Female Reproductive Anatomy
The inner female reproductive organs include: the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries:
Vagina
The vagina is the canal that extends back and upward from the vaginal opening. The cervix is at the top of the vaginal canal and at the lower end of the uterus. The vaginal wall consists of folds called reggae that touch together when nothing has been inserted into the vagina. When a woman is sexually aroused, the vaginal walls secrete fluid. This aids in lubrication and can make vaginal sex more pleasurable. The vagina can expand and elongate to accommodate different sizes of objects i.e. penises, sex toys, etc. Vaginal secretions and menstrual fluid pass through the vaginal canal and tampons or menstrual cups can be inserted during menstruation to collect or absorb menstrual fluid. During vaginal delivery, the baby and the placenta will travel through the vagina (provided it is a vaginal delivery). The vaginal opening is the entrance to the vagina.
Hymen
The hymen is a membrane or tissue that covers the vaginal opening. It is present at birth and often breaks before becoming sexually active. Many women’s hymens will break from tampons or physical activity before becoming sexually active. When women break their hymens from having sex or using a tampon, they may feel some discomfort and may experience some bleeding.
Cervix
The cervix is located at the lower end of the uterus, and has a very tiny opening in the centre of it. This is the opening to the uterus. The cervix is mostly comprised of water and has the ability to expand in order to allow menstrual fluid to pass through as well as a baby during childbirth. During childbirth, the cervix will dilate to 10 cm. If a man ejaculates in a woman’s vagina, the sperm travel up the vagina and through the cervix into the uterus and then the fallopian tubes where conception (the meeting of a sperm and egg) may take place.
Uterus
The uterus (also referred to as the womb) consists of three layers: the myometrium, endometrium, and perimetrium. The uterus is about the size of a closed fist and is shaped like an upside-down pear. Throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle, the outer lining of the uterus will gradually thicken. If you become pregnant, this lining will help cushion the growing foetus. If you do not become pregnant the lining will be shed through your vagina during your menstrual period. The uterus also expands to accommodate a growing foetus and during labour the uterus will contract to help push the baby out. The intrauterine device (IUD) and the intrauterine system (IUS) are two different methods of contraception that are inserted into the uterus through the cervix.
Fallopian tubes
There are two fallopian tubes that connect with the uterus and surround the ovaries. Each fallopian tube is approximately the size of a single hair. During ovulation an egg is released from one of the ovaries and is swept into the fallopian tube by little hair-like structures called cilia. If a sperm and ovum (egg) meet, the ovum will be fertilized in the fallopian tube and then travel into the uterus. Although it is rare, it is possible for a fertilized ovum to begin developing within the fallopian tube, known as an ectopic or tubal pregnancy.
Ovaries
The two ovaries lie on either side of the uterus and are surrounded by the fallopian tubes. The ovaries produce ova (egg cells) as well as the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Women are born with all of the eggs that they will ever have. When ovulation begins, the ovaries release one egg every menstrual cycle, alternating between the two sides. It is possible for both ovaries to release an egg during a cycle, which can result in non-identical (fraternal) twins if both eggs are fertilized and the pregnancy is carried to term.
Urethral Sponge (Grafenberg Spot)
The urethral sponge, which is more commonly known as the G-spot, is located inside your vagina underneath the urinary opening. The G-spot is a spongy tissue that varies in size from woman to woman. In many woman, if the G-spot is stimulated it can cause an intense orgasm, during which fluid is released.
The outer female genitalia includes: mons veneris and pubic hair; labia majora (outer lips); labia minora (inner lips); vaginal opening; urethral opening; clitoris and clitoral hood. Vulva is the term commonly used to describe the entire outer female genitalia:
Mons Veneris & Pubic Hair
The mons veneris consists of the fatty tissue covering the joint of the pubic bones. It is located at the front of the body, below the abdomen and above the clitoris. At puberty, the mons (and the rest of the vulva and surrounding skin) becomes covered in pubic hair. Pubic hair varies in colour and can be long, short, curly or straight. When your pubic hair starts to thicken, it is a sign that the onset of your menstrual cycle is approaching and puberty is underway.
Labia Majora
The labia majora are the outer lips which are often, but not always, bigger than the labia minora. They are covered with pubic hair and offer protection to the inner lips and the vagina. During sexual arousal, blood flows into the labia majora, causing them to swell and flatten out.
Labia Minora
The labia minora are the inner lips, which are often, but not always, smaller than the labia majora. Often times, one lip is larger than other. Labia come in many different shapes, sizes and colours. They are positioned on the outer genitalia between the labia majora and offer protection to the vagina. They help prevent infections and bacteria from entering into the vagina. When you are sexually aroused, the labia minora change colour.
Urethral Opening
The urethral opening is the entrance to the urethra. The urethra is a tube that is connected to your bladder and allows urine to pass through. During urination, urine (pee) passes through the urethral opening. In men, the urethral opening also allows ejaculate to pass through; however, for women, the urethral opening only serves as an exit for urine.
Due to the proximity of the urethral opening to other external genitalia, sexually active women need to keep in mind some important hygiene tips. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and results in painful, burning or frequent urination. This can happen when bacteria are transmitted from the vagina or anus to the urethral opening. Tips to help prevent UTI:
- Wipe the vulva then the anus after urinating or defecating.
- Use a new condom for vaginal penetration following anal penetration.
- Wash hands before stimulating any part of the vulva.
- Avoid allowing objects that have touched the anus (fingers, penis, toys, etc.) to subsequently come into contact with the vulva.
- Urinate soon after sexual activity to wash away bacteria.
Clitoris
The clitoris is a wishbone-shaped bundle of nerves that anchors above your pubic bone and goes along each side of your labia. The main hub of the clitoris is situated above both the vaginal and urinary openings and is covered by a protective hood. The clitoris contains close to 8,000 nerve endings[1]. Its sole purpose is for pleasure. Often women will become very sexually aroused when the clitoris is stimulated; however, because there are so many nerve endings in it, some women find that if the main hub is stimulated directly it is painful. When a woman is sexually excited, the clitoris swells.
Clitoral Hood
The clitoral hood is a protective foreskin that partially covers the main hub of the clitoris. This foreskin can be compared to the foreskin that covers the tip of a man’s penis.
Anus
The anus is the opening to the rectum, which is the canal that connects to your bowels. Feces travel from your bowels and exit through the anus. The anus is an area that has many nerve endings. The area of skin between the anus and the vagina is called the perineum and is rich in nerve endings and can increase sexual arousal. To protect against sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, use dental dams and condoms for oral sex.
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[1] Savoie, Keely Female Orgasm 101 article retrieved from Planned Parenthood Federation of America website: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/news-articles-press/politics-policy-issues/medical-sexual-health/orgasm-13256.htm
