Information » Health » Sexual Health » Female Genitals
A woman’s reproductive organs are made up of different parts.
Externally, there is:
- The outer lips (labia majora), which cover the clitoris and extend back to just in front of the anus
- The inner lips (labia minora) join at the front in a small fleshy bump called the clitoris. Its purpose is to give sexual pleasure
- The inner lips can vary in colour from light pink to dark brown
- The outer or inner lips may be bigger than each other. This is perfectly normal
Internally, there is:
- The vagina is used for sexual intercourse and reproduction
- The urethra, where urine passes
- The hymen, a membrane covering the virgin vagina designed to break during first-time sex. However the hymen can break before that, during sport for example. This can
- cause a small amount of bleeding but is perfectly normal
- The cervix, which is the neck of the womb leading to the vagina
- Two fallopian tubes, which link a woman’s ovaries and uterus
- Two ovaries that produce eggs
Cervical smears
- Cervical smears are a test offered to all women aged 20 and over every three-five years. This helps to spot the warning signs before cervical cancer develops
- They can be uncomfortable but don’t hurt and are vital for detecting cancer cells and getting early treatment
- Talk to your GP or family planning clinic for advice and information on the procedure
- Don’t put off your smear test, it is too important
