What is the vulva?
The vulva is the external part of the female genital area. It includes the labia (inner and outer lips), clitoris, vaginal opening, and the skin around these areas.
The vulva, like the rest of the body, can go through natural changes over time, especially due to hormonal changes, ageing, or health conditions.
What kinds of vulval changes are common?
Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause, pregnancy, puberty)
- Thinning of the skin
- Dryness or irritation
- Less elasticity
- Paler or darker appearance
- Loss of pubic hair
These are usually due to lower oestrogen levels, especially after menopause.
Skin conditions
- Itching, redness, or soreness
May be caused by:- Irritants (e.g. soaps, detergents, sanitary products)
- Eczema or dermatitis
- Lichen sclerosus (a chronic skin condition causing thin, white patches)
- Psoriasis
Lumps, bumps, or swellings
- Cysts (e.g. Bartholin’s cysts)
- Skin tags
- Warts (can be caused by HPV)
- Most are harmless, but new or changing lumps should always be checked
Discomfort or pain
- Burning, stinging, or raw feeling
- Pain during sex or when sitting
- May be due to vulvodynia, infections, dryness, or inflammation
Colour or texture change
- Some changes are normal with age or after childbirth
- But sudden or persistent changes (e.g. dark patches, thickened skin, ulcers) should be checked
When should I see a doctor?
Speak to a GP, nurse, or sexual health clinician if you notice:
- Persistent itching or irritation
- Skin thickening, cracking, or white patches
- Unusual lumps or swelling
- Changes in colour or texture
- Pain during sex or daily activities
- Sores, ulcers, or bleeding
- Any changes that concern you
Early assessment can help rule out or treat conditions like infections, skin disorders, or (rarely) vulval cancer.
Tips for vulval care:
- Avoid harsh soaps or perfumes—wash with warm water or an unperfumed emollient
- Wear loose-fitting, cotton underwear
- Change sanitary products regularly
- Avoid douching or using wipes in the vulval area
- Use lubricants or vaginal moisturisers if experiencing dryness (especially after menopause)
Conditions to be aware of:
- Lichen sclerosus – chronic skin condition causing white patches and thinning skin
- Thrush or bacterial vaginosis (BV) – common infections causing irritation or discharge
- Vulvodynia – persistent vulval pain with no clear cause
- Vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) – abnormal cells that can be pre-cancerous
- Vulval cancer – rare but possible; early detection is key
Remember:
- Changes are often harmless but shouldn’t be ignored
- You deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and cared for
- Self-checking your vulva regularly helps you notice anything new or unusual