Know Your Lady Parts: A No-BS Guide to Your Downstairs

Let’s be real: if you own a vagina, you should definitely know what’s going on down there. Whether you’re reviewing the basics or learning this for the first time (no shame either way), understanding your sexual anatomy is power. So let’s break it down in a way that makes sense—and actually sticks.

🔍 The External Stuff (aka What You Can See)

Mons Pubis

That soft, fatty area above your pubic bone where pubic hair grows. It also has sebaceous glands (oil glands) that release pheromones—nature’s way of turning on the charm.

Vulva

The whole shebang. This is the umbrella term for all the external bits: clitoris, clitoral hood, labia, vaginal opening, and urethral opening.

Clitoral Hood

Think of this as the hoodie for your clitoris. It protects the clitoris from constant friction—like your eyelid does for your eyeball.

Clitoris

The MVP of pleasure. It’s way more than just the little nub you can see (called the glans). The clitoris is actually a whole structure made of erectile tissue—like a tiny version of the penis—with over 8,000 nerve endings (yes, really). When you’re turned on, it swells and becomes more sensitive.

Glans: The visible part, super sensitive to touch.
Crura & Vestibular Bulbs: These are like the “legs” and “wings” of the clitoris—internal, stretchy, and full of spongy tissue that plumps up during arousal. They wrap around your vaginal canal and even reach toward the anus.

Bartholin’s Glands

Located just inside the vaginal opening, they help with lubrication during sex. Think: nature’s lube.

Skene’s Glands

Also known as the “female prostate,” these are near the urethra and may be involved in female ejaculation (aka squirting). Yep, that’s a real thing.

Urethral Opening

Tiny hole where urine exits. It’s just below the clitoris and definitely not the same as your vaginal opening. (Yes, you have three holes down there. Mind blown?)

Labia Majora

The “outer lips.” They protect everything inside and contain sweat and oil glands for extra moisture and comfort.

Labia Minora

The “inner lips.” These are pinker and more sensitive because they have lots of blood vessels. They can change color, shape, and size—totally normal.

Vaginal Opening (Introitus)

Where penetration (sexual or medical) happens. Leads to the internal vaginal canal. Elastic, muscular, and incredibly adaptive.

Anus

We all know this one—but did you know it’s packed with nerve endings and has no self-lubrication? So if you’re exploring this area, lube is a must.

🔬 The Internal Organs (aka What You Can’t See But Should Know)

Vagina

The muscular canal that connects the vaginal opening to the cervix. It’s your period exit route, your baby-delivery slide, and yes—your pleasure zone. On average, it’s about 4.5 inches deep, but it stretches (thankfully). The front wall tends to be more sensitive, which is where the whole “G-spot” idea comes from.

Uterus

Shaped like an upside-down pear, this is the womb. The lining (endometrium) thickens every month in case an egg gets fertilized. No pregnancy? It sheds—hello, period.

Cervix

The narrow neck of the uterus. It’s what dilates during childbirth and also helps keep bacteria out of your uterus. During a pap smear, this is what’s being swabbed.

Fallopian Tubes

Tiny tunnels connecting the ovaries to the uterus. This is where sperm and egg meet for the “will they, won’t they” dance of fertilization.

Ovaries

Two almond-sized hormone powerhouses. They produce estrogen and progesterone, and release eggs during ovulation.

Why This Matters

Knowing your own anatomy means you can advocate for your health, understand what’s normal (and what’s not), and get more out of your sex life. No more vague “down there” references—it’s time we talk about our bodies like the badasses we are.