Getting to Know Your Vulva: The Relationship Between Pelvic and Vulvar Health

At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, Maine, we often remind our patients that the vulva isn’t just important for sexual health. It plays a vital role in pelvic floor function, bladder health, and overall comfort. Understanding your vulva and how it connects to the pelvic floor can help you take better care of your body.

What Is the Vulva? A Quick Anatomy Lesson

The vulva is the external genitalia of the female pelvis. Every vulva looks a little different, but the main structures are:

• Mons pubis: The fatty tissue above the pubic bone, usually covered with hair.

• Labia majora: The outer, protective folds of skin.

• Labia minora: The thinner inner folds located just inside the labia majora.

• Clitoris: A sensitive structure important for arousal and pleasure (only the tip is visible!).

• Urethral opening: Where urine leaves the body.

• Vaginal opening: The entrance to the vaginal canal, which leads to the cervix and uterus.

The vulva protects internal structures and plays a big role in both urinary health and sexual function.

How Vulvar Health Impacts the Pelvic Floor

Just inside the vulva, the pelvic floor muscles form the muscular base of the pelvis. These muscles support the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs while helping with sexual and urinary function.

When vulvar health is compromised, pelvic floor function often is, too. Common issues include:

• Vulvar pain, irritation, or sensitivity

• Painful urination, frequent urination, or urinary leakage

• Discomfort with sex or difficulty achieving orgasm

Vulvar conditions like dryness, infections, or skin irritation can increase pelvic floor tension, creating a cycle of discomfort. Similarly, pelvic floor dysfunction can worsen vulvar symptoms, sometimes leading to burning, itching, or even changes in discharge.

This is why treating vulvar health and pelvic health together is so important.

How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help

At our Maine pelvic floor physical therapy clinics, we work closely with patients to address both vulvar and pelvic concerns. Here’s how therapy helps:

1. Hands-on treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction

   • We release tension, retrain muscles, and restore balance in the pelvis to reduce pain and improve function.

2. Collaborative care with medical specialists

   • We help connect you with gynecologists, dermatologists, or vulvar specialists for conditions such as lichen sclerosus, skin irritation, or recurrent infections.

3. Education on vulvar self-care

   • Guidance on lubricants, cleansers, moisturizers, and lifestyle practices to reduce irritation and support a healthy vulvar environment.

By addressing both pelvic floor and vulvar health, we aim to break the cycle of pain and dysfunction so you can return to daily activities and intimacy with confidence.

Why Local Patients Choose Root to Rise

Patients across Southern Maine (including Scarborough, Saco, and Bath) choose our team because we combine specialized pelvic floor therapy, holistic care, and personalized education. Whether you’re struggling with vulvar pain, urinary leakage, or pelvic floor dysfunction, we create a care plan tailored to your needs.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re experiencing vulvar discomfort, urinary issues, or pelvic floor dysfunction, don’t wait. Our Scarborough, Saco, and Bath pelvic floor specialists are here to help.

✨ Ready to start your recovery with expert pelvic floor therapy and support.? Book a free consultation with our Scarborough, Saco, and Bath Maine Pelvic Floor Physical Therapists today and learn how we can support you.

At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy.