My son is currently at that age where, given an audience, he will proudly run around naked screaming, ‘’Look at my penis!! Look at my penis!!’’ Part of me wants to swoon and say, “Aww, cute!’’ While the other part is trying to avoid raising a sexual deviant.
At that age, it’s so easy to explore and poke around this untapped landscape, until we get reprimanded by the grownups to ‘put it away’. With time, that fascination may turn into shame and embarrassment, leaving our nether regions unexplored and misunderstood. Or at least that’s how it was for me.
I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power. Establishing what each bump, lump or crevice looks like on a normal day can be extremely helpful in spotting any abnormalities or reasons for concern.
And if you were looking for an even better incentive, knowing which parts are highly innervated could transform an otherwise mediocre night into an earth shattering event, and who doesn’t want that (wink).
So, to make things easier for you, I’ve compiled this simple roadmap to your lady bits.
Vulva – This is commonly and INCORRECTLY referred to as the vagina or veejay jay or what my mom used to call it, the powder puff or…well you get the point. It includes all the external bits that you see.
Mons Venus – the upper ‘hairy bits’, also known as the pubic mound. This, along with the labia, are the bits that gets waxed, shaved or lasered on date nights and special occasions.
Labia Majora– The outer fleshy lips are made up of fatty tissue to protect the inner structures.
Labia Minora – This sensitive area has quite a nifty design for various functions. It protects the inner bits from dryness, infection and irritation caused by friction. Our aim may not be as accurate, but it also guides the flow of stream when we urinate.
And when the mood is right, it plays a big role in stimulation and produces lubrication for easier (and pain-free) penetration.
*Valuable titbit* Just like our body types, the Labia Majora and Minora may come in different shapes and sizes, so be kind and don’t be too critical of yourself.
Clitoris – The ‘’Pleasure Button’’. With its rich nerve supply, its sole purpose is to bring a woman pleasure. It contains 8000 nerve endings, in comparison to the measly 4000 in males (ha ha, poor schmucks). Just like an iceberg, the little visible bump on the outside extends inwards and on either side of the vagina like a wishbone.
So, why is the shape of the clitoris so important? It means one can climax by stimulating either the outer little clitoral bump or the inner Clitoral Urethral Vaginal complex (CUV Complex) traditionally known as the mythical G-Spot. Or even better, stimulating both at the same time.
The Clitoral hood – protects the clitoris and glides back and forth, depending on the amount of pleasure or irritation its exposed to. This can be compared to the foreskin on a penis.
Vestibule – Simply put, this is the almond shaped area on the inside of the Labia Minora from the Clitoris to the Vaginal Opening.
Urethral opening – The first hole, also known as the pee hole. The other end of this pipe runs from the bladder, channelling urine out of your body. Due to its proximity to its neighbour, the anus, you should always wipe front to back to avoid infections.
Vaginal opening – The second hole. This forms the entrance to the vagina and may be surrounded internally by the hymen. During intercourse, this is where the penis inserts and for those lucky enough, it doubles up as the exit route baby takes when having a Normal Vaginal Delivery (NVD).
The Hymen – There are many myths behind this little structure. Many cultures and establishments believe that an intact hymen is a proven way of testing whether a woman is a virgin or not. FAKE NEWS everybody!!
This thin membranous structure may come in different shapes, partially (or in rare cases) completely covering the vaginal opening. By doing normal everyday tasks like inserting a tampon, fingers or toys, the hymen may stretch, tear or lose shape. Depending on the severity of the tear, bleeding is also possible.
Perineum – This refers to the anatomical diamond shaped area between your legs. It houses all the structures responsible for urinating, defecating, sexual intercourse and child birth.
Now that you are fully acquainted with the outer bits…or correctly speaking, the vulva, be sure to check out the follow up post where we venture down (or should I say up) the rabbit hole…
…now that’s where things get magical.
What other names do or your friends use to refer to your vulva? Comment below
