-
Female Internal Sexual Anatomy
- 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 (see illustration) 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.
- At either side of the vaginal opening are the Bartholin's
glands, which produce small amounts of lubricating fluid,
apparently to keep the inner labia moist during periods of
sexual excitement. Further within are the hymen glands,
which secrete lubricant for the length of the vaginal canal.
- "G-Spot"
- The word is in quotes because there is still some debate as to
the existence or purpose of the G- spot. In the illustration
above, what is indicated as the g-spot in fact points to a
region known as the Skenes glands, the purpose of which are
unknown. Despite the controversy, one fact remains-- there are
many women who claim that pressure on this region of the vagina
is extremely pleasurable. Usually, two fingers are used, and
because the spot is deep within the tissue, some pressure may be
needed. Also, because the Skenes glands are alongside the
bladder, some women may found that the increased pressure makes
them feel as if they need to urinate.
- 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 utereus is
lined with powerful muscles to push the child out during labor.
- Ovaries
- The ovaries perform two functions: the production of estrogen
and progesterone, the female sex hormones, and the production of
mature ova, or eggs. At birth, the ovaries contain nearly
400,000 ova, and those are all she will ever have. However, that
is far more than she will need, since during an average lifespan
she will go through about 500 menstrual cycles. After maturing,
the single egg travels down the fallopian tube, a journey of
three or four days-- this is the period during which a woman is
fertile and pregnancy may occur. Eggs that are not fertilized
are expelled during menstruation.
Back to Top
Frequently Answered Questions
What is the G-Spot?
The Grafenberg spot, or G-spot, is an area located within the
anterior (or front) wall of the vagina, about one centimeter from
the surface and one-third to one-half way in from the vaginal
opening (see illustration and 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 that you must press
"deeply" into the tissue with two fingers to reach it with
any effectiveness.
The significance of the G-spot is that some women (about half)
report that it is a highly sensitive area that under the right
conditions can be very pleasurable if stimulated. For some women, it
can be a primary source of stimulation leading to orgasm during
intercourse. Other women report no particular stimulation, and some
say that it feels as if they need 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 there is some speculation that it is the product of the
Skene's glands.
What is Toxic Shock Syndrome?
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but serious illness which
can occur in men, women and children. About half the number of cases
reported are associated 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 occasionally be fatal.
Toxic Shock Syndrome can be treated successfully providing it is recognized
quickly, and most young people make a full recovery.
Younger people may more 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--a high fever (over 102F or 39C), rash, vomiting, diarrhea,
sore throat, dizziness or fainting - you must remove your tampon
and consult your doctor 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
you have been wearing a tampon. Do not use tampons again without
checking first with your doctor.
By using tampons correctly and following the advice below, you
will reduce the risk of developing TSS.
REMEMBER
- Always wash your hands before and after insertion and removal
of a tampon.
- Always remove the used tampon before inserting a new one.
- Always remember to remove the last tampon at the end of your
period.
- Never use 2 tampons at once.
- Tampons should only be used when you have a period.
|
