Vaginas — or more accurately, vulvas, and all their components — come in different shapes, sizes, and colors. They even have different smells. And unless your normal involves pain or discomfort , everything is likely fine. Still unsure?

Clue is on a mission to help you understand your body, periods, ovulation, and so much more. Start tracking today. In a non-aroused state, the walls of the vagina are collapsed against each other. The vagina changes: during sex, throughout the menstrual cycle, and with age and different life stages. People often use the term vagina to refer to the entire female genital region between the legs—but this is incorrect. The vulva is the correct name for the external parts of the female genitalia.

Vulva is the name for the female external genitalia including the clitoris , labia vaginal lips , and the opening to the vagina. The vulva does not include the cervix, womb , or other internal parts of the female reproductive system. The most common misconception of all is to call the vulva the vagina, the vagina is the specific name for the internal canal leading to the cervix. The vagina does not include the clitoris, labia or any other external parts.

Every day for the last year and a half, Hilde Atalanta has painted a picture of one vulva. At first, inspiration came from her imagination; then, from the internet; and, most recently, from women who send her photos of their goods. For the Amsterdam-based illustrator who also paints full bodies and faces, vulvas are compelling portrait subjects. A vulva, by the way, is the name for the visible part of what most people just dub "vagina. Together, Atalanta's colorful sketches make up The Vulva Gallery , an Instagram phenomenon showcasing more than vulva illustrations.