{"id":21976,"date":"2023-04-06T16:18:34","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T16:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parent.bloomforall.com\/?p=21976"},"modified":"2023-10-10T00:46:39","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T00:46:39","slug":"the-vulva-vagina-helping-your-teen-understand-care-for-their-anatomy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/the-vulva-vagina-helping-your-teen-understand-care-for-their-anatomy\/","title":{"rendered":"The Vulva & Vagina: Helping Your Teen Understand & Care for Their Anatomy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Though sometimes mistaken for the vagina, the external female genitals are actually called the vulva. It is important for your young person, if they were assigned female at birth, to understand the different parts of their anatomy. Some preteens and teens may just be curious about why their body does certain things or even why their vagina has discharge. <\/p>

Learn more about the vulva and the vagina, so you, as their caregiver, can support and answer their questions.  <\/p>

To learn more about penises and testes, check out our article here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>

A Brief Guide of the External Parts: The Vulva<\/h2>

The vulva consists of two double folds of skin called the outer and the inner labia (or lips). The outer labia protects the inner labia and all the other parts. Between the lips, at the top, lies the head of the clitoris and the hood of the clitoris. Below it is the urethra, then the opening to the vagina, and some small glands that surround it. <\/p>

Just above the vulva, toward the belly button, is the mons pubis, a fatty pad of skin that protects the pubic bone on the front of the body. During puberty, the skin of the outer labia and mons pubis begin to grow hair and may darken a bit in color. The inner labia does not grow hair, but may also darken during puberty.  <\/p>

\"Illustration<\/figure>

A Brief Guide to the Internal Parts: The Vagina<\/h2>

The vagina begins at the vulva, extends inside the body three to four inches deep, and ends at the cervix (part of the uterus). Tiny openings around the entrance to the vagina secrete fluid that keep the inner labia moist. The amount of this fluid, as well as secretions from the vagina (vaginal discharge), may increase during puberty. <\/p>

Helping Your Teen Accept Their Vulva and Vagina<\/h2>

Vulvas are completely unique; no two vulvas are alike, meaning that outer labias, inner labias, and clitorises will differ in size, length, and color from person to person. Vulvas can also change color as your young person gets older, or even change color and swell if they are aroused.<\/p>

While our culture, media and pornography might spread outdated and harmful messages about how vulvas \u201cshould look,\u201d this is completely incorrect. Remind your young person that these images of vulvas are unrealistic, and that diversity is beautiful, even as it applies to their vulva. Encourage them to celebrate their own uniqueness and explore their own body and get to know what feels good to them.<\/p>

Certain influences in our culture, like media and pornography, for example, can spread some really outdated and harmful messages about how vulvas should look. These messages can make those who have vulvas feel self-conscious. If your young person has seen or heard these types of messages it may have a negative impact on their self-esteem. Remind your preteen or teen that diversity is beautiful, and we should celebrate our own uniqueness.<\/p>

\"Celebrate<\/figure>

<\/p>

How to Care For Your Vulva<\/h2>

While your tween or teen is going through puberty, they might need extra support and education on how to care for their vulva, especially with all the changes. Here are 5 ways your preteen or teen can keep their vulva healthy.<\/p>

Encourage Them to Wash Their Vulva Regularly<\/h3>
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@dr.staci.t<\/a>

Since I can\u2019t possibly tag everyone who is asking… #repost<\/a> #learnontiktok<\/a> #tiktokpartner<\/a> #showertok<\/a> #howto<\/a><\/p> \u266c SALSA JAM NO.1 – Jaycee Mante<\/a> <\/section> <\/blockquote>