Female Genital Anatomy

Female genitals can be separated into two categories. There are the external genitals, which are easier to see and touch, and there are the internal sexual and reproductive organs, which you might be able to sense on your own or not. The best way to learn about your body is to have a look, on your own, at a time and place where you have lots of privacy. Not all of us can do this though. If you can, start by holding a mirror between your legs, spread your labia apart with your other hand, and have a look. If you are uncomfortable doing this, or actually can’t do it, you might be able to ask your doctor to use a mirror during a pelvic exam so you can see for yourself.

Vulva
The vulva is the collective term for the most easily visible parts of outer female genitals. It includes the mons pubis, the outer and inner labia, the clitoral hood, the urethral opening and the vagina opening. There is a great variation in the overall appearance (including size, shape, and color) of women’s vulvas.

Mons Pubis
It is the area of skin that lies above the pubic bone. It’s often rounded and there is a fatty pad of tissue under the skin. The mons is where most of your pubic hair grows. The mons is may be the least perceptive part of the vulva but many women will still enjoy the feeling of touching and massage or even vibration, as the stimulation can be felt throughout the area.

Labia
Coming down on either side from the mons are the labia. Labia is latin for “lips” and women have two sets of labia. The outer thicker labia, called labia majora, are what you see with no spreading your legs wide open. They will likely have hair on them and can be smooth or a bit ridged. In between the labia majora are another set of skin folds called the labia minora ("little lips"). These are much thinner and more elastic than the labia majora. The inner labia are often longer or seem to stick out more than the outer labia. There is a wide natural variation in form and size of labia.

Clitoris
The labia come together at the top into a tiny hood that covers the clitoris. The part of the clitoris which can be seen and sits under the top of the labia minora. In fact this is just the tip of the clitoris. It is often less than an inch long, but can be longer. It is made mainly of erectile tissue, which is spongy bodies that can fill up with blood, making it firmer and larger. What you won't be able to openly feel or see is that the clitoris extends into the body and down in two roots to either area of the vagina. This is referred to as the internal clitoral body and all of this can swell when sexually stimulated.

Tags: sex tips, intercourse, pleasure, sexual health, female sexual health, sexuality, genital anatomy, anatomy, vulva, labia, clitoris, clitoral body, pubis, mons pubis