In order to have a complete understanding of the symptoms and conditions of female sexual dysfunction please use the following diagram and definitions to reference material presented in the website.

External Female Anatomy

Anus - the anus is where solid waste exits the body. The anus is surrounded by a group of sphincter muscles that allows individuals to control the solid waste being expelled from the body. While not connected to reproduction, the anus is still very highly sensitive to touch and can be a source of great pleasure.

Perineum - the perineum is the short stretch of skin starting at the bottom of the vulva and extending to the anus. This is the area in women often tears during birth to accommodate passage of the child, or is cut by the physician in a procedure know as an episiotomy to allow more room for the birth of the child. This region is highly sensitive and is often an area of pleasure during foreplay.

Labia Majora - the labia majora are the outer lips of the vulva, pads of fatty tissue that wrap around the vulva from top to bottom around the mons to the perineum. These labia are usually covered with pubic hair, and contain numerous sweat and oil glands.

Vagina - The vagina extends from the vaginal opening to the cervix, the opening to the uterus. The vagina serves as the receptacle for the penis during sexual intercourse, and as the birth canal through which the baby passes during labor. The average vaginal canal is three inches long, possibly four in women who have given birth. This may seem short in relation to the penis, but during sexual arousal the cervix will lift upwards and the fornix may extend upwards into the body as long as necessary to receive the penis. After intercourse, the contraction of the vagina will allow the cervix to rest inside the fornix, which in its relaxed state is a bowl-shaped fitting perfect for the pooling of semen.

Labia Minora - The labia minora are the inner lips of the vulva, the thin stretches of skin and tissue reside directly inside of the labia majora. The labia minora further protect the vagina, urethra, and clitoris. The overall appearance of labia minora can vary widely amongst women. Some women have small labia minora while others have larger lips that protrude from the labia majora. The labia minora is analogous to the male strotum.

Clitoral hood - this is the "hood" of flesh that partially or fully covers the un-stimulated clitoris. The hood serves to protect the sensitive clitoris below from unwanted stimuli.

Clitoris - this is the small light pink oval between the top of the labia minora and the clitoral hood. The clitorus is a small body of smooth spongy tissue that is highly sensitive contains some 8,000 nerve endings packed into one small area. Compare this with the penis, which only has some 4,000 nerve endings in a much larger area and you will have an understanding sensitive nature of the clitoral area.. The clitoris is protected by the prepuce, or clitoral hood, a covering of tissue similar to the labia minora. During sexual excitement the clitoris becomes erect and the hood retracts making the clitoris more accessible. The size of the clitoris various amongst women, they usually very from the size of a small green pea to the size of a peanut.

Mons veneris - is the area of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone below the abdomen but above the labia. The mons is sexually sensitive in some women and protects the pubic bone from the impact of sexual intercourse. This is the region that contains the the familiar "triangle" of pubic hair just above the vulva.



Internal Female Anatomy

Cervix - the cervix is the opening to the uterus. It varies in diameter from 1 to 3 millimeters, depending upon the time in the menstrual cycle the measurement is taken. The cervix is sometimes plugged with cervical mucous to protect the cervix from infection; during ovulation, this mucous becomes a thin fluid to permit the passage of sperm.

Uterus - the uterus, or womb, is the main female internal reproductive organ. The inner lining of the uterus is called the endometrium, which grows and changes during the menstrual cycle to prepare to receive a fertilized egg, and sheds a layer at the end of every menstrual cycle if fertilization does not happen. The uterus is lined with powerful muscles to push the child out during labor.

Fallopian tube - this is either of a pair of slender ducts through which ova pass from the ovaries to the uterus during the menstrual cycle.

G-spot - in the illustration above the g-spot points to a region just in the vagina adjacent to the bladder. The G-spot is a controversial area that many women claim is very sensitive and can lead to a heightened orgasm when stimulated during intercourse. Generally two fingers are used to stimulate this region during intercourse, however, the certain sexual positions have also been known to stimulate this spot.

Ovaries - the ovaries are 2 small glands located on either side of a woman's uterus. They are part of the female reproductive system that are responsible for storing and releasing of the eggs (ova), which can develop into fetuses if fertilized by a male's sperm. Approximately once a month, about 2 weeks before a woman's next period ovulation occurs were an egg is released from one of her ovaries The ovaries also produce female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which help control the menstrual cycle, breast development, and other functions.

Fornix - this is the top inside of the vagina that extends slightly above and around the top and bottom of the cervix. During intercourse, the fornix balloons upwards in order to receive the penis.