The vulva and the anatomy of the vagina

The pelvic area is an amazing structure on the body and if you haven't examined and explored your pelvic area yet, you should read this guided tour of the anatomy of the vulva

The pelvic area can be divided into the outer genitals, called the vulva, and the inner genitals, called the vagina. Even though all bodies are different, the vulva and the vagina have some anatomical similarities on most people.

The outer genitals

The mons pubis is the skin formed like a mound above your outer labia. During puberty, hair will start growing on the mons pubis. 

Below the mons pubis is the labia. When referring to the labia, you can distinguish between the outer labia and the inner labia. Some literature refers to the outer labia as the bigger one, and the inner labia as the smaller one. But this terminology is wrong, as the inner labia can often be larger than the outer labia. The labia can also look very different, and it's completely normal to have differently sized labia, different colors, or have hair growing on it. Both sets of labia protects the entrance of the vagina from dirt or other rubbish you wouldn't want entering your body. Some persons labia can also be very sensitive to touch. 

At the very top where the inner labia meet you can find the clitoris, also known as the organ of pleasure, as it has 8000 nerve endings and is very sensitive to touch. In comparison, the penis has 4000 nerve endings. The clitoris is covered by a clitoral hood in varying degree. This means that some persons clitoris is fully visible, while for others it is covered by the little hood. But the clitoris is actually a lot bigger than the little visible nub. The clitoris has two "arms" that extends from the nub internally. This means that for some it is possible to stimulate the clitoris from inside the vagina or from the outer labia, depending on where the arms of the clitoris are located. The visible part of the clitoris also comes in many different sizes, and the clitoris can swell and increase in size a bit, the same way a penis can if stimulated.

The inner genitals

Underneath the clitoris is the opening of the urethra. For some people it is located very close to the clitoris, while for others it is placed almost inside the vagina. The urethra itself is about 3-5 cm long.  

If you spread your inner labia, while looking at your vulva in a mirror, you will be able to see the hymen, which can look like a wreath of little petals. This is the entrance to the vagina. For many years it was known as the virginal membrane, and some people even believed it was a membrane that covered the opening of the vagina, and then had a little hole so period blood could slip out. This membrane was believed to be broken the first time you had penetrative sex, and you would therefore experience a bleed. This is a huge myth, which negatively impacts people with a vulva. Let me make it clear: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A VIRGINAL MEMBRANE. If you consider it from a biological and natural standpoint, what would the logic be in being able to see if a person with a vulva has had penetrative sex, but not a person with a penis?
With that said, some people can experience a slight bleed the first time they try penetrative sex, for example if their hymen is a little rigid, but this has nothing to do with a virginal membrane being broken. 

The vagina itself consists of a lot of mucous membranes and muscles. If you feel around inside the vaginal wall, it will feel like it has grooves. At the top of the vagina is the cervix, which can feel a little ribbed. The cervix is about the size of a walnut. In the middle is a little "dot", which can open and close, for example during ovulation or during menstruation to release blood. If you have given birth, this little dot will feel more like a short line. The cervix can also move up and down the vaginal canal, and sometimes be placed more to one side than the other. The placement and consistency varies depending on the time of day, and different times in the menstrual cycle. 

Between the vulva and the anus is the perineum, which is made up of multiple muscle layers. This skin can also stretch a lot when giving birth. 

Lastly, the anus is a sphincter, which you can control to open or close when you wish. The anus can also be very sensitive to the touch.

So, get the mirror out and start exploring you pelvic area. Enjoy!