What we traditionally refer to as vagina, is called vulva. The female sex organ has a long history of been kept private and concealed than the male sex organ. This, could be responsible for the incorrect vocabulary associated with parts of the female sex organ, the vagina and vulva.
The vulva is the external part of the female sex organ whereas the vagina is the internal part extending from the vulva to the cervix (neck of the uterus). The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse.
Vagina
The vagina is an elastic, muscular carnal with a soft, flexible lining that provides lubrication and sensation. The vagina connects the uterus to the outside world.
Hymen
The hymen is a thin membrane of tissue that surrounds and narrows the vaginal opening. Although many shapes are possible; the hymen is crescent-shaped. It also varies in size.
Activities that Rips the Hymen
- Effects of sexual activity
- Vigorous exercise e.g. riding bicycle, running
- Disease
- Injury
- Medical examination
- Masturbation
What is the Size of my Vagina
Apparently, vagina is like people’s faces or heights. Everybody is different and unique.
Unfortunately, you can’t take a measuring tape, jump over to your bed, as a seamstress and find the length and breadth of your vagina.
Research has shown that there’s no standard size or shape for a woman’s vagina. Vagina length differs among women in reproductive age.
Because of the presence of the cervix in the front wall of the vagina, there is a difference in length between the front wall, approximately 7.5 cm (2.5 to 3 in) long, and the back wall, approximately 9 cm (3.5 in) long. During sexual arousal, the vagina expands both in length and width (Wikipedia).
Female Anatomy
“Many people find female sexual anatomy curious, confusing, and mysterious. This may be because so much of it is internal (inside the body), or because—historically—women have been expected to be modest and secretive regarding their bodies”, Don Lucas and Jennifer Fox.
Parts of the Vulva
- Mons pubis
- Labia majora
- Labia minora
- Clitoris
- Minor vestibular glands
- Major vestibular glands
- Urethra
- Vaginal opening
Mons Pubis
This is a tissue mound made up of fat located directly anterior to the pubic bones. It is the part of the vulva covered with pubic hair.
Functions of the Mons Pubis
- It is a source of cushioning during sexual intercourse.
- It contains sebaceous glands that secrete pheromones to induce sexual attraction.
Labia Majora
It is also called larger lips. It engorges with blood and appears edematous during sexual arousal.
Functions of the Labia Majora
- It encloses and protects the female’s internal sex organs.
- Labia majora forms the folds that cover:
- Labia minora
- Clitoris
- Minor vestibular glands
- Major vestibular glands
- Urethra
- Vaginal opening
Labia Minora
It is also called smaller lips. The anterior folds of the labia minora encircle the clitoris forming the clitoral hood and the frenulum of the clitoris.
Labia minora is surrounding and defining the openings of the vagina and urethra. It engorges with blood and appears edematous during sexual arousal.
Clitoris
Most of the clitoris, which is composed of 18 parts with an average overall excited length of about four inches, cannot be seen (Ginger & Yang, 2011; O’Connell et al., 2005). The visible parts—the glans and prepuce—are located above the urethra and join the labia minora at its pinnacle. The clitoris is highly sensitive, composed of more than 8,000 sensory-nerve endings, and is associated with initiating orgasms; 90% of females can orgasm by clitoral stimulation alone (O’Connell et al., 2005; Thompson, 2016).
Functions of the Clitoris
- The clitoris functions as a sensory organ in females.
Minor Vestibular Glands
The minor vestibular glands (VGs) also called Skene’s glands, are on the wall of the vagina and are associated with female ejaculation.
Major Vestibular Glands
The major vestibular glands (VGs) also called Bartholin’s glands—are located just to the left and right of the vagina and produce lubrication to aid in sexual intercourse.
Urethra
This is the extension of a tube from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Function of the Urethra
- Excretion of urine
The Vaginal Opening
The vaginal opening is the opening into the vagina, it is also called vaginal vestibule or introitus (the vaginal opening to the outside of the body). The opening to the vagina is normally obscured by the labia minora (vaginal lips).
Functions of the Vaginal Opening
- Exit for blood during menstruation
- Sexual intercourse
- Used for child delivering
Functions of the Vulva
The primary functions of the vulva are:
- Pleasure
- Protection
The vulva is composed of the female’s external sex organ. It protects the interior organ.
Functions of the Vagina
- The vagina receives the penis during sexual intercourse.
- The vagina acts as a transport mechanism for sperm cells.
- It serves as conduit for menstrual flow from the uterus.
- It serves as exit for babies.
- It serves as passage for urine.
Dateguide – How Well do you Know your Partner’s Sex Organ?
The purpose of this article is to provide you or your partner basic knowledge about the female sex organ or the female anatomy to have elementary knowledge of the organ, enhance sexual activities (foreplay, penile penetration) for better sex experience, also help you give attention to the organ and seek proper medical attention when the need arises.
The G Spot Existence Debate is Ongoing
Ernst Grafenberg is a German physician.
In 1950, Ernst suggested that an area of the anterior vaginal wall is sensitive to touch and that stimulation of this area can bring about orgasm.
There’s no consistent evidence that the G spot physically exists. If you happen to find a spot which gives you or your partner that pleasure, be it the “mythological G” or whatever spot; just stimulate it and get the job done.
Simple!
Kegels Exercises
Kegels exercise is also called pelvic floor exercise.
Kegels are exercises in which you squeeze the muscles around your vagina as if you were trying to stop the flow of urine.
Benefit
- Kegels exercise can help prevent urine leakage
- Prevent accidental passing of stool
- Prevent accidental passing of gas
- Kegels exercises help keep the uterus, urethra (the tube that carries urine outside the body from the bladder), and bowel from sagging into the vagina. Strengthening theses muscles may improve orgasms.
Consult a physician for medical attention when detected any abnormality in your system.
Quick Glance at the Vagina and Vulva
- The vagina connects the vulva to the cervix.
- In a non-aroused state, the walls of the vagina are collapsed against each other.
Can the Vagina Change?
The vagina changes during:
- Sex
- Menstrual cycle
- The vagina changes with age
Fluids are released through the walls of the vagina to keep the area moist, and during times of sexual arousal, to increase lubrication.
Wash your hands very thoroughly, including underneath your fingernails before inserting them into your partner’s sex organ.
