When it comes to sexual and reproductive health, most people focus on their vaginas—but few consider the importance of their vulvas. As Dr. Maria Uloko, a board-certified urologist, explains, “The vulva is the external genitalia, and it’s often overlooked in medical care.” While the vagina refers to the internal canal, the vulva is everything you can see and touch: the labia, the clitoris, the urethra, and more. The fact that most people, including healthcare professionals, conflate these terms shows just how little attention vulvar health receives. This article explores why vulvar health matters, including key tips for care and how to discuss it with healthcare providers.
Why Prioritizing Vulvar Health is Vital for Women’s Well-beingVulvar health is not just about sexual satisfaction. It’s essential to overall well-being. Prioritizing vulvar health is important for women’s overall well-being, helping to maintain comfort and prevent discomfort as we age. For one, hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, can lead to vulvar atrophy, thinning, dryness, and irritation. Dr. Maria stresses that “keeping your vulva healthy as you age is key to maintaining sexual comfort and preventing other complications like infections.” Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding, many people are misdiagnosed with recurring UTIs or yeast infections when they’re really dealing with vulvar discomfort due to hormonal imbalance.
A 2020 study from the Journal of Women’s Health found that more than 50% of women experience vulvar discomfort at some point in their lives, yet most are treated for the wrong conditions. This is why understanding your anatomy is crucial.
Simple Tips for Vulva Care and Maintaining Intimate Hygiene
Caring for your vulva doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple tips for vulva care and maintaining intimate hygiene.
- Regular Moisturizing: Just like the rest of your skin, your vulva needs moisturizing. Try using a product like Oasis Oil, which is specifically formulated for intimate areas. This oil is paraben-free, glycerin-free, and gentle on sensitive skin, making it perfect for daily care.
- Avoid Harsh Soaps: Over-washing with harsh, perfumed soaps can disturb the pH balance of your vulva, leading to irritation. Stick to gentle, unscented products, or consider warm water alone. Try this one from Love Wellness
- Wear Breathable Fabrics: Opt for cotton underwear to ensure proper airflow and reduce the risk of irritation and infection. Tight synthetic fabrics can trap moisture and cause friction.
Effective Tips for Talking to Your Doctor About Vulvar Health Concerns
Talking to your doctor about vulvar health can be challenging, but knowing effective tips for discussing vulvar health concerns with your doctor can make a world of a difference. Dr. Maria Uloko emphasizes that "self-advocacy is critical," and one of the most empowering steps you can take is to initiate the conversation with your healthcare provider. Many people hesitate because they fear embarrassment, dismissal, or just don’t know how to articulate their concerns. However, it’s important to remember that your health and comfort matter, and being clear about your symptoms can make a world of difference.
Describing Vulvar Symptoms Clearly to Avoid Misdiagnosis
Here are tips for describing vulvar symptoms to healthcare providers clearly to avoid common misdiagnoses. When talking to your doctor, specificity is key. Rather than using vague language like “something doesn’t feel right,” describe exactly what you’re experiencing. For example, if you’re feeling itching, burning, or pain, state that clearly. Use correct terminology: say "vulvar discomfort" rather than just “vaginal pain” to direct attention to the specific area. Dr. Maria advises that using the right terms, like "vestibule irritation" or "vulvar pain," helps ensure that the doctor understands you are discussing the external genitalia rather than internal issues. This precision can prevent common misdiagnoses, such as attributing your symptoms to recurrent UTIs or yeast infections.
The Importance of a Vulvar Examination and How to Request One
It’s essential to know how to ask your doctor for a vulvar examination, as it can reveal important details that might be missed in a standard exam. First, you want to specifically request a vulvar examination. Dr. Maria points out that many healthcare professionals aren’t trained to perform these exams routinely, and they may not think to check your vulva unless you ask. “If your doctor brushes off your symptoms or skips the vulvar exam, don’t be afraid to speak up,” Dr. Maria suggests. This examination could reveal critical details that wouldn’t be apparent through a standard pelvic exam, such as vulvar redness, thinning, or inflammation.
It’s also important to note that vulvar examinations can often be quick and non-invasive. If your doctor seems hesitant or unsure, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion or request a referral to a specialist trained in vulvar health. Remember, you are entitled to thorough care, and your doctor should be open to collaborating with you to find solutions.
Bring Up Hormonal Considerations - Exploring Factors in Vulvar Health During Menopause and Beyond
Hormonal fluctuations play a huge role in vulvar health, particularly during menopause, postpartum, or when using hormonal contraceptives. If you notice changes in your vulva—such as dryness, discomfort, or changes in skin texture—mention that you’ve read about the link between hormones and vulvar health. You could say something like, “I’ve heard that hormonal changes can affect vulvar health. Could this be related to what I’m experiencing?” This approach can help steer the conversation toward important factors that might be overlooked.
Prepare for Pushback—And Stand Firm
Unfortunately, many people with vulvar concerns have been dismissed by healthcare providers who are unfamiliar with these conditions. Dr. Maria urges patients to stand their ground. If your doctor doesn’t seem to take your concerns seriously, don’t be afraid to politely but firmly insist on further investigation. You might say, “I understand that this isn’t always common, but I’d really like to investigate this further. Could we look into a referral to a vulvar health specialist?”
If your doctor is still dismissive or isn’t providing you with the care you need, it’s okay to seek a second opinion. In fact, Dr. Maria encourages patients to do so. “Doctors are human, and they don’t always have the training to deal with every aspect of vulvar health. But that doesn’t mean you should stop seeking answers,” she says. Many people find that switching to a different provider—particularly one who specializes in vulvar or sexual health—can drastically improve their experience.
Tracking Symptoms and Knowing When to Seek Specialized Care
Keeping a vulvar health journal to monitor symptoms can provide valuable insight and help you seek specialized care if necessary. Note the days and times you experience discomfort, any possible triggers (like after exercise, sex, or using certain products), and how severe the symptoms are. This information can be incredibly useful to your doctor and help guide the examination process. If you’d like an in depth understanding of maintaining vulvar, vaginal and perineal health with clinical considerations, as the title suggests from the National Library of Medicine, a scholarly study was done by Alessandra Graziottin in February of 2024 which highlights an array of useful information.
Bringing a Support System
Lastly, if you feel nervous about talking to your doctor alone, it’s perfectly acceptable to bring a trusted friend or partner to your appointment for emotional support. Having someone else present can help you feel more empowered and ensure that you’re asking all the questions you need to. Dr. Maria notes that sometimes it can be overwhelming to advocate for yourself, and having another person in the room can serve as a reminder that you deserve answers and proper care.
Empowering yourself with knowledge about vulvar health can have a positive impact on your overall well-being. From managing symptoms to advocating for proper care, these insights provide a pathway to comfort and wellness.
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The Future of Vulva Health: Advocacy and AI Solutions with Dr. Maria Uloko
Dr. Maria Uloko, a leading urologist in sexual health, as she breaks down essential aspects of vulva health, from the difference between the vulva and vagina to the transformative power of regenerative care.
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How AI and Tech are Revolutionizing Vulvar Health Care
The Urgency of Addressing Vulvar Health in Medical Training
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