Female Anatomy: Let’s Call It What It Is!
Far too often it’s just referred to the area “down there.” It is true, female anatomy can be a bit complex - first of all, we are often told from our earliest of ages that they are “private parts.” I don’t disagree with that statement in terms of who we share our body with, but it does not mean that our female anatomy should be a mystery to the owner of our own female parts! Women are at a disadvantage in some ways because we can’t easily visualize our own anatomy without making an effort to do so. As a pelvic floor physical therapist, I often ask women to take out a hand mirror at home and actually visualize their own anatomy. Being able to visualize an area of your body can immensely help the connection between the brain and the muscles/nerves of that area.
First of all, a vagina is not the same thing as a vulva. There, I said it. Throwing out the “V” words! Again, from a young age we might be told that women have vaginas. Yes, that is true. However, that is one piece of female anatomy! The term vulva encompasses the entire external genitalia of females. It can be confusing though because the vagina is part of the vulva. Looking even broader, the vulva is part of the perineum. The female perineum has 3 distinct openings - urethra (for eliminating urine); vagina (opening leading to the uterus), and anus (opening for passing stool). The vulva also includes the female sex organ, the clitoris, which has a small external portion just above the urethra called the glans of the clitoris. It is also generally covered partially by a thin additional layer of skin called the prepuce or clitoral hood. The clitoris is actually a much larger organ than is shown externally, as the branches of the clitoris are found within the tissue of the vulva. Surrounding the openings of the pelvic floor are the labia major and labia minora. The labia majora are the outer layers of tissue that have pubic hair growing from it. The labia minora are the inner layers of tissue closest to the pelvic floor openings. My point is this - there is more than just a vagina. The vulva encompasses all of the external female genitalia, and the perineum is a term to cover ALL of the outlets from the internal urinary, reproductive, and gastrointestinal systems. The term ‘pelvic floor’ starts to incorporate all of the muscles and bony landmarks of the pelvic area as well as the perineal structures.
One of the most common questions that females have about their anatomy “is it normal??” YES! If you’ve seen one vulva….well, you’ve seen one vulva. Female anatomy (and male anatomy) are very individual and unique in their presentation. All of the same parts are there, but often in different shapes, colors, and varieties. Unfortunately, women’s anatomy is often only viewed in pornographic materials, where photoshop, filters, make-up, or even unnecessary surgical procedures have changed the appearance of the genitalia. This can lead to women feeling that something is “wrong” with their own anatomy when it doesn’t look the same as something viewed in a money-making industry.
It is important for females to know their own unique anatomy and even visualize it with a mirror from time to time. Again, it can do wonders for connecting to this area of your body. Also, the vulvar tissue is susceptible to changes over time. It is important that you know what your baseline looks like, so that if there are new moles, dark spots, white spots, or other rashes/skin changes happening to that area you can identify it quickly and seek medical help for any skin changes you are noticing or symptoms that you are experiencing in the perineum. So, if you see a pelvic floor physical therapist we will call it what it is…and we will ask questions about your urethra, your vagina, and anus…all of the things that are part of the vulva and perineum. Let’s all get comfortable with our own anatomy. Stop calling it “the area down there” and embrace your pelvic floor. Don’t be afraid to call it what it is and call one of your providers to help you when you’re experiencing symptoms or noticing changes of your pelvic floor!
Written by: Renee Hancock, Pelvic Floor Specialist, Physical Therapist
