Parts of Female Genitalia: A Complete Anatomy Guide

• The vulva is everything you can see on the outside; the vagina is only the internal canal. Using the correct words makes describing symptoms much easier.
• Every vulva looks different. Labia, clitoris and pigmentation vary widely between people, and almost all of this variation is completely normal.
• The vagina is self-cleaning. Plain water (or water with mild soap) on the vulva is enough; douching and intimate washes are unnecessary and can cause harm.
• The cervix is the gateway to the uterus and the focus of two life-saving steps: the HPV vaccine in adolescence and cervical cancer screening from age 30.
• See a doctor for unusual discharge, persistent itching, bleeding outside your normal pattern, new lumps, or pelvic pain. Most causes are benign and treatable.

The vulva is the correct medical term for the entire external female genital area. Many people say 'vagina' for everything down there, but that is not accurate, the vagina is only the internal canal. Everything you can see from the outside is the vulva. Using the right words helps you communicate clearly with a doctor and understand your own body.

Working from the front (top, when standing) toward the back, the vulva includes the mons pubis, the labia majora (outer lips), the labia minora (inner lips), the clitoris and clitoral hood, the vestibule (the area enclosed by the inner lips), the urethral opening, the vaginal opening (introitus), the hymen, and the perineum (the area between the vaginal opening and the anus).

Mons pubis. The soft mound of fatty tissue over the pubic bone at the front, covered by pubic hair after puberty. It cushions the pubic bone and varies in size with body composition.

Labia majora (outer lips). Two folds of skin running from the mons pubis downward, with pubic hair on the outer surface and smooth skin inside. They contain fatty tissue, are rich in blood vessels, and vary in size, fullness and colour, all normal. They protect the more delicate inner structures.

Labia minora (inner lips). Two thinner, hairless folds inside the outer lips, made of mucous membrane. They vary enormously, in length, width, symmetry between the two sides, edge shape and pigmentation. In some people they stay tucked inside the outer lips and in others they protrude, both are normal.

Clitoris. An organ whose main job is sexual pleasure. The visible part (the glans) is a small rounded structure at the front of the vulva, but most of the clitoris extends internally and it has a very high density of nerve endings. There is much more on this in our guide to the clitoris and why it matters.

Clitoral hood. A fold of skin formed where the inner lips meet at the top, partly or fully covering the clitoral glans. Some hoods cover the glans completely and some leave more exposed; both are normal.

Vestibule. The area enclosed by the inner lips, containing the urethral opening and the vaginal opening.

Urethral opening. A small opening just below the clitoris, through which urine exits. It connects to the bladder and is separate from the vagina, urine does not pass through the vagina.

Vaginal opening (introitus). The opening to the vagina, located below the urethral opening. When the body is relaxed it may not be very visible.

Hymen. A thin, partial fold of tissue at the vaginal opening, not a seal or closed barrier. It varies in shape and thickness from birth and is changed by ordinary activities, not just sexual contact. It is not a reliable indicator of virginity, a myth we unpack in our guide to questions about the hymen and virginity.

Perineum. The area between the vaginal opening and the anus, supported by the pelvic floor below. It is the area that may tear or be cut (episiotomy) during childbirth.

Every vulva is different. Sizes, shapes, proportions and colours vary widely, and all of this falls within normal range. Textbook diagrams show one simplified pattern, while real bodies vary much more. Comparing yourself to media images (often cosmetic-surgery results or edited photos) is not useful. The cosmetic-surgery industry markets procedures like labiaplasty that are rarely medically needed and carry real risks; ACOG and FOGSI advise against such surgery, especially in adolescents. If the way your body looks worries you, education about normal variation usually helps more than surgery, something we explore in our piece on body image during puberty.

The vagina is the muscular canal that connects the vaginal opening to the cervix. This is what 'vagina' means when used accurately, the internal canal, not the whole external area.

Location and size. The vagina sits in the pelvis, between the bladder in front and the rectum behind. It is typically 7 to 10 cm long at rest and stretches with arousal and childbirth, and expands to accommodate a tampon, menstrual cup or other objects.

Structure. The vaginal wall has folds (rugae) that let it expand, a layer of smooth muscle, and a rich blood supply. The vagina has no glands of its own, moisture comes from cervical mucus, fluid passing through the walls during arousal, and small glands at the opening.

The vaginal microbiome and pH. The vagina is home to friendly bacteria, mostly Lactobacillus, which produce lactic acid and keep the vaginal pH slightly acidic (about 3.5 to 4.5 in reproductive-age women). This acidic environment protects against overgrowth of other organisms. The balance shifts naturally with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, antibiotics and hygiene products.

Normal discharge. Some discharge is normal at all times in reproductive-age women, and it changes through the cycle, becoming clear, stretchy and slippery (like raw egg white) around ovulation, then thicker and whiter afterwards. Healthy discharge has no strong odour and does not itch or burn. Our guide on normal versus abnormal vaginal discharge explains the patterns in detail.

When discharge is not normal. Discharge that itches, smells strong or fishy, is an unusual colour (yellow, green, grey), or looks like cottage cheese may signal an infection. Common ones include yeast (candida), bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis, all treatable. If you are unsure which you have, see a doctor for confirmation and treatment.

Vaginal hygiene. The vagina cleans itself. Internal washing (douching) is actively discouraged because it disrupts the natural balance and raises infection risk. Washing the vulva externally with plain water, or water and a mild soap, is enough. The large Indian market for 'intimate washes' is mostly marketing rather than medical advice, as we discuss in our guide to intimate washes and soaps; most gynaecologists recommend against routine use.

Changes through life. Before puberty the vaginal walls are thin and the pH is alkaline. At puberty, oestrogen thickens the walls and turns the pH acidic. After menopause, falling oestrogen thins the walls (vaginal atrophy) and can cause dryness and discomfort, which is treatable.

Vaginismus and pain conditions. In vaginismus, the muscles around the vaginal opening tighten involuntarily, making penetration painful or impossible; it is treatable with pelvic-floor physiotherapy and support. Chronic vulvar pain (vulvodynia) is also a recognised condition that benefits from specialist care.

The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the top of the vagina. It is one of the most clinically important structures in the body, because cervical cancer is one of the most common and most preventable cancers in Indian women.

Structure. The cervix is about 2 to 4 cm long. The part that protrudes into the vagina is what a doctor sees during a speculum exam. A narrow canal runs through it, opening into the vagina (the external os) at one end and into the uterus (the internal os) at the other.

Functions. The cervix produces mucus that changes through the cycle, becoming thin and stretchy around ovulation to help sperm through and thicker at other times to form a protective plug. It lets menstrual blood out, dilates during childbirth, and helps protect the uterus from infection.

During pregnancy. The cervix stays closed and long for most of pregnancy, protected by a mucus plug. Near the end it gradually shortens (effacement) and opens (dilation), reaching about 10 cm in active labour to let the baby through.

Cervical cancer screening. Cervical cancer is among the most common cancers in Indian women and is highly preventable, because it usually develops slowly from precancerous changes that can be found and treated early. Screening uses the Pap smear (looking for abnormal cells) and HPV testing (looking for the high-risk virus that causes most cervical cancers). International and Indian guidelines support screening for women aged 30 to 65, typically every 5 years with HPV testing, but screening rates in India remain low. Our guide to cervical cancer screening in India covers the tests and where to get them.

HPV vaccination. Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before sexual activity, with two doses recommended around ages 9 to 14. India's own vaccine, Cervavac, has made vaccination far more affordable. See our family guide to the HPV vaccine in India for options and timing.

Cervical conditions. These include cervicitis (inflammation, often from infection), benign polyps, cervical ectropion (usually harmless), precancerous changes detected on screening, and cervical cancer. A doctor examines the cervix during a pelvic exam and may take a swab; if you are nervous about what that involves, our guide to what to expect before a pelvic exam walks you through it. For adolescents, an internal exam is often unnecessary and only done when clinically indicated.

The uterus is the muscular, pear-shaped organ where a pregnancy develops if conception occurs, and where the menstrual lining builds up and sheds each cycle.

Location and size. It sits in the pelvis between the bladder and the rectum. In a non-pregnant adult it is roughly 7 to 8 cm long and weighs about 50 to 80 grams, expanding dramatically during pregnancy.

Structure. The upper dome is the fundus, the central part is the body, and the lower narrow part is the cervix. The wall has three layers: an outer covering, a thick muscle layer (myometrium) that contracts during periods and childbirth, and an inner lining (endometrium) that thickens and sheds each cycle.

Orientation. The uterus usually tips slightly forward (anteverted). In about 20 percent of women it tips backward (retroverted), which is a normal variant, not a problem, and rarely affects fertility or sex.

The endometrium and your period. Through the first half of the cycle, rising oestrogen thickens the endometrium. After ovulation, progesterone prepares it for a possible pregnancy. If no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels fall and the lining sheds, that is your period. Typical blood loss is about 30 to 50 mL per cycle; loss over 80 mL is considered heavy and worth evaluating, as our guide to heavy menstrual bleeding explains.

Common uterine conditions. Fibroids are benign muscle growths that are very common and often cause no symptoms, but can lead to heavy bleeding or pressure; see our guide to uterine fibroids in India. Polyps can cause irregular bleeding. Adenomyosis (lining-like tissue within the muscle) causes heavy, painful periods, while endometriosis involves similar tissue outside the uterus. Other conditions include pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine prolapse, and (mostly after menopause) endometrial cancer.

Congenital variations. Some people are born with a differently shaped uterus (bicornuate, septate, unicornuate, didelphic) or, rarely, without one (MRKH syndrome). Many cause no symptoms; some are found during evaluation for menstrual problems, infertility or recurrent miscarriage.

The uterus and contraception. An intrauterine device sits inside the uterine cavity; the copper IUD works mainly through effects on sperm, while the hormonal IUD releases progesterone locally and reduces bleeding.

Hysterectomy. Surgical removal of the uterus is done for fibroids, adenomyosis, prolapse, cancer and other conditions, by abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic approaches. It is one of the most common gynaecological surgeries in India.

The fallopian tubes are two narrow tubes running from the uterus toward the ovaries. They are essential for fertility, because fertilisation of an egg by sperm usually happens inside the tube.

Structure. Each tube is about 10 to 12 cm long. The widest middle section (ampulla) is where fertilisation typically occurs, and finger-like projections (fimbriae) at the ovary end help catch the egg at ovulation. The lining has tiny hair-like cilia that, with gentle muscle contractions, move the egg toward the uterus.

Function. The tube captures the released egg, provides the place where sperm meets egg, and transports the egg toward the uterus over about 5 to 7 days. It can also be a route by which infection spreads upward from the lower tract.

Common conditions. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is infection of the upper tract, often involving the tubes, and commonly caused by sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea rising from the cervix. Untreated or repeated PID can scar the tubes, leading to chronic pelvic pain, higher ectopic-pregnancy risk and tubal infertility; our guide to pelvic inflammatory disease explains why even 'silent' PID matters. A tubal ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo implants in the tube instead of the uterus, is a medical emergency because it can rupture and cause severe bleeding. Tubal ligation ('getting your tubes tied') is a surgical method of permanent contraception.

Tube assessment. When investigating infertility, doctors check whether the tubes are open using tests such as a hysterosalpingogram (an X-ray with dye). Blocked or damaged tubes are a common cause of female infertility.

For Indian readers. Sexually transmitted infections, especially chlamydia (often symptomless), are an under-recognised cause of tubal damage and later infertility. Prompt treatment of any STI and prevention through safer sex reduce risk, and NACO offers free STI testing and care across India.

The ovaries are two almond-sized organs, one on each side of the uterus. They have two main jobs: releasing eggs and producing hormones (mainly oestrogen, progesterone and small amounts of androgens).

Egg supply. A female body is born with around 1 to 2 million immature eggs, falling to roughly 300,000 to 400,000 by puberty, and the supply is essentially exhausted by menopause. Across the whole reproductive life only about 400 to 500 eggs will actually mature and be released. Each cycle, several follicles begin to grow under the influence of FSH from the pituitary; usually one becomes dominant and releases its egg at ovulation, captured by the fallopian tube.

Hormone production. The growing follicles make oestrogen, which drives puberty, breast development and the build-up of the uterine lining. After ovulation, the leftover follicle (corpus luteum) makes progesterone, which prepares the lining for a possible pregnancy. The ovaries also make small amounts of androgens that contribute to libido and energy.

Changes through life. The ovaries are quiet through childhood, become cyclically active at puberty, and gradually decline from the late 30s. At menopause (12 months without a period, on average around 46 to 50 in Indian women), regular ovulation has ceased.

Common ovarian conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition that often shows up in adolescence with irregular cycles, acne and excess hair, explained in our guide to PCOS treatment options. Ovarian cysts are very common and usually harmless, though some need evaluation. Ovarian torsion (twisting) is a surgical emergency, and primary ovarian insufficiency (ovarian function declining before 40) has wider health implications.

Fertility and age. The decline in egg quantity and quality with age is the main reason fertility falls, gradually from the early 30s and faster after the mid-30s. The AMH blood test gives a rough sense of ovarian reserve. India's assisted-reproduction services are well developed in major cities.

The pelvic floor is the group of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that supports the bladder, uterus, vagina and rectum from below. It matters because pelvic-floor problems are common, especially after childbirth and with age, and they respond well to the right care.

Structure and function. Shaped like a hammock slung across the bottom of the pelvis, the pelvic floor supports the pelvic organs against gravity, keeps the urethra and anus closed to prevent leakage, contributes to sexual sensation and orgasm, and stretches during vaginal delivery.

Common conditions. Weak pelvic-floor muscles can cause urinary leakage with coughing, sneezing or exercise (stress incontinence). Pelvic organ prolapse is when the bladder, uterus or rectum descends into the vagina. An overly tight (overactive) pelvic floor can cause pain, including pain during sex.

Risk factors. Pregnancy and childbirth (especially vaginal delivery, large babies, or perineal tears), menopause, chronic cough or constipation with straining, heavy lifting and higher BMI all increase risk.

Pelvic-floor exercises (Kegels). Strengthening these muscles can help with leakage and support. Correct technique matters, many people accidentally squeeze the abdomen or thighs instead, so our guide to Kegel and pelvic-floor exercises explains how to do them properly. A pelvic-floor physiotherapist can teach technique and design a programme; this care is growing in Indian cities, and postpartum recovery is one area where it helps most.

All the structures above vary between individuals, and 'normal' covers a wide range. A few patterns matter.

Infancy and childhood. The genitals are small and quiet, with no menstrual cycle or significant hormonal activity. Thin vaginal walls and an alkaline pH are normal at this stage.

Puberty. Anatomy changes substantially. The mons pubis gains fat, the labia enlarge and the inner lips often become more prominent and pigmented, the vagina lengthens and its walls thicken under oestrogen, the pH turns acidic, pubic hair develops, and the uterus grows to adult size. The first period (menarche) typically arrives around age 12 to 13 in Indian girls (10 to 15 is the normal range), with cycles becoming more regular over the following years.

Reproductive years. The anatomy is fairly stable but changes with each cycle, with pregnancy and with breastfeeding. Sexual activity causes temporary engorgement during arousal but does not permanently change anatomy.

Pregnancy and childbirth. The uterus enlarges enormously, the cervix changes, the vagina prepares for delivery and the pelvic floor stretches; recovery over weeks to months returns most structures close to their non-pregnant state.

Menopause. Falling oestrogen thins the vaginal and vulvar tissues, reduces lubrication and shifts the pH back toward alkaline, which can cause dryness and discomfort. These symptoms are treatable with vaginal moisturisers, topical oestrogen and other approaches.

Variation between individuals. Within any group, individual variation is large, in labia size and shape, clitoral size, vaginal length and uterine size. Comparing yourself to a single textbook diagram or to media images is not a useful exercise. Educational projects that show photographs of many real vulvas (such as The Vulva Gallery) help make this clear. The cosmetic-surgery industry markets procedures to people made to feel insecure about normal anatomy; ACOG, FOGSI and other bodies advise against cosmetic genital surgery in most cases, especially for adolescents.

• Unusual discharge, itchy, strong-smelling, an unusual colour (yellow, green, grey), or like cottage cheese, which may signal a treatable infection.
• Persistent genital itching that does not settle, which can point to infection, allergy or a skin condition.
• Bleeding outside your normal pattern, between periods, after sex, or any bleeding after menopause (which always needs prompt evaluation).
• Persistent pelvic pain, pain during sex, or pain with urination or bowel movements.
• New lumps, bumps, sores that do not heal, or other visible changes on the vulva.
• Urinary symptoms such as burning, frequency, urgency or leakage.
• Very heavy periods (soaking a pad every 1 to 2 hours, large clots, or bleeding beyond 7 days) or very painful periods that disrupt daily life.
• No period for over 3 months when not pregnant (once cycles have settled after menarche), or no period at all by age 15 to 16.
• Signs of puberty before age 8 (very early), or no signs of puberty at all by age 13 (delayed).

For adolescents and young women in India, options include the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) adolescent-friendly health clinics (free, ages 10 to 19, at primary and community health centres), adolescent gynaecology services at major public hospitals such as AIIMS, KEM Mumbai, CMC Vellore and PGI Chandigarh, private gynaecologists with adolescent experience (FOGSI maintains directories), and family doctors who do basic gynaecology.

A first visit is usually a conversation about your concerns, an examination only if needed, and sometimes simple tests. For adolescents, an internal pelvic exam is often unnecessary and is done only when clinically indicated. You can ask for adolescent-friendly care, a chaperone, a parent or trusted adult present, private time with the doctor, and any accommodations you need. Two routine steps are worth raising early: the HPV vaccine, ideally in early adolescence, and later, cervical cancer screening from age 30. Comprehensive, age-appropriate body education is the foundation, and our guide to sex education for Indian teens covers consent, POCSO and healthy relationships.

• ACOG: Your Changing Body, Puberty in Girls (FAQ)
• ACOG: Breast and Labial Surgery in Adolescents (Committee Opinion)
• World Health Organization: Cervical cancer
• World Health Organization: Eliminating virginity testing
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (India): Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)
• NHS: Keeping your vagina clean and healthy