but not bad) smell unnoticeable to you or others if you shower or wash regularly.