By Dr Tonia Mezzini
On 18 September, we recognise National Vulval Awareness Day, a day dedicated to something that, despite being a completely normal and important part of the female body, is still rarely talked about openly: the vulva.
And that silence matters.
For many women, words like vulva, vaginal health, vulval pain, dryness or sexual discomfort can feel awkward or embarrassing. Some women have never been taught the correct names for their anatomy. Others have experienced symptoms for years without realising that what they are experiencing is common, treatable and worthy of medical attention.
Vulval Awareness Day gives us a platform to change that.
Picture Source: https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/what-is-vagina
First things first: the vulva is not the vagina
One of the most common misconceptions I see in clinical practice is using the word "vagina" to describe the entire genital area.
The vulva refers to the external genital structures, including the labia, clitoris, urethral opening and vaginal entrance.
The vagina is the internal muscular canal that connects the vaginal opening with the cervix.
Understanding the difference isn't simply about terminology. Knowing your anatomy makes it easier to recognise changes, describe symptoms to a healthcare professional and feel more comfortable talking about your body.
And there is no single "normal" vulva.
Vulvas are wonderfully diverse. They vary enormously in size, shape, colour, symmetry and appearance. Some labia are long, some are short, some are symmetrical and many aren't. Some vulvas are darker or lighter in colour, and they can change throughout our lives.
There is no perfect vulva and no standard that we should be trying to achieve.
We should celebrate our vulvas for exactly what they are: unique, individual and an amazing part of our bodies.
Getting to know what is normal for you is also one of the simplest ways to notice when something has changed.
Picture Source: https://www.naturalcycles.com/cyclematters/what-is-the-vulva
A brief history of vulval awareness
The movement towards greater awareness of vulval and gynaecological health has been driven in large part by women themselves.
In Australia, women's health advocate Kath Mazzella, a vulval cancer survivor, became a passionate advocate for better education and awareness following her own experience. Her work highlighted how embarrassment, stigma and lack of knowledge could prevent women from recognising symptoms or seeking help.
The broader international movement has continued to grow, with the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) recognising 18 September as Vulvar Awareness Day.
While campaigns have evolved, the underlying message remains:
We cannot care for what we are afraid or embarrassed to talk about.
Why vulval health matters
The vulva is highly sensitive skin and tissue. It can be affected by hormonal changes, infections, inflammatory and dermatological conditions, sexual activity, childbirth, menopause, medications and cancer treatments.
Common symptoms can include:
- itching or burning
- dryness or irritation
- changes in skin texture or colour
- pain or discomfort
- cracks or splitting of the skin
- pain with sexual activity
- unusual lumps or sores
- changes in sensation
These symptoms have many possible causes. They don't necessarily mean something is seriously wrong, but persistent or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored.
Your vulva can change throughout your life
Women's bodies are constantly changing, and the vulva is no exception.
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, perimenopause and menopause can all influence vulval and vaginal tissues.
As oestrogen levels fall around menopause, for example, tissues can become thinner, drier and more easily irritated. This can contribute to discomfort, burning, itching and pain during sex.
Cancer treatment can also have a significant impact.
Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and some hormone treatments can affect sexual health, lubrication, tissue quality, sensation and comfort. These changes can be particularly difficult when conversations about intimate health are often overshadowed by the immediate focus on treating the cancer.
But sexual health is part of health.
You deserve to have these symptoms acknowledged and treated.
Let's make vulval health a normal conversation
Let's celebrate our vulvas!
Let's celebrate the fact that no two are exactly the same. Let's stop comparing ourselves to unrealistic images or feeling that our vulva needs to look a certain way. Let's teach young women that there is no "perfect" vulva and that diversity is completely normal.
Our vulvas are unique to us. They are part of our bodies, our sexuality and our health, and they deserve to be treated with knowledge, kindness and respect.
Women should know what is normal for them. They should know when something has changed. And, most importantly, they should know that they don't have to simply put up with discomfort.
Help to celebrate this International Vulval Awareness Day with a box of Vulval Cupcakes, thanks to The Village Baker.
A fun way to start conversations and show your support for women's health awareness. Order your box of 6 Vulval Cupcakes here: https://www.thevillagebaker.com.au/store/lady-flower-cup-cakes