Many women often confuse the terms "vagina" and "vulva," using them interchangeably to refer to everything in the intimate area.
Except for being disempowering to not know the proper name for our most precious female parts, this mix-up can lead to confusion about our intimate hygiene.
So, here's the lowdown: The vagina is the inner muscular canal, extending from the cervix to the external body (the tunnel where babies come out).
The vulva is the outside part that you can see, the labia, clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethra.
The vagina is self-cleansing but it’s important to know that the vulva is not. It's crucial to note that between the outer and inner labia, various substances such as dead skin cells, discharge, sweat, and menstrual blood can accumulate. Without proper hygiene, this buildup can lead to unpleasant odors and potentially infections.
