The 101: A Guide to the Female Sexual Anatomy
Here’s a full guide to everything you need to know about the female sexual anatomy. This quick article will go over both the external and internal parts of the female anatomy – so now you can say you really do know where the clitoris is.
What is the female reproductive system?
The female reproductive system is a series of internal and external organs that women and people assigned female at birth have. The reproductive system also connects with the urinary system through the urethra.
What does the female reproductive system do?
The female reproductive anatomy helps people participate in many vital functions for reproduction, urination, and sexual activities. Here are the main functions of the female reproductive system:
- Produce estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones
- Conceive and birth a child
- Engage in sexual activities
- Urinate
Now, let’s take a better look at each of the parts of the female anatomy:
The Parts of the Female Anatomy
Let’s split the female anatomy into the external and internal parts to make it easier to learn. We’ll start with the external anatomy.
External Female Anatomy
Excluding the breasts, the external anatomy is collectively called the vulva. Many people mistakenly call it the vagina, but this is inaccurate as the vagina is only one part of the vulva.
So here are the different parts of the external female anatomy:
Mons Pubis
This is the cushioned area right below the belly where pubic hair will grow. Its primary function is to protect the pelvic bone.
Labia
The labia are the folds on either side of the vaginal opening. There are two sets on each side – the labia majora and the labia minora.
These skin folds help protect the sensitive genital organs. During sexual arousal, these structures will swell and become more sensitive to stimulation.
Clitoris
The clitoris (the glans) is a highly sensitive organ that’s found at the very top of the vulva, at the intersection of the inner labia minora.
This organ can vary in size for each woman, and the external portion extends back inside the body. Like the labia, it will fill with blood when aroused and become highly sensitive to touch. For many women, this is the primary source of sexual pleasure.
Urethra
The opening of the urethra is a small hole to allow for urination. It is located right below the clitoris.
So in case you were wondering, no, women do not pee out of their vagina.
Bartholin & Skene’s Glands
These are two sets of glands that help with lubrication during sexual activities. The Bartholin glands are located at the vaginal opening, with Skene’s Glands being next to the urethra.
Skene’s Glands are sometimes referred to as the female prostate, as they also release fluid during ejaculation.
Vaginal Opening
The vaginal opening is located below the urethral opening. During arousal, the opening stretches.
Breasts
The breasts play a role in the reproductive system due to their production of milk. During and after pregnancy, the breasts will enlarge due to the milk ducts. The breasts are also sensitive to touch, which can help with sexual arousal.
Internal Female Anatomy
Now that you’ve finally learned what the vulva consists of – let’s move on to the internal female sexual anatomy. These organs play a role in sexual activities, pregnancy, and hormone regulation.
Vagina
This is a muscular tube that serves several purposes for the female reproductive system. From sexual intercourse to menstruation and childbirth, this stretchy canal connects the external anatomy to the internal.
It can expand during both sexual intercourse and childbirth thanks to its elastic and muscular structure.
Cervix
This is located right between the vagina and the uterus. The cervix can stretch and shrink, which gives the body the ability to allow – or prevent – the passage of objects.
For example, the cervix will expand during sexual intercourse and childbirth, allowing for semen to enter and for a baby or menstrual blood to move out of the uterus.
Likewise, this organ also prevents objects like a menstrual cup or a sex toy from moving further into the body than intended and can be very tender if poked.
Uterus
Also known as the womb, this organ is located in the lower belly, past the cervix. This is where a fetus will develop during pregnancy.
The uterus is connected to the ovaries via the fallopian tubes on either side.
Ovaries
This is where most women and people assigned female at birth will store eggs for sexual reproduction. The ovaries are the two small, rounded organs, with each located on either side of the uterus.
These organs produce important hormones like estrogen and release eggs that are crucial for conception.
Fallopian Tubes
The Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and contain small structures that will guide an egg from each ovary to the uterus. Likewise, sperm will try to travel through the fallopian tubes to fertilize an egg and begin the process of conception.
Hymen
The hymen is a very thin tissue that is near the opening of the vagina. This varies considerably for every person. It is prone to tearing or rupturing, but can become more elastic with age.
While sexual activity is one way to cause a tear or bleeding, a broken hymen does not necessarily mean sexual activity has taken place.
The G Spot
This is a sensitive area located just a few inches within the vaginal cavity, towards the belly side of the body. Also called the Gräfenberg spot, it can be an area of sexual pleasure and is characterized by a rougher texture than the surrounding tissue.
