Understanding what’s normal for your vulva can boost your confidence and ease any embarrassment you might feel (seriously, it’s time for us to let it go!).

When I get questions about common vulvar health concerns, I enjoy helping patients distinguish between normal vulvar symptoms and what might need attention. Here are 10 of the most common questions, plus some vulva care tips, to help you feel more informed about your own amazing body.

1. What is the vulva?

Vulvar anatomy includes the external parts of the female genitalia: the labia (the outer and inner lips), the clitoris, the vaginal opening and the urethral opening. Think of it as the “outside” area, while the vagina is more internal.

2. What is a normal-looking vulva?

Normal vulva appearance is…whatever your vulva looks like! Everyone’s vulva is as unique as their face with countless vulvar variations. Just like we all have different features, healthy vulva characteristics include various shapes, sizes and colors. For instance, it’s perfectly normal for the labia minora (the inner lips) to be longer or shorter than the labia majora (the outer lips), and their appearance can vary quite a bit from person to person.

What’s important to keep an eye out for are changes to what you are used to seeing—like rashes, pale or dark skin patches, raised or painful spots or itchy areas. These could be signs that something needs attention.

3. How do you keep your vulva healthy?

Preventing vulvar irritation and maintaining healthy vulvar hygiene is all about gentle care. While annoyances like irritation may be common, that doesn’t mean it’s normal and how you care for your vulva is important to preventing problems.

Here are some general vulva care tips to include in your vulvar health routine:

Skip the soap: You can treat your vulva like the rest of your skin, but with extra care. Stick to just water or use mild, fragrance-free cleansers.

Stay comfy: Wear loose, breathable clothing as much as possible to keep things cool and dry. There is no evidence showing yeast infections are caused by clothes, but irritant dermatitis can be. So make adjustments if you’re not comfortable, because you should be!

Be mindful about pubic hair removal: If you’re experiencing discomfort after removing pubic hair, consider changing methods or just keeping it! Hair can act as a protective barrier for your skin. If you remove it without any side effects, keep doing what works for you.

Choose products carefully: In all products used down below —lubricants, condoms, menstrual products—look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

Use helpful tools: As we age and the skin of the vulva thins, a bidet or squeeze bottle can be a gentle way to cleanse after using the bathroom while helping to prevent irritants from sticking around.

A note on diet and vulvar health: research on probiotics is growing, so wide spread recommendations aren’t quite clear, but eating a balanced diet is always a great choice to support your overall well-being.

4. How can you improve the vulva microbiome?

Creating a healthy vulvovaginal microbiome balance is all about supporting healthy bacteria. You can do this by wearing breathable clothing, avoiding harsh soaps or douches and choosing fragrance-free products. Staying hydrated can also help keep things in check.

5. Is it normal to have a bumpy vulva?

Yep, it’s totally normal to have vulvar bumps!

The vulva is a complex area with hair follicles and sweat glands, so it’s naturally a bit textured. If you have painful, itchy, new or discolored bumps, it’s a good idea to visit your provider to see if you have a vulvar skin condition.

Sebaceous cysts or milia–skin bumps filled with oily or waxy material–can also develop on the vulva. Initially they are best treated with a moist, hot compress 2-3 times a day. If the cyst is larger than pea or does not resolve with this approach, call your provider for additional advice.

6. What is normal vaginal discharge?

Vaginal discharge is as natural to the vulva as saliva is to the mouth. Hormones play a big role in vaginal discharge types, so if you’re on hormonal birth control, your discharge might be more consistent. Otherwise, discharge naturally changes throughout our lives.

  • During your menstrual cycle: Typically, discharge during the menstrual cycle is clear or white during the first half of your cycle and may become yellowish in the second half.
  • During pregnancy and postpartum: Discharge during pregnancy often increases and may become thicker and more milky due to hormonal changes. After childbirth, you might notice a range of discharge as your body recovers.
  • During peri/menopause: Menopause discharge changes include becoming thicker, thinner or even changing color. It’s also common to experience dryness as estrogen levels drop.

7. What does a healthy vulva smell like?

A healthy vulvovaginal odor is usually mild and varies from person to person. It shouldn’t be strong or unpleasant, but it’s totally normal to experience vulvar scent changes.

Common causes of odor changes include:

  • low estrogen
  • sweat
  • urine
  • items left in the vagina (e.g. condoms, tampons)
  • bacterial vaginosis—see your provider if you suspect this!

Many people find that their vulvovaginal smell during ovulation is often more pleasant. While during times of low estrogen, such as postpartum or perimenopause, you might notice a “negative” change in odor due to shifts in bacteria.

8. How to tell if something is wrong down there

The most common types of vulvovaginal infections include yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

  • Bacteria vaginosis – symptoms include increased vaginal discharge (usually thin, gray), itching or irritation, fishy odor and/or bleeding after intercourse.
  • Yeast infection – symptoms include burning, irritation, itching, discomfort during urination and/or pain during sex. Additionally, the vulvovaginal tissues may look swollen or red.

Another common issue is herpes, which may cause painful vulvar sores.

If you’re experiencing any of these vulvar infection symptoms or something just doesn’t feel right, don’t hesitate to contact your provider.

9. How can I relieve vulvar discomfort?

Depending on the cause of vulvar discomfort, there are different ways to make things feel better.

A good first line of defense is to avoid harsh soaps and fragrances from anything you indirectly or directly apply to your body (from laundry detergent to menstrual pads).

To soothe vulva irritation, apply a cool compress or petroleum jelly; I specifically like Vaseline.

10. When should I be concerned about my vulva?

I believe listening to patients and understanding their experiences is crucial to ensuring they feel confident and comfortable sharing their vulvar health concerns. It’s so important to break through the shame and silence around our bodies to ensure we’re not missing vulvar health warning signs of potentially more serious conditions.

Many social and cultural ideals suggest that there is only one “normal” vulvar appearance and that any amount of discharge or odor should be eliminated. This is just untrue! You are the best advocate for your body, so seek care with a provider when you feel it’s necessary.