Female genitalia refers to the reproductive organs and structures of the female body, divided into two groups: the external genitalia (collectively called the vulva) and the internal organs (the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries). Together, these structures serve roles in sexual function, menstruation, and reproduction. Understanding the difference between external and internal anatomy is a good starting point, since the terms are often confused or used interchangeably.
The Vulva: External Structures
Everything visible on the outside is part of the vulva, not the vagina. The vulva includes several distinct structures, each with its own function.
The mons pubis is the rounded, fatty pad of tissue over the pubic bone. After puberty, it becomes covered with pubic hair and acts as a cushion during physical contact. Below it sit the labia majora, the larger outer folds of skin that protect the more sensitive structures underneath. The labia minora are thinner, inner folds that surround the openings of the urethra and vagina. Both sets of labia vary widely in size, shape, color, and symmetry from person to person.
The clitoris sits at the top of the labia minora, partly covered by a small hood of skin. It is an erectile organ, meaning it swells with blood during arousal, similar in structure to the penis. Most of the clitoris is actually internal, extending several centimeters beneath the surface. A 2022 study from Oregon Health & Science University counted over 10,000 nerve fibers in the clitoral dorsal nerve alone, and the organ contains additional smaller nerves beyond that count. Its primary role is sexual pleasure.
The area between the labia minora is called the vestibule. This is where you’ll find the urethral opening (where urine exits), the vaginal opening, and small glands that produce lubrication during arousal.
Internal Reproductive Organs
The vagina is a muscular canal connecting the vulva to the uterus. It’s lined with mucous membranes that keep it moist, and it’s remarkably flexible: it can stretch wide enough to deliver a baby, then return to a size that holds a tampon snugly. The vagina serves as the passageway for menstrual blood, sexual intercourse, and childbirth.
At the top of the vagina sits the cervix, the narrow lower portion of the uterus. The cervix has a small opening in the center that allows sperm to enter and menstrual blood to exit. During childbirth, it dilates significantly to let the baby pass through. It also acts as a barrier, which is why objects like tampons can’t travel deeper into the body.
The uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ where a fertilized egg implants and a pregnancy develops. In someone who has never given birth, it measures roughly 6 to 8.5 centimeters long and 3 to 5 centimeters wide. After one or more pregnancies, it typically grows slightly larger, reaching 8 to 10.5 centimeters in length. Each month, the uterine lining thickens in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If no egg implants, that lining sheds as a menstrual period.
The fallopian tubes are two narrow tubes attached to the upper part of the uterus, one on each side. They serve as pathways for an egg to travel from the ovary toward the uterus. Fertilization, when a sperm meets an egg, most commonly happens inside a fallopian tube. The fertilized egg then continues its journey into the uterus.
The ovaries are small, oval-shaped glands located on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs (one typically released per menstrual cycle) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone that regulate the reproductive cycle, bone density, and many other body functions.
How Sensation Works
Sensation throughout the vulva and pelvic organs is supplied primarily by the pudendal nerve, which branches into smaller nerves that serve different areas. One branch carries sensation from the outer labia, another supplies the clitoris, and muscular branches control the pelvic floor muscles involved in urination, bowel function, and sexual response. Additional nerves from the lower abdomen provide sensation to the front of the labia. This layered nerve supply is why sensations in the genital area can range from pleasurable to painful depending on the context and the specific structures involved.
The Vaginal Microbiome
The vagina maintains its own protective environment through a community of beneficial bacteria, predominantly Lactobacillus species. These bacteria produce lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide, keeping the vaginal pH between 3.8 and 4.2, which is slightly acidic. That acidity makes it difficult for harmful bacteria and yeast to grow. Disrupting this balance with douches, fragranced sprays, or internal cleansing products can actually increase the risk of infection rather than prevent it.
Changes During Puberty and Menopause
Female genitalia change significantly at two major life stages. During puberty, rising estrogen levels cause the vagina to lengthen and develop a ridged internal texture. The labia majora and minora become thicker, pubic hair appears on the mons pubis, and the reproductive organs mature to begin the menstrual cycle.
During menopause, estrogen levels decline. This can lead to thinning and drying of vaginal and vulvar tissues, sometimes called urogenital atrophy. These changes may cause discomfort during intercourse, increased susceptibility to urinary tract infections, or general irritation. Not everyone experiences these symptoms to the same degree.
How Development Happens Before Birth
Early in fetal development, genital tissue looks identical regardless of sex. Up through about week 9 of pregnancy, all embryos share the same undifferentiated structures. By around week 12, male and female external genitalia become visibly distinct. Internally, a pair of ducts that form during weeks 7 through 9 fuse together and eventually develop into the uterus, fallopian tubes, and upper vagina in female embryos. In male embryos, these same ducts break down while a different set develops instead.
Hygiene and Care
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends keeping vulvar care simple. The vulva (external skin) can be washed with warm water and, if desired, a mild, unscented soap. The vagina itself does not need to be cleaned internally. Douches, deodorant sprays, and scented products are not recommended and can disrupt the natural bacterial balance, potentially leading to infections.
Pubic hair removal is a personal choice with no medical or hygienic benefit. If you do choose to remove it, shaving and waxing carry some risk of skin irritation, ingrown hairs, and minor infections, so care and clean tools matter.