Vulvar Disorders Specialist in Arcadia, CA, and Glendale, CA

The vulva is what many people mistakenly think of as the vagina, as it comprises the outer part of female genitalia or the genitalia of those assigned females at birth. In contrast, the vagina is the canal that extends from the vulva to the cervix or the beginning of the uterus. Thus, the vulva consists of the following parts:
 
● Labia majora: The labia majora, commonly referred to as outer lips, are the fleshy outer folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening. These outer folds are often covered in pubic hair. Labia vary in size, appearance, and color. They may be long or short, smooth or wrinkled, and brownish-black or pink. They can also change color with age. The labia are sensitive and swell with arousal.
 
● Labia minora: The labia minora comprise the inner lips within the labia majora. These inner folds begin at the clitoris and extend under the vaginal opening. Unlike the labia majora, the labia minora is thin and lacking in fatty tissue. They can vary in size, as some are longer than the labia majora, while others are shorter.
 
● Clitoris: The clitoris consists of a tip called the glans, roots called the shaft, legs called the crura and a clitoral hood. The tip or glans is located at the top of the vulva where the two inner lips meet and are shrouded in the clitoral hood. The clitoral shaft roots extend inside your body from the tip, and the crura or legs extend down both sides of the vaginal canal. The clitoris is made of spongy tissue that also swells with arousal and has more nerve endings than any other part of your body.
 
● Mons pubis: The mons pubis, also called the pubic mound, is a mound of fleshy tissue above the vulva that is covered with pubic hair and cushions the pubic bone.
 
● Urethral opening: The urethral opening is located directly beneath the clitoral tip and is the small hole from where you urinate.
 
● Vaginal opening: Also known as the vestibule, the vaginal opening is located directly beneath the urethral opening.

Here is a list of problems that can affect the vulva:
 
● Dermatitis, referring to general skin irritation of the vulva
● Psoriasis, a skin disorder where skin cells multiply much faster than they should
● Lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory skin disorder that causes white patches on the vulva
● Lichen planus, an autoimmune and inflammatory skin disorder that causes a rash
● Vulvar ulceration, a condition where sores develop on the vulva
● Thrush, a fungal infection that is also known as a yeast infection
● Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) known as the herpes simplex virus
● Genital warts, soft growths that appear on the vulva due to an STI
● Vulvodynia, chronic pain around the vulva and vaginal opening
● Vestibular pain, chronic pain around the vaginal opening and labia minora
● Vulvar cancer, any type of cancer that occurs around the vulva

Since there are so many different vulvar disorders, the symptoms of vulvar disorders are also diverse. Some common symptoms you might encounter with vulvar disorders include:
 
● Vaginal dryness
● Pain with sexual intercourse
● Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
● Burning, itchiness, or irritation with a rash
● Cracks in the skin
● Blistering or white patches on the vulva

While vulvar disorders are more common amongst post-menopausal individuals, they can affect individuals with a vulva at any age.
 
It’s important to seek medical care if you’re dealing with a vulvar disorder, as it can significantly impact your quality of life. Our ob-gyns at The OB-GYN and Incontinence Center have abundant expertise and experience in treating vulvar disorders. For further information, and guidance contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Arcadia CA, Glendale CA, Monrovia CA, Pasadena CA, Los Angeles CA, Burbank CA, and surrounding areas.