The vulva is the collective name for the external female genitals. It includes the mons pubis, the labia majora and minora, the clitoris, the vestibule with the urethral and vaginal openings, the vestibular bulbs and the greater vestibular glands. It protects the internal genital and urinary openings.
| Location | In the anterior (urogenital) perineum, below the pubic symphysis and between the thighs |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Ilioinguinal nerve (anterior labial nerves); Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve; Pudendal nerve (posterior labial nerves); Perineal branch of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve |
| Blood Supply | External pudendal arteries (anterior labial branches); Internal pudendal artery (posterior labial branches) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Protects the vaginal and urethral openings and provides sexual sensation and arousal.
Itching or soreness of the vulva can come from infection, dermatitis or skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus. Vulval cancer is uncommon, usually in older women, and often begins as a persistent itchy or ulcerated patch. Its lymph drains to the superficial inguinal nodes, which are examined in vulval disease.
Yeast infection causing itch, soreness and a thick white discharge.
A chronic inflammatory skin disease causing white, fragile, scarring vulval skin and a small increased cancer risk.
Usually squamous cell carcinoma, often presenting as a lump, ulcer or persistent itch.
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