FEMALE EXTERNAL GENITALIA: VULVA, LABIA, and CLITORIS

The Vulva is the external sexual organ of women. The above view (A)shows the external view of the female vulva as normally seen when the womanis standing up. View (B) shows the vulva when it is opened, and from thetop down one can clearly see the Veneris Mons, clitoral hood, clitoris,and labia minora. There are many questions about the vulva on alt.sex,and this FAQ will begin to attempt to answer some of these.

The above illustrations show the area between the labia minora. Fromtop to bottom can be clearly seen the clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginalopening. A, B, and C show vaginal openings with a normal hymen,a membrane that partially covers the opening. The hymen is the traditional"symbol" of virginity, although being a very thin membrane, itcan be torn by vigorous exercise or the insertion of a tampon. IllustrationD shows an imperforate hymen that completely closes the vagina; this rarecondition requires surgical intervention to provide for a normal flow ofblood once menstruation begins. Illustration E is of a vagina in a post-partumwoman (one who has given birth).

The Grafenberg spot, or G-spot, is an area located within the anterior(or front) wall of the vagina, about one centimetre from the surface andone-third to one-half way in from the vaginal opening (see illustrationand text). It is reported to consist of a system of glands (Skene's glands)and ducts that surround the urethra (Heath, 1984). Some authors write thatyou must press "deeply" into the tissue with two fingers to reachit with any effectiveness.

The significance of the G-spot is that some women (about half) reportthat it is a highly sensitive area that under the right conditions canbe very pleasurable if stimulated. For some women, it can be a primarysource of stimulation leading to orgasm during intercourse. Other womenreport no particular stimulation, and some say that it feels as if theyneed to urinate.

The G-Spot has been linked to the phenomenon known as female ejaculation.To date, there is little data about female ejaculation, although thereis some speculation that it is the product of the Skene's glands.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness which can occurin men, women and children. About half the number of cases reported areassociated with using tampons and affect a tiny number of women every year--only about 1 out of every 1.5 million women who have periods. TSS can occasionallybe fatal.

Toxic Shock Syndrome can be treated successfully providing it is recognisedquickly, and most young people make a full recovery. Younger people maymore at risk from the bacteria which are believed to cause this rare condition,because their immune system may not be fully developed.

In the unlikely event that you have these symptoms during your period--ahigh fever (over 102F or 39C), rash, vomiting, diarrhoea, sore throat,dizziness or fainting - you must remove your tampon and consult yourdoctor immediately. These symptoms can be early warning signs of TSS,which can develop very quickly and may seem like flu to begin with.

Do not worry about wasting the doctor's time and remember to say youhave been wearing a tampon. Do not use tampons again without checking firstwith your doctor.

By using tampons correctly and following the advice below, you willreduce the risk of developing TSS.

The alt.sex FAQ is hosted by SACRED SEX|ALT SEX FAQ HOME | INDEX | POLICY | DEFINITION OF SEXUAL TERMS | |THE PENIS | THE VULVA, CLITORIS, AND VAGINA | FIRST TIME SEX | GREAT TIME SEX | |ORAL SEX FOR MEN (FELLATIO) | ORAL SEX FOR WOMEN (CUNNILINGUS) | |ANAL SEX AND ANALINGUS | SEX TOYS | CONTRACEPTION (BIRTH CONTROL) | |SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES | LEGALITY (SODOMY LAWS, AGE OF CONSENT) |

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The Sexual Anatomy Of Women: Vulva and Vagina