Explanation of Female Anatomy

Here's an explanation of the terms associated with female anatomy / female genitalia.

Vulva or 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 that are covered with skin and extend downward and backward from the mons pubic. After repeated childbearing, the labia majora become less prominent, and in older women begin to shrivel. Their structure is 6 to 8 cm in length, 1-inch in width, and 1 to 2 cm in thickness, and is tapered at the lower extremities. (Labia majora reduction information)

Labia Minora:

Two flat reddish folds of tissue become visible when the labia majora are separated. It is a thick fold of tissue that is moist and reddish in appearance. There are no hair follicles in the labia minora, but there are many sebaceous follicles; 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. They usually are not visible in women who had no childbirth, whereas in women who have had children, it is common for labia minora to project beyond the labia majora. (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 women 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. Rarely the clitoris exceeds 1-inch in length, even in state of erection. The gland, which rarely exceeds l/8th of an inch in diameter, is richly supplied with nerve endings. The clitoris is the principal erogenous organ of women.

Vaginal Opening and Hymen:

The vaginal opening varies considerably in size and shape. In virginal women, it is hidden by labia minora and covered with the hymen ring (read about hymenoplasty, reconstruction of the hymen). Some women become more irritated and fear a fungal infection of the enlarged labia, secondary to exposure of the extra tissue to the underwear or pantyhose. Many women prefer to have the shape of their labia more visually pleasant for themselves and their partner.

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.

Female Anatomy: Solutions for a Changing Body