Vulva

Disclaimer

This section will contain terms referring to genitals in an educational context. There are also mild references to sexual activities, also in an educational context. Clicking on the external links at the bottom of this page may result in you seeing images of genitalia. Clicking on links found throughout the page itself will lead to other relevant parts of The Transgender Dictionary.

It is important to note that the anatomy of individuals varies from person to person. Below are different terms so you know what is what. Keep in mind that not everyone looks the same.

See also - penis.

Introduction

Genitalia. Everyone has it. Generally, its considered a personal topic. Something that you keep to yourself. However, when it comes to transgender people, the topic of genitalia is somehow brought up more often than not - whether or not its relevant.

For reasons that I will never understand, "what's in your pants" or "how do you have sex" (and variations thereupon) are common phrases that is often heard by transgender and gender non-conforming peoples. The idea of anyone having a deviation to "the norm" somehow makes a lot of people think that it is ok to simply ask questions that they would not ask someone who is cisgender (or appears to be cisgender).
It is rare for someone who is transgender to go a lifetime without having a stranger ask questions regarding their genitalia.

Along the lines of the previously mentioned examples of invasive questions, "did you get The Surgery" is another common question. Never mind that those who would randomly ask a stranger that question rarely even know the name of the surgery that they are referring to.
In case you were wondering, removal of the vulva is refered to as a vaginectomy, while the construction of one is refered to as vaginoplasty. See also, labiaplasty.

The purpose of this page in particular is not to provide information on any surgeries, but instead is to provide some general, basic information regarding the vulva.

Very, very basically; the "vulva" refers to the genitalia traditionally associated with those who are female. When a doctor looks at an infant's external genitalia and observe what looks to be a vulva, this will typically result in said infant being AFAB.

It is unfortunate but necessary to note the experiences of those who are CAFAB when the genitalia does not quite meet the medical standards of what a vulva "should" look like. If you are unaware of what this is refering to, please go to the intersex page for more information. The rest of this particular page will be discussing perisex anatomy for simplicity's sake.

The vulva is a reproductive organ which serves a variety of functions such as sexual pleasure, menstruation, and urination.

Transgender men are men who were born with vulvas. This is something that will typically result in gender dysphoria. This is because having a vulva is not something that is traditionally associated with being a man. For many people, the idea of a man posessing a vulva is "wrong" or confusing. Its something that some people cannot quite wrap their head around. It can seem wrong to some.
This wrongness is not unique to the outside observer. The vulva is an indicator of femininity that can make a trans man feel inadequate - like they aren't quite right.
While some transgender men are unbothered with their anatomy, or are made comfortable with the changes caused by testosterone (see below for more), Many transgender men will seek out surgeries to remove or reshape their vulvas to become more traditionally masculine.

Transgender women are women who were born without vulvas. This can often be dysphoric to experience.
Lacking one can make a transgender woman feel as though something is missing, or wrong. It can make them feel as though their bodies do not match how they feel.
To many people, posession of a vulva is intrinsically linked to womanhood. Some would go as far as to define posessing one as being the very definition of being a woman.
Many transgender women will seek out surgeries to reshape their genitalia in an effort to obtain gender euphoria.

It is important to note that all transgender people have their own unique relationship with gender and their genitalia. The above statements are generalizations.

Anatomy

Clitoral Hood

Skin which surrounds and protects the clitoris.

Clitoris (also known simply as: the clit)

Located at the top of the vulva (roughly between the labia majora and the labia minora), the clit is an extremely sensitive gland. When aroused, it will become encouraged with blood, causing it to appear enlarged and erect. The purpose of the clitoris is sexual pleasure.

Labia

A pair of folds of skin which protect the internal structures of the vulva. These folds vary in size, and are typically asymmetrical.

Labia Majora

These are the larger folds of skin which protect the labia minora and other structures of the vulva.

Labia Minora

These are the small folds of skin which protect the urethra and vaginal openings.

Mons pubis (also known as: mons veneris)

Present in both sexes, this soft, fleshy mound covers and cushions the pubic bone just above the genitalia (in this case, of course, the vulva). It typically becomes hairy after puberty.

Urethra

The pee hole. Located below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening. It is typically a small hole.

Vagina (also known as: the birth canal)

The vaginal opening is located below the urethra. From this hole comes a variety of things, menstrual blood, discharge, and babies.

While it is advised to gently wash the external vulva with warm water and mild soap on a regular basis, it is not advised to clean the interior of the vagina. Unless you are interested in disrupting the natural balance of your vagina's PH and potentially causing a yeast infection - do not douche or put any sort of cleaning products in there.
If there is an unfamiliar smell or an oddly colored discharge - seek medical attention, NOT the beauty aisle.

Vestibule

This is the skin which covers the area between the labia minora. It contains the holes known as the urethra and the vaginal opening.

Interaction With HRT

When a trans-masculine individual goes on testosterone, this can cause various genital changes. Quite often, these are some of the first reported changes caused by HRT.

One of said changes is enlargement of the clitoris, commonly referred to as "bottom growth." Size of bottom growth varies from person to person. Factors such as how big it will get, the appearance, and when it will stop growing will vary from person to person.
Some trans-masculine individuals report that it can get up to or even surpass 2 inches in length. Visually, bottom growth typically causes the clitoris to resemble a micropenis.

Some report bottom grown being painful, due to the clitoris becoming more sensitive to chafing against clothing. (I would recommend switching from traditionally feminine underwear to traditionally masculine underwear to manage this issue.) Some people use barriers such as aloe vera gel or baby powder to help with chafing.

Bottom growth is often (but not always) a prerequisite for surgeries such as phalloplasty and metoidioplasty, as it will give the surgeon more to work with.

It is possible to enhance bottom growth through the use of pumping devices.

Some people will talk to their endocrinologist to get a specialized cream to enhance bottom growth. Some people who take their HRT in gel form may think about putting it on their genitals to do this. As t-gel is alcohol based and has the consistency of hand sanitizer, this is a bad idea. Not only will it not work, but it will cause an extremely uncomfortable burning sensation.

While everyone should be cleaning their genitalia on a regular basis to maintain their personal hygiene, the enlargement of the clit can affect this routine for transgender men who are not quite used to the change. The area between the clitoris and the clitoral hood needs to be cleaned, but the sensitivity can cause it to be painful to touch when dry, which can sometimes discourage proper hygiene. I recommend making sure that the area is wet (with warm water) and possibly using a q-tip to reach the area for cleaning (if necessary)

Taking HRT can also cause what is referred to as vaginal atrophy (referring to a dry vagina). The severity of this will vary from person to person, and will not necessarily happen. If/when it does happen, it can cause sexual intercourse to be painful.

It is important to note that atrophy can happen to people regardless of if they are on HRT or not. This can happen to anyone, cis or trans, due to various reasons.

Some individuals will talk to an endocrinologist to get a specialized hormonal medication to help with this issue (typically in the form of a topical cream). Plenty of others will simply use lube. (Note - Regardless of who you are and what you are doing, improper lubricant during penetration can result in tearing, pain, and potentially future health complications. There is no shame in having to use it. Just have fun.)

The Transgender Dictionary