Sexual Health >> Genitalia
Female Genitalia
A Guide to your Down Under: Female edition
Hey there! Are you a vulva-owner? Do you have any questions about what's down there or what it's supposed to look like, feel like, or do? Let's explore it together!
First, thing first: vulvas come of every shapes, size and colour. Check out The Labia Library to see just how many fabulous varieties there are.
We still all have some things in common. If you take a mirror and look down you'll see:
Beyond what you can see, there is a whole secret world inside:
What about the G-spot: fact or fiction?
The G-spot is famous as a secret pleasure spot, but science isn't sure if it's real or just part of how the clitoris, vagina, and urethra all work together. What's clear? Everyone's body is different, and exploring what feels good is the real key.
Are you curious about what gets your engine running?
When someone with a vulva is aroused (or turned on), their body goes through a series of changes: the blood flow increases, sensitivity goes up, and everything gets ready for pleasure. One big sign of getting hot and bothered is vaginal lubrication, aka natural wetness. It helps reduce friction during play or sex.
Meet the Clitoris, the big star of the show!
Ah, the Clitoris… it's called the powerhouse of pleasure, and for a good reason! Did you know it has over 8000 nerve endings? It is designed only for pleasure, not other functions.
The little hood that covers the pea-size glans on top of your urethra and vaginal opening is just the tip of the iceberg.
Under the skin, the Clitoris has:
What is an orgasm? A guide to your adventures
Everyone's body is different, but here are a few ways people with vulvas might experience orgasm:
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): What You Need to Know
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is when parts of the female genitals are cut, removed, or altered for cultural, religious, or other non-medical reasons. It's a practice that happens in some countries, often to girls before age 15.
But here's the important part: FGM has no health benefits. Instead, it can cause serious harm, including:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 230 million women and girls worldwide have gone through FGM, and millions more are at risk every year.
Have you or someone you know experienced FGM?
You are not alone—and support is available.
Male Genitalia
What should it look like?
Main Parts: external (penis and testes) and internal (prostate gland and urethra).
External Parts
Penis
What is the penis?
Part of the penis
What is Circumcision?
Some benefits of circumcision includes lowering the risk of
Circumcision is generally a safe operation, however similar to all surgeries, it does carry some risks including bleeding at the surgical site, infection, pain, and complications from any anaesthesia or medicines used during or after the procedure.
Several major medical associations including the American Urological Association (AUA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend offering circumcision as a choice for parents, however, it's ultimately the parents' decision.
There is no proof that circumcision decrease sensitivity or affect fertility.
Also according to a systematic review conducted in 2013, “medical male circumcision has no adverse effect on sexual function, sensitivity, sexual sensation, or satisfaction” (Morris & Krieger, 2013).
If the penis is not circumcised (uncircumcised)?
If it's difficult to pull back foreskin, red, swollen, inflamed or having lumps, it's a good idea to see a doctor. According to Melbourne Urology Centre, those with phimosis, paraphimosis, and/or recurrent balanitis might be suitable for circumcision. It is recommended to see a doctor.
Is my penis normal?
Average sizes:
Don't compare your body to porn - it's often unrealistic.
There is no safe method that exists to increase penis size.
Testes and Scrotum
What are testes (testicles)?
What is the scrotum?
What is normal and healthy?
Epididymis
Internal Parts
Vas deferens
Urethra
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands)
Common problems
Infertility
What is infertility?
What causes male infertility?
How is it tested?
Can it be treated?
Difficulty urinating
Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
What is impotence?
What causes impotence? (physical and psychological)
How is it tested?
Can it be treated?
Cancers
Testicular cancer
Penile cancer
Prostate cancer
Low sex drive/loss of male libido
What is low libido?
What causes low libido?
Can it be treated?
Intersex
People who are intersex do not have typical male or female genitalia, reproductive organs or chromosome patterns, sexual characteristics or sex hormone levels. While it is not super common, it is completely natural!
The word 'intersex' describes a whole range of people that differ in sexual characteristics, with over 30 known intersex variations!
Here are three examples of intersex categories:
| Type | External genitalia | Internal organs | Chromosome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46, XX intersex | Looks male | Has ovaries | Female |
| 46, XY intersex | Not fully formed, looks ambiguous or are female | Testes may be normal, malformed or absent. | Male |
Sex chromosome intersex:
While some people can be identified as intersex at birth, some don't discover their differences until puberty or adulthood. In fact, if there are no physical signs or symptoms, you may be intersex without evening knowing it!
With all these variations, there is no one intersex experience! Some, but not all, intersex people may have periods, be fertile or experience erections.
Intersex people are proof that sex and gender are not the same thing! Someone's chromosomes and appearance might not match their outward gender presentation and that's ok!
Some intersex people may have or develop medical issues (eg. hormonal issues) so it's important to visit a doctor if you believe you may be intersex.
Myths and Truths:
MYTH: Intersex people are abnormal and their condition must be fixed!
TRUTH: Intersex is an uncommon but NATURAL variation in sexual development and does not need to be fixed. While some hospitals offer families to 'fix' their children's genitalia at birth, this is not necessary and can cause serious physical and emotional/psychological issues!
MYTH: Intersex and transgender are the same thing!
TRUTH: Transgender people's gender identity is different from their sex at birth and relates to how the person feels about their body and themselves. Intersex relates to biological differences between their genitalia and their appearance.
About 1.7% of people are born intersex.