Anatomy of the Vulva

By moving your Mouse Cursor over one of the first three illustrations shown, and clicking on each individual anatomical structure shown, you will be linked to that structures name and description. Most web browsers will display the name of the anatomical structure, under the mouse cursor, at the bottom of the screen, following the # symbol in the displayed URL.

First a note about the illustrations contained on this web page. The shape and appearance of the female genitals vary considerably from one woman to the next. A woman's vulva is as unique in appearance as is her face. A person should not take the position that all women's genitals should look similar to those shown. Only a very small percentage of women will have genitals that look like those portrayed. I will use multiple illustrations to provide some indication of just how varied in appearance the vulva can be. Many of the illustrations are taken from life, most anatomy and sexuality books show what the author or illustrator felt was the correct or ideal shape. Few women's genitals are as symmetrical as those shown in these books. As such, they are usually inaccurate for the majority of women. Based on some anatomical illustrations, you have to wonder if the illustrator had ever actually seen the vulva of an adult woman, at least a living one.

Locating detailed descriptions of the anatomy and biology of the female sexual organs appears to be almost impossible. Almost every book I used as a reference, nearly ten, presented the same information, almost word for word. Each anatomical structure is usually described in a single sentence, or at most, a brief paragraph. The information published one hundred fifty years ago seems to be the basis for the information presented in books printed today. When new research is published, it is usually presented in medical journals, using medical terminology, which the average person cannot read or comprehend. This goes to show how little effort has gone into researching the anatomy and function of the female sexual organs.

The external female sexual organs, genitals, are collectively know as the Vulva. The vulva is comprised of many different anatomical structures and is much more complex than most people realize. The reason so many people have no idea as to the anatomy of the female genitals is that we as a society have reduced women's sexual anatomy down to nothing more than their vagina. We say girls and women have a 'vagina' instead of saying they have a 'vulva', which is both inappropriate and inaccurate. We have made the vagina the center of female sexuality when in fact, for the majority of women, their vulva is. Since most sex education classes are more about reproduction than sex, the anatomy of the female genitals is often times not taught in school. Reportedly, very few men can identify all the different parts of a vulva when shown a picture of one. I suspect the majority of women are just as unaware of their own anatomy. Hopefully the information presented below will help people to become more aware of female sexual anatomy, and as a result, increased numbers of women will find sex more enjoyable and satisfying.

The above illustration shows what the adult female genitals may look like when the labia majora are at rest, that is, not spread open. The visible structures are the, mons veneris, labia majora, pudendal cleft, perineum, and anus. While not depicted in this illustration, a significant percentage of women will have labia minora that are always visible as they project out between the labia majora. Sometimes the clitoris or clitoral hood is always visible as well. Illustrations showing vulvas with these characteristics can be found below and on the web page about clitoral and labial size. This illustration depicts what the illustrator, a doctor, determined was an average vulva, based on his research of European and North American women. The original is life size. The black outline shows the placement of the pelvic bones that create the pelvic outlet, or birth canal.

The Mons Veneris is a pad of soft fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. It is usually covered by a thick growth of hair after the onset of puberty. "Mons veneris" means "mound of Venus" in Latin. Venus was the name given to the Roman Goddess of love. Hence, "mons veneris" has come to mean, "Mountain of Love." It is so named because the fatty tissue located here is sensitive to estrogen, with the onset of puberty estrogen levels increase causing a distinct mound to form. It is often very visible when a woman is naked or wears tight clothing. It is thought to provide a protective cushion between the pubic bones of a woman and her partner during sexual intercourse, when penetration is from the front.

The vulva of preadolescent girls appears to be positioned farther forward than that of adult women, as you can see a greater percentage of their labia majora and pudendal cleft when they are standing. This gives you the impression that the vulva moves, rotates, backwards toward the anus during puberty. The vulva does not actually move. What happens is, the formation of this mound of fatty tissue causes the forward portion of the labia majora to be pushed out away from the pubic bone. When a woman in standing, this results in her labia majora being pushed downward, becoming parallel to the ground, and out of sight when viewed from the front. Women with very little body fat may not have a pronounced mons veneris, resulting in their vulva appearing to be located further forward than that of other women. The opposite is true of women with high concentrations of body fat. The position of the clitoris, and urethral and vaginal openings are defined by the bones of the pelvis.

The skin covering the mons veneris contains many nerve endings. As a result, a woman may enjoy having this area caressed, as well as having the hair that covers it stroked and tugged on gently. Some women find they are able to experience orgasm when their mons veneris is massaged, or when they press it against a firm surface while masturbating. This is partly due to the clitoris being located beneath its lower boundary. A woman may find this area more sensitive to stimulation when it is clean-shaven, as the skin is no longer protected by a layer of hair.

The Labia Majora are two folds of skin, in some cases they are more like mounds than folds, that define the pudendal cleft, and conceal and protect the more delicate structures of the vulva. The front portion of each labia majora is usually thicker than the rear, tapering down and merging with the perineum. The above illustration shows each labia majora having this triangle shape.

The outer surfaces of the labia majora are sometimes of a different color than that of the surrounding tissue, and may be smooth or wrinkled in appearance. The skin may have the same wrinkled appearance as that of the male scrotum, their male counterpart. After the onset of puberty the outer surfaces are usually covered with hair. When a woman is sexually aroused, the labia majora may become bright red in color because of the increased blood flow to the area.

The inner surfaces are smooth and shiny. The skin on the inner surfaces is highly populated with oil and sweat producing glands, and nerve endings. The oil and sweat glands are responsible for the smooth shiny appearance and helping to keep the vulva clean and healthy. The color of the inner surfaces is often pink in color, but may be other colors as well, such as brown and blackish-brown. Between the inner and outer skin surfaces is a collection of fat and smooth muscle. Smooth muscles are those we do not have conscious control over.

The size and shape of the labia majora vary considerably from one woman to the next. The labia majora of young girls are usually flat and smooth, having the same color as that of the surrounding tissue. With the onset of puberty and the subsequent increase in body fat, the labia majora often times become more prominent. Women with low percentages of body fat may have small flat labia majora and women with high percentages of body fat may have well defined rounded labia majora.

The flat area between the pudendal cleft and the anus is called the Perineum. Some references state that the perineum is hairless, this is not true for all women. The skin of the perineum is populated by numerous nerve endings so some women may enjoy having this area caressed and massaged during sex. Anatomy references, versus sexuality references, say that the perineum extends from the anus up to the urethra, so there is some conflict in what actually constitutes the perineum.

The Anus is the opening into the rectum and lower intestine through which feces passes during a bowel movement. The anal tissues are rich with blood vessels and nerve endings. Many women find their anus to be very sensitive to stimulation. The sensitivity being the result of a protection mechanism intended to keep foreign objects out, to prevent injury and disease. Two sets of muscles encircle the anus just under the skin. The involuntary contraction of these muscles can make anal sex and intercourse painful or impossible. For many women their anus is an important part of their sexual anatomy, sometimes being even more sensitive than their clitoris and vagina.

The above illustration shows what the vulva of a virgin may look like when the labia are drawn open to expose the inner genital structures. The illustration shown below reveals what a woman's vulva may look like following pregnancy and vaginal delivery. The visible structures in these illustrations are the, labia minora, prepuce, clitoral glans, frenum, vestibule, urethral meatus, vaginal introitus, fossa, fourchette, and hymen. They demonstrate how a woman's genitals may change in appearance throughout her live. There are several events in a woman's life that will likely affect the appearance of her vulva.

At birth an infant girl's vulva and breasts may appear to be swollen or enlarged. This is the result of her having been exposed to her mother's increased levels of hormones while in the womb. After a short period of time the girl's vulva, labia minora and majora, and breasts will shrink in size as the affects of the maternal hormones slowly wear off. At birth, a girl's clitoris is proportionally larger than it is likely to be during the remainder of her life. From the time a girl is one year of age until about the age of eight her genitals should not undergo any significant change in appearance, other than growing in proportion to her body. If they do, a doctor should be consulted.

The next major changes to the vulva occur during puberty. The genital tissues are highly sensitive to hormones. As a girl's ovaries and other endocrine glands start producing increased levels of hormones, male and female, her vulva will likely undergo a major change. The thin tissues of the vulva will become thicker and more elastic. Their coloration is likely to change as well. The structures of her vulva are likely to become larger and more pronounced. This includes her labia majora and minora, as well as her clitoris and hymen. Since pubic hair also develops at this time, a girl may not be aware of all the changes that take place. Teaching your daughter to examine her genitals with a mirror at a young age will make her more comfortable with her vulva, and perhaps more aware of these changes.

Masturbation and non-penetrative sex can have a minor affect on the appearance of the female genitals. Since the average girl does not start masturbating until she is in her late teens, these changes are not likely to occur until after puberty. When a girl or woman is sexually aroused her genitals fill with blood, resulting in their temporary increase in size. If the engorgement with blood occurs frequently, the affects of this engorgement may become permanent. As with all other organs of the body, the more you use it, the larger it becomes, to a point. Daily masturbation and/or sex play may result in a slight increase in the size of the erectile organs of the vulva, labia and clitoris. This is normal and healthy. A doctor will not be able to tell if a girl or woman masturbates, even if this does occur.

The appearance of the entrance to the vagina, introitus, is likely to change when a woman starts having vaginal intercourse, or inserts fingers or other objects into her vagina. Using tampons should not have any significant affects on the appearance of the vulva or vagina. If a woman has a hymen, depending on the force applied to it when objects are inserted into the vagina, it will either stretch or tear. Over time the hymen may slowly disappear as it is repeatedly stretched open. If a woman has a hymen, it usually does not disappear completely until she delivers a baby vaginally. As the vaginal entrance becomes more elastic, surrounding folds of tissue may become more developed. If the vaginal muscles become stronger and more developed this too is likely to change the appearance of the vulva. Of course if the vaginal muscles become weak or torn, this to will change the appearance of the vulva as well. If a woman's introduction to vaginal penetration is slow and gentle, the changes to her vulva are likely to be gradual and perhaps unnoticeable.

When a woman becomes pregnant, the blood supply to her reproductive and sexual organs becomes greatly increased in order that they may be able to support the developing baby. As a result, a woman's vulva may increase markedly in size, her labia and clitoris may become much larger. Blood vessels may become more prominent and visible. The sensitivity of her vulva may become greater, this can be pleasurable or irritating for her. When a woman delivers a baby vaginally, her vagina and vulva must stretch to accommodate the baby's head, 9.5cm (3 3/4 inches) across. This can result in tears to the vaginal opening, labia, and clitoris. A doctor may make an incision at the vaginal opening, an episiotomy, to prevent tearing of the vagina and vulva, the resulting scar tissue changes the appearance of the vulva. Some of the changes that occur during pregnancy and delivery are likely to be permanent.

The next major change to the vulva occurs during menopause. During this time period, the level of hormones in a woman's body decrease, and as a result, the tissues sensitive to hormones, the labia and clitoris, usually decreases in size, but not to their preadolescent size. The reverse of what occurred during puberty occurs during menopause. This can make sex more of a challenge, but does not necessarily eliminate the need or desire for it. If a woman continues to masturbate or engage in sex regularly, the changes are not as great, and sex is likely to be easier to accomplish and enjoy.

The Clitoris is a very complex and specialized organ. It has only one purpose, to give women sexual pleasure. It is as important to a woman, as is a penis to a man. The clitoris is formed from the same tissues as is a penis, and for the most part, functions the same as a penis. The only major difference between the two appears to be that the female urethra does not pass all the way through the body of the clitoris. The tissue that transports urine and ejaculate through the penis is present though, in the form of the labia minora. While the average clitoris is smaller than a penis, some clitorises are just as large as a small penis. Many clitorises look very similar to a penis, which unfortunately makes some people feel uncomfortable.

Each labia minora attaches to the base of the clitoral glans. The point at which they attach is called the Frenum or Frenulum. The frenum indicates where the urethral outlet would have been located had the clitoris developed into a penis during fetal development. This attachment results in the clitoris being indirectly stimulated by the movement of the labia minora as the penis enters and exits the vagina during intercourse. For a small percentage of women, this stimulation is sufficient to produce an orgasm, when combined with the sensations caused by the penis caressing the vaginal wall. The frenum of the vulva and the frenum of the penis are not the same thing, "frenum" is simply the medical name for this type of anatomical structure. The tongue has a frenum as well, for example.

The labia minora also merge with the Prepuce or Hood. The prepuce covers the clitoral body and all or part of the clitoral glans. While the labia minora merge with the prepuce, they are not made of the same tissue. Unlike the second and third illustrations shown here, the prepuce usually conceals the clitoral glans unless it is manually retracted, but the clitoral glans of some women is always partially or completely exposed as shown. The prepuce protects the very delicate and sensitive clitoral glans from constant stimulation and irritation.

The information presented below on the prepuce is based on multiple articles about the prepuce of the penis. There is no detailed information available on the prepuce of the clitoris that I'm aware of. The information available on the prepuce of the penis is often vague and confusing, and at times, contradicting. I've done my best to make sense of the information presented in my references.

The portion of the prepuce that covers the clitoral glans is just like the foreskin of the penis. It is comprised of two separate layers of skin, an outer layer that is an extension of the tissue along the body of the clitoris, and an inner layer made up of mucous membrane. During fetal development the prepuce and the glans are fused together, they are one. Sometime during late fetal development or childhood, both the glans and prepuce shed their outer layers of cells resulting in their separation. The shedding of these skin cells occurs throughout life, even after separation of the glans and prepuce. Glands on the underside of the prepuce, within the mucous membrane, produce enzymes that attack bacteria and protect the glans and prepuce from infection. There are also oil-producing glands located on areas of the clitoral glans that lubricate the glans and prepuce. These oil glands are less active in childhood than after puberty.

The shedding of skin cells and the production of oil and enzymes results in the formation of smegma. Smegma is a white cheesy substance that may have a strong odor, in the female it is reported to be 'fishy' in nature. Because of the restricted space between the glans and hood, the smegma may collect under the prepuce in the form of small 'pearls' or kernels. Smegma, because of the oil and enzymes does not pose a health risk. It is recommended that while the prepuce and glans are fused together, that only smegma that has seeped out from under the prepuce be washed away with plain water. At some point the prepuce and glans should separate as the result of the skin cell shedding, masturbation, bathing, and bike riding etc. After separation occurs, the prepuce should be retracted so the glans can be washed with plain water. The use of soap appears to increase the likelihood of infection. If the prepuce and glans do not fully separate or if an infection develops between the glans and prepuce, adhesions may develop between the two. Parents should not forcibly retract the hood of their daughter's clitoris while bathing her vulva.

The size of the prepuce varies considerably from one woman to the next. Its size is not necessarily based on the size of the clitoris. A short thin clitoris may have a long fleshy prepuce and a long thick clitoris may have a short thin prepuce. It is believed that most women can retract their prepuce far enough to expose all or part of their clitoral glans. Some women have a prepuce that is so long and/or has such a narrow opening that their clitoral glans is always hidden. A small percentage of women have reported that their long thick prepuce has prevented or impaired their ability to experience orgasm, so they had it surgically trimmed or removed. The process of trimming or removing the portion of the prepuce that covers the glans is called circumcision. It is rarely necessary as there is no evidence to show the size of a woman's prepuce has any bearing on her ability to experience orgasm. It is more a cosmetic procedure that may have psychological benefits for some women.

The above illustration shows the entire clitoris with most of the surrounding tissues removed. The three main parts of the clitoris are shown, the Glans, Shaft, and Crura. Some feel the Vestibule Bulbs should be considered as part of the clitoris, referring instead to them as the "bulbs of the clitoris."

The clitoral glans is made up entirely of soft erectile tissue called corpus spongiosum. This is the same type of tissue that comprises the glans of the penis. When a woman experiences sexual arousal her glans fills with blood and becomes slightly larger, and usually more sensitive. It still remains soft to the touch even during sexual arousal, unlike the body of the clitoris. The surface of the glans is not covered with regular skin tissue, what is there is much like the mucous membrane of the adjoining prepuce. Tiny oil producing glands populate the surface of the glans, at least some areas of it. The oil they produce gives the glans its shiny appearance and allows the prepuce to glide effortlessly across the surface of the glans. If the glans dries out, undergoes cornification, it becomes dull and rough in appearance, as with a circumcised penis.

The average size of the non-erect glans is about 4 - 5mm ( 0.15 - 0.2in, a little less than a quarter inch ) in diameter, but ranges from 1 - 15mm ( 0.04 - 0.6in, a little more than half an inch ) in diameter. There is more information about the size of the clitoris on the page about clitoral and labial size.

The glans of the clitoris has just as many nerve endings as does the glans of the penis, just in a much smaller area. This results in the clitoris being extremely sensitive. The size of a clitoris does not determine how sensitive it is, as the number of nerve endings is reportedly always the same regardless of size. Many women find direct clitoral stimulation painful. There are a small percentage of women who cannot tolerate any form of clitoral stimulation, they experience intense pain not pleasure when it is touched, even indirectly. The prepuce serves to protect the glans from direct stimulation, and the natural oil present reduces the friction between the two. This is probably why women generally masturbate by massaging the prepuce rather than the clitoral glans. While the clitoris is usually very sensitive, some women report their clitoris is insensitive to stimulation. The cause of this is unknown, but it may be the result of disassociation from one's body, diseases or illnesses that attacks the nervous system, or lack of use. The sensitivity of any sensory organ varies from one person to the next, the clitoris is no different.

The body and crura (crus singular) of the clitoris are made up of two cylindrical shaped structures comprised of erectile tissue called corpora cavernosa. This erectile tissue is enclosed in a dense fibrous network of tissue. The body is the portion of the clitoris that hangs downward from the pubic bone, to which the glans is attached. In the body of the clitoris, the two cavernous bodies are joined to one another along their common side and the surrounding tissue makes it appear as if there is only one erectile structure. At the point where the body meets the pubic bone, the two cylinders separate and conform to the shape of the pelvic bones, forming an inverted "V".

The size of the body of the clitoris varies from zero to about two inches. The size of the average clitoral body is about three quarters of an inch, making the average body and glans an inch in length. This is the portion of the clitoris you will be able to touch and feel with your fingers, beneath the prepuce. The crus are each about three inches in length making the average clitoris four inches in length; a lot bigger than most people realize.

Due to the erectile nature of the body of the clitoris, the clitoris is capable of projecting outward from the body, becoming erect, when blood collects in it during sexual arousal. Smooth muscles within the corpora cavernosa relax during sexual arousal allowing blood to pool within its chambers as the result of chemical stimulation by nitric oxide. The degree to which the clitoris projects outward is dependent on the size of clitoris, and on the elasticity of the connective tissues, chordee, that normally keep the clitoris pointed downward. When the clitoris becomes engorged with blood, it feels firm to the touch. If you lightly grasp the body of the clitoris as a woman becomes sexually aroused, you will likely feel her clitoris become firm and erect. For some women with small clitorises, the only way to locate the body of the clitoris within the prepuce is by feeling it become erect while the surrounding tissues stays soft. A woman may be very aware of this change in her clitoris, and feel as if she has a "hard-on" because of its intensity.

Just prior to a woman experiencing orgasm an increased amount of blood collects in the body of the clitoris resulting in a firmer erection, which causes the glans to move upward toward the pubic bone. This gives the impression that the glans is retracting up under the prepuce when it is actually just straightening out as a result of the increased blood trapped within. Some incorrectly say this is protection mechanism of the exquisitely sensitive glans, saying the clitoris retracts to protect itself from direct stimulation that may be painful just prior to orgasm. The penis undergoes the same increased rigidity just prior to orgasm and it in no way protect the glans of the penis, it perhaps ensures the penis is at full length so the ejaculate is deposited as near the cervix as possible. Women who report experiencing waves of pleasure radiating outward from their clitoris during orgasm are perhaps feeling the pooled blood rapidly draining away from the clitoris in time with her orgasmic contractions.

The Bulbs of the Clitoris are two erectile bodies that attach to the body of the clitoris and lay beneath the labia minora. They are called "Bulbus Vestibuli" in the above illustration. The length of the bulbs varied from 3 - 7cm (1.2 - 2.75 inches) in one study. The bulbs of the clitoris correspond to the singular bulbus penis in the male. They are made up of the same erectile tissue as the clitoral glans, corpus spongiosum. These structures fill with blood during sexual arousal, but unfortunately it appears that no one knows for sure their exact function during sex and orgasm. Because of their erectile nature and location near the vagina, they may firm up the vaginal introitus in preparation for intercourse. A woman may also be aware of their firmness and congestion during sex.

The Vestibule is the triangle shaped area below the clitoris and above the vaginal introitus. The labia minora form the sides of the triangle. The urethral meatus is located within this area of the vulva.

The Urethral Meatus is the opening into the urethra, through which urine, female ejaculate, and fluids from the female prostate exit the body. The size and shape of the urethral opening varies considerably from one woman to the next. It may not be as large and prominent as shown above, though sometimes it is larger. The urethral meatus can be very sensitive to sexual stimulation, so sensitive in fact that a woman may mistake her urethral opening for her clitoris, if she does not visually examine her vulva, going solely by sensitivity. Some women masturbate by massaging the urethral meatus and by inserting objects into the urethra. Stimulating the urethra, through the vaginal wall, can result in female ejaculation and the release of fluids from the female prostate.

The Vaginal Introitus forms the mouth of the vagina. It is incorrect to say "vaginal opening" because unless there is something inserted into the vagina, the vaginal passage is closed. One problem with some of the illustrations on this page, and in anatomy books in general, is that the vaginal opening is always shown as a dark area, in affect indicating a dark empty space, a cave of sorts. The walls of the vagina are normally in contact with one another, the vagina is a potential space, not an opening as usually shown and portrayed. As the illustrations and discussion above reveal, its appearance is dependent on several factors.

During the early stages of fetal development there is no opening into the vagina from outside the body. The thin tissue membrane that conceals the vaginal canal is called the Hymen. Usually at some point during fetal development this tissue divides, exposing the vagina to the outside world. When the opening forms, some or most of the concealing tissue remains. The tissue that still conceals the vaginal opening after birth is what we commonly refer to as the hymen. The opening(s) into the vagina come in many shapes, illustrations showing the common variations can be found on the page about the hymen.

Sometimes the hymen does not separate during fetal development and a girl is born with an imperforated hymen, meaning there is no vaginal opening. A minor surgical procedure is required to create an opening in the hymen. If this opening does not exist prior to the onset of menstruation, menstrual fluid collects in the uterus and vagina resulting in severe abdominal pains and cramps until the fluid is drained.

Contrary to popular myth, the presence or absence of a hymen in no way indicates that a girl or women has or has not had vaginal intercourse. The hymen of some girls totally disappears prior to birth. The tissue of the hymen is very thin, it does not take much tension on the surrounding tissues to cause it to stretch open. Normal childhood activities like spreading the legs widely during gymnastics, riding a bicycle, playing on the jungle gym, and masturbating can result in the hymen disappearing prior to puberty. Later usage of tampons, and the insertion of fingers into the vagina may also stretch the hymen. Some hymen are elastic enough that when a penis is inserted slowly and gently, it may stretch versus tear, so that when the penis is removed, the hymen returns to it prior shape. It appears that about 50% of women experience bleeding when they first have intercourse. This explains the common practices of getting married while a girl is menstruating, inserting a fertilized bird's egg into the vagina, and the staining of the bed sheets with the blood from a chicken when proof of virginity was required.

The Fourchette is the area where the labia majora join together below the vaginal opening. It is the forward edge of the perineum.

The Fossa is the name given to the depression that exists between the perineum and hymen, below the vaginal opening.