Genitalia

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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:

🌸 Vulva – The whole external area (yes, this is what people usually call the “vagina” by mistake). It's like the gateway to all the magic.
💋 Labia Majora – The outer “lips.” They protect the inner parts and can be thick, thin, smooth, wrinkly, or hairy – all normal and all gorgeous.
👄 Labia Minora – The inner “lips.” These can be small and tucked in (innies) or long and flowy (outies). Both are normal, and they love gentle touch.
🎯 Clitoris – The ultimate pleasure button! What you see (the glans) is just the tip – the rest extends inside with 8,000+ nerve endings. It's built for pleasure.
🌹 Vaginal Opening – The entrance to the vagina. It's where menstrual blood flows, babies are born, and penetration happens (if desired).
💧 Urethral Opening – The tiny hole above the vagina where urine comes out. Not to be confused with the vaginal opening!
🍑 Anus – Technically, it is not part of the vulva but hanging out right next door, and it is the opening for the rectum.
✨ Perineum – The soft area between the vagina and anus. It's often overlooked but can also be sensitive.

Beyond what you can see, there is a whole secret world inside:

🌀 Vagina – This is the stretchy, muscular tube that connects the vulva to the cervix. It's like a self-cleaning, shape-shifting wonder tunnel – it can expand during arousal and childbirth, and then bounce back. It's lined with soft folds (called rugae) that help it stretch comfortably. Plus, it keeps itself healthy with natural lubrication and good bacteria (yes, it's got its own little ecosystem!).
🍩 Hymen – The hymen is a thin, stretchy rim of tissue around the vaginal opening. Some people are born with a bigger one, some with barely any at all, and some with little gaps or holes in it (all normal!). It doesn't “cover” the vagina like a sealed door—it's more like a little fringe, and guess what? it doesn't “break” or “pop” like a balloon—that's a myth. Instead, it gently stretches.
🎀 Cervix – The tiny doorway between the vagina and the uterus. It's like a gatekeeper that opens a little during your period and even more during childbirth.
🏠 Uterus – Also called the womb, it is where a baby would grow. It's also the place where menstrual blood builds up and sheds each month.
🥚 Ovaries – They release eggs each month and produce hormones like estrogen.
🌱 Fallopian Tubes – These little tunnels connect the ovaries to the uterus. It's where the egg and sperm meet for conception (think of them as the ultimate love bridges).

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.

Here is the catch, if you are not wet, it doesn't always mean that you are not turned on! Many things like stress, hormones, medications or just a bit of jitters can cause dryness. Don't worry, that's why lube exists 😉.

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:

🍒 Clitoral Body (Shaft) – Just beneath the hood and the glans, the clitoris continues inward to the rest of the clitoral structure.
🦵 Crura (“Legs”) – These are like wishbone-shaped arms extending down and back from the shaft, about 7–9 cm long. They gently hug the vaginal walls and urethra like a pair of supportive wings.
💡 Vestibular Bulbs – These are two spongy, bean-shaped pads that sit under the outer lips (labia majora). When you are feeling frisky, they swell up and add to the feeling of fullness and sensitivity around the vagina.

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:

🌸 Clitoral Orgasms – The crowd favourite! Reliable, tingly, and often described as “like a sneeze, but way better.” Quick stress relief and no partner is required.
🌊 Vaginal Orgasms – Deeper, longer, and more intense. Think warm waves rolling through your whole body. Some say it's more emotional, like a full-body hug from the inside. Some people don't orgasm from penetration alone—and that's totally normal. For most, direct clitoral stimulation is key.
🌪️ Mixed Orgasms – When clitoral and vaginal stimulation team up, expect fireworks, explosions, and possibly even squirting. It's the “ultimate combo meal.”
🌌 Whole-Body Orgasms – The holy grail! Tingles from head to toe, feeling like you're floating in space or wrapped in a cloud of pure bliss.
💖 Cervical Orgasms – Rare and deep, often described as a slow climb up a hill with a gentle, calming descent.
🍑 Anal Orgasms – Long-lasting and intimate. Described as a wave of surrender and deep relaxation.
🌈 Other Surprise Orgasms – Nipples, earlobes, dreams, and much more.

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:

Pain and bleeding
Infections
Problems peeing or with periods
Difficulties during sex, pregnancy, or childbirth
Stress, anxiety, or trauma

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.

See a doctor or nurse if you're having pain, infections, or other health issues. They can help in a private and respectful way.
Talk to someone you trust—a counsellor, support worker, or community group. Emotional healing is just as important.
Know your rights—in many countries (including Australia), FGM is illegal and considered abuse. You have the right to safety and care.
Speak up if someone is at risk—contact local health services or support organizations.
Remember: Your Body, Your Rights!

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?

Male organs for urination and sexual intercourse.
It has spongy tissue inside that fills with blood when you are sexually aroused, making the penis hard. This is called an erection.

Part of the penis

Shaft: the main long part.
Glans (also called head): the round tip and where pee and semen (fluid with sperm) come out.
Foreskin: a fold of skin that covers the head in and remains in men people who are uncircumcised.

What is Circumcision?

Circumcision is a medical procedure that involves the surgical removal of the foreskin when the foreskin is surgically removed.
Circumcision often depends on family belief, country, religious, and cultural traditions. The global rate of circumcision is 33%. It's most common in the U.S., the Middle East, and South Korea, and less common in Europe, other parts of Asia, and South America. It's also a religious practice for Jewish and Muslim people.
Some people are circumcised as babies, other later (e.g., for cultural or medical reasons).
Both circumcised (cut) and uncircumcised (uncut) penises are normal and work the same.

Some benefits of circumcision includes lowering the risk of

Foreskin-specific conditions, including phimosis (Phimosis: a condition in which it is not possible to pull the foreskin back over the glans. Phimosis can cause pain during erection and sexual intercourse, infections, and bleeding. If you think you have phimosis, it's a good idea to see a doctor. Steroid cream or circumcision are the ways for treating phimosis.), paraphimosis (inability to pull the foreskin down over the head of the penis), balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin and glans), and infection.
Urinary tract infections.
Penile cancer.
Some STIs.
Cervical cancer for female sexual partners.

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)?

It's totally okay.
Uncircumcised people should gently pull back and wash under the foreskin regularly to keep clean.

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?

Some factors affecting the penis size includes temperature (cold temperature can sometimes make the penis shrink), genes, and hormones.
Penises come in many shapes and sizes and that's normal.

Average sizes:

Soft (flaccid): 5~10 cm (2~4 in).
Hard (erect): 12~14 cm (5~5.5 in).
Some are longer, shorter, thicker, or thinner.
Penis can be straight or a little curved. However, if it bends a lot and causes pain or makes sex difficult, it might be Peyronie's disease. In this case, talk to a doctor.
Penis can be darker or lighter than other parts of your skin regardless of your race.
Most penises are not perfectly smooth. Vein may be visible when you are sexually aroused. Hair follicles (tiny bumps where hair grows on the shaft) is also normal.
Unless it hurts, has a lump, or you notice a big change, it's likely totally normal.
When it comes to sex, the penis size doesn't really matter.

Don't compare your body to porn - it's often unrealistic.

Don't compare your body to porn - it's often unrealistic.

There is no safe method that exists to increase penis size.

There is no safe method that exists to increase penis size. Pills, creams, or pumps don't work. Surgery is risky and usually not very helpful. The most important thing is being comfortable with your body and communicating with your partner.

Testes and Scrotum

What are testes (testicles)?

Testes and testicles mean the same thing. “Balls” is a casual word people also use.
Testes are two small, oval-shaped organs inside the scrotum.
Make sperm (the male sex cells) and testosterone (the male hormone). Average size is 4x3x2 cm.

What is the scrotum?

The scrotum is the loose skin pouch that holds and protects the testicles.
It also works like a temperature control system.

What is normal and healthy?

It is normal if one testicle is slightly bigger or hangs lower than the other.
Shapes, colour, and sizes of testicles and scrotums can be differ for each person. That's totally okay!
If you feel a lump, pain, or a big change, it's a good idea to see a doctor.
Doing self-check once a month can help you notice anything unusual early.

Epididymis

Epididymis is the tube next to each testicle and it stores and carries sperms.

Internal Parts

Vas deferens

A thin tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra (pee and sperm tube) during ejaculation.

Urethra

A tube inside the penis that carries pee out from the bladder and semen (fluid with sperm) out during orgasm.
Same tube for pee and sperm, but not at the same time.

Seminal vesicles

Two small pouches near the bladder that make fluid that helps feed the sperm and helps it move.

Prostate gland

Located below the bladder, adding more fluid to semen to protect and support the sperm.

Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands)

Located under the prostate. Making a clear and slippery fluid before ejaculation helping clean and protect the urethra.

Common problems

Infertility

What is infertility?

If a couple has unprotected sex (without condom) regularly (every 2-3 days) for over 1 year and the woman doesn't get pregnant, it may be infertility.
About 1 in 6 couples in Australia have infertility.
Male infertility can lead to psychological and emotional symptoms including depression and failure.

What causes male infertility?

Includes sperm problems, hormone problems, genetic disorders, some medical conditions, and past infections or injuries.
Factors that increase your chance of infertility include age 40 and older, extreme body shapes (such as BMI greater than 25), lifestyle such as smoking, alcohol, stress, or poor diet, exposing radiation, and some medications.

How is it tested?

A primary care physician (PCP) or urologist can diagnose by checking your overall health, sexual habits, and/or health history.
One of the primary tests is a semen test (check sperm count and quality). Others include imaging tests such as MRI, blood test for checking your hormones level, urine (pee) test, and testicular biopsy (take a small sample from your testicle).

Can it be treated?

Many treatments can help infertility including lifestyle changes, medicine (to balance hormones), surgery (to fix blocked tubes or get sperm directly from the testicles), and IVF or OCSI (lab methods to help sperm meet the egg).

Difficulty urinating

Condition that you cannot completely empty your bladder.
Can be chronic or acute.
You should see a doctor if you have symptoms of chronic urinary retention, a urinary tract infection (such as discomfort when peeing, or needing to go peeing more often than usual), blood in your urine, and urine inconsistence.

Impotence or Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

What is impotence?

The inability or having trouble to get or keep a satisfactory erection and having difficulty with sexual intercourse.
Affects 1 in 10 males throughout their life.

What causes impotence? (physical and psychological)

Physical problems including poor blood flow or nerve damage.
Health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or heart disease.
Mental health such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
Relationship or emotional issues.
Lifestyle such as smoking, alcohol, drug, or some medications.
Problems with male reproductive systems such as prostate problems, low testosterone, and penile condition such as Peyronie's diseases.

How is it tested?

Doctors might ask about your sex life, health, and relationships.
A physical examination.
Blood test or other medical investigations including psychological evaluation.

Can it be treated?

Lifestyle change.
Medicines such as viagra and cialis to help blood flow to the penis (ONLY USE PRESCRIBED MEDICINE FROM A PHARMACY OR DOCTOR. Online ED pills may be fake or unsafe).
Injections into your penis when you want an erection.
Therapy for stress or anxiety.
Others include penile rings to maintain an erection, a penis implant, a penis vacuum or pump, and low-intensity shockwave therapy.

Cancers

Testicular cancer

The most common cancer affecting men aged 15 to 35.
The most common sign is painless lumps in your testicle.
Early diagnose and treat lead to an excellent cure rate.
Surgery removing the affected testicle but usually does not affect fertility.

Penile cancer

Develops when your healthy cells in your penis change and grow out of control.

Prostate cancer

Cancer develops in prostate.

Low sex drive/loss of male libido

What is low libido?

Lack interest in sex, masturbation, and sexual fantasies, or not getting turned on as easily as you used to.
No definition of a normal libido, however, you might be concerned if you feel lower sexual desire than what is normal for a long time, or if it affects your relationship with your partner.

What causes low libido?

Psychological factors including relationship problems and changes, the birth of child, stress, too much or not enough exercises, past negative sexual experiences, history of unwanted sexual contact, and PTSD.
Physical factors including being in pain, low level of the hormone testosterone, and some medical conditions such as sleeping apnoea or diabetes.
Some medications such as antidepressant, high blood pressure medication, and epilepsy medicine.
Aged over 60.

Can it be treated?

Treatments depend on the underlying causes.
If a doctor find a medical cause, try to treat it.
Counselling with your parter.
If you have low libido because of stress, personal or relationship issues, it might be help to talk with your partner about how your feel.
You might want to try different ways of being close such as taking a shower together, massage, or kissing slowly or exploring each other's body. Sex isn't just intercourse.
Make healthy lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, getting regular exercises, quitting smoking, alcohol, or drugs, and loss of weight if needed. There is no specific medication for low sex drive (if you have low testosterone, your doctor might recommend testosterone therapy but only in certain health conditions).

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:

TypeExternal genitaliaInternal organsChromosome
46, XX intersexLooks maleHas ovariesFemale
46, XY intersexNot fully formed, looks ambiguous or are femaleTestes may be normal, malformed or absent.Male

Sex chromosome intersex:

Internal genitalia matches the external genitalia (those with a vulva have uterus and fallopian tubes, and those with a penis have scrotum and testes) but chromosomes may vary and affect sex hormone levels and sexual development. Example: Lucy has a vulva, uterus and fallopian tubes but does not have 46 XX chromosomes females do.

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.

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Arousal

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Erection

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ED

(Erectile Dysfunction)

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Chromosomes

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