Complete guide to vaginal anatomy & bull; hello healthy

You may think that you know everything about your limbs including vaginal anatomy. Eits, wait a minute. Did you know that the vaginal vocabulary that many people use to describe the female sex organs is actually not completely accurate?

What is the anatomy of the vagina like?

The following descriptions will become clearer if you look at your genitals with a hand mirror as you read this article. Make sure you have enough time and privacy to feel relaxed. Try squatting on the floor and placing the mirror between your legs, or sitting on the edge of a chair with your legs spread out in front of the mirror.

To start, let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about the vagina. If you are standing naked in front of a mirror, the first thing you see is not your vagina, it's your vulva.

Anatomy of the vulva, the outer part of the female sex organs (source: Teen Vogue)

Vulva

The vulva is the outermost part of the genitals that can be seen by the naked eye. Unless you are avid shaving or waxing, the most noticeable feature of the vulva is pubic hair.

The part of the vulva, also known as the pudendum, includes the mons pubis (pubic hump), labia majora (outer lip), labia minora (inner lip), urethral (urinary tract) openings, clitoris, and vaginal opening, aka the birth canal. These organs work together to support urination and sexual reproduction.

Mons pubis

The mons pubis, aka the pubic hump, is the bulging part of the vulva, where pubic hair develops that begins at puberty. After menopause, these hairs will fall out and thin out. The mons are located on top of the pubic bone, which is part of the pelvis, or pelvic ring. You can feel the pubic bone when you press the mons pubis.

When you spread your legs, you can see in the mirror that the hair continues to grow along the mons as far as possible around your anus. The anus is the outer opening of the end of the large intestine.

Labia majora

The labia majora, also known as the outer lip of the vagina, are the very first structures to greet you. The labia majora are two large folds of fatty tissue that extend on each side in the mons pubis. The color, size, and shape of the labia majora will be different for each woman depending on the fat tissue content. The labia majora also have hair follicles.

The main function of the labia majora is to protect the inside of the vulva which is more sensitive, such as the clitoris and vagina. Labia majora surrounds the labia minora.

Labia minora

The labia minora are also called the inner lips of the vagina. The labia minora are hairless and are very sensitive to touch. This inner lip provides a second layer of protection for the internal structures and other organs. The labia minora also have oil glands that secrete natural lubricants to comfort you and help separate your lips for easier penetration.

The labia minora are not always symmetrical. This pair of lips may extend beyond the labia majora, and the two ends may not feel completely smooth. Located within the labia minora slightly back are the clitoris, urinary openings, and vaginal opening. The front ends of the labia minora meet each other just above the clitoral valve, the small fold of tissue that protects the clitoris. The other end meets just below the vaginal opening.

External view of vagina and vulva (source: Our Bodies Ourselves)

Clitoris

The clitoris, which is the little knob you see at the top of your external region when you open the labia, contains 8,000 nerve endings. That means the clitoris is the area most sensitive to sexual stimulation.

The clitoral valve, a layer of skin that slides back and forth when needed, protects the clitoris and prevents irritation and arousal when you don't want it. When you are aroused, the covering will shrink backwards to expose the clitoris. When the orgasm is over, it will shut itself down again. Many people think that the clitoris is just a bulge, but it is actually still the head that is most visible. The clitoris in the body is branched to form a Y letter along the nine centimeters.

Urethra

The urethra is a small opening in the vulva surrounded by a ring of skin that is slightly raised. The urethra is the gate for the release of urine from the urinary tract in the body during the urination process. Pathogenic bacteria present on the skin covering the vulva may enter the urinary tract through these openings, causing urinary tract infections. The length of the female urethra ranges from 3.5-5 cm.

Vestibula

The vestibules are two sets of bundles of erectile tissue, approximately 1 cm in front of the vagina. The vestibule, along with the clitoris, becomes stiff with blood during sexual arousal, as well as the vaginal walls.

The vestibule is lined with muscle tissue. This muscle tissue helps to create tension and a sensation of tightness during arousal and contracts during orgasm, playing an important role in the involuntary spasms you feel at that moment. The clitoris and vestibule are the only organs in the body that exist solely for sexual sensation and arousal.

Vagina

Just below the urethra lies the vaginal opening (also known as the introitus). This vaginal opening becomes the pathway for penetration during sexual intercourse, as a channel for menstrual flow from the uterus, as well as the birth canal for the fetus during childbirth.

The vagina is an elastic and flexible muscle layer that provides lubrication and sensation. People think of the vagina as a tube that is always open, but it's not. During rest, the vagina closes and the vaginal walls will touch each other, unless there is a tampon or something inside (penis, finger, or sex toy).

Around the vaginal opening, you may see a hymen, also known as vaginal corona. The hymen is a thin layer in the vaginal opening that partially covers the opening but never completely covers it. A woman's hymen will differ in texture and strength from another woman. For most women, the hymen can stretch easily, just by inserting a tampon or finger. Some women can be born without a hymen. After the hymen is stretched and torn, there will still be a small fold of tissue remaining.

Anatomy of the vagina (source: Teen Vogue)

The vaginal opening is connected to the reproductive system in the body, which extends from the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. All of these organs are located in the pelvis and work together in regulating the menstrual cycle and also fertilization until pregnancy and childbirth.