Female Genital Anatomy—Explanation by Dr. Hailparn

Explanation of Female Anatomy

Dr. Troy Robbin Hailparn, of the Cosmetic Gynecology Center of San Antonio, strongly believes in educating her patients about their bodies and their health. With that in mind, Dr. Hailparn provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the terms associated with female anatomy and female genitalia.

Vulva (External Genitalia)

Consists of the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, hymen, vestibule and gland.

Mons Pubis

The fat-filled cushion that lies over the pubic bone where the pubic hair is. (Read about mons pubis liposuction and see mons pubis liposuction before and after photos.)

Labia Majora

These are two rounded folds of fatty tissue (the outer lips) that are covered with skin and extend downward and backward from the mons pubis. After repeated childbearing, the labia majora become less prominent, and in older women begin to shrivel. Their structure is typically 6 to 8 cm in length, 1-inch in width, and 1 to 2 cm in thickness, tapering at the lower extremities. (Labia majora reduction information)

Labia Minora

The labia minora are two flat reddish folds of tissue that become visible when the labia majora are separated. The labia minora are moist and reddish in appearance. There are no hair follicles in the labia minora, but there are many sebaceous follicles and a few sweat glands. These structures are supplied with a variety of nerve endings and are very sensitive.

The labia minora vary greatly in size and shape from woman to woman—this is completely normal. Some women have labia minora that are naturally more prominent, while in others they are smaller and tucked inside the labia majora. Childbirth and aging can also affect their appearance. Large or uneven labia minora can be problematic for some women, which is why they desire a labiaplasty.

Clitoris

The clitoris is the equivalent of the penis in terms of nerve endings and sensation, and is located above the vaginal opening and above the urethra. This erectile organ projects downward between the branched labia minora. The clitoris rarely exceeds 1 inch in length, even in a state of erection. The glans, which rarely exceeds 1/8th of an inch in diameter, is richly supplied with nerve endings. The clitoris is the principal erogenous organ in women. (Learn about clitoral hood reduction)

Vaginal Opening and Hymen

The vaginal opening varies considerably in size and shape. In virginal women, it may be partially covered by the hymen, a thin membrane. (Read about hymenoplasty, reconstruction of the hymen.)

After childbirth and with aging, it’s not usual structures to shift and/or weaken. Many women describe symptoms of feeling loose, having urinary incontinence and/or bowel function issues. Vaginal rejuvenation surgery or ThermiVA treatment (non-surgical for tightening the vagina) may be the solution.