Pussy Knowledge Equals Pleasure: Vulva Anatomy and Pleasure

"Pussy” is the universal word people often use when referring to the vulva and vagina! In fact, it is very common for people to use the terms, vulva and vagina synonymously. For the duration of this article, we will give both terms their respective definition: the vagina is an internal, muscular tube that can pass a fetus, expel period blood, and is used for sexual intercourse. The vulva comprises the labia minora and majora (inner and outer lips). The vulva is an exterior structure designed to cover the vaginal opening, preventing unnecessary pathogens from entering the vagina. 

The point of knowing the difference between the two terms will lead to more pleasurable sex…stay with me!

What Are the Different Parts Of The Vulva?

The key to having pleasurable sex is understanding your body, more specifically, your vulva!

The vulva has several parts:

1.     Mon pubis

2.     Labia Minora and Majora

3.     Clitoris

4.     Vestibular bulbs

5.     Vulva vestibule

6.     Bartholin's Glands

7.     Skene's glands

8.     Urethra

9.     Vaginal opening

I know you're probably freaking out! Who knew the structure between your legs held a lot of responsibilities?

Let's discuss this, shall we….

Vulva Anatomy Breakdown

Mon Pubis: A Cushioning Source During Sexual Intercourse

The Mon pubis gives support for sexual intercourse. Its fatty, fleshy area acts like a cushion and contains sebaceous glands that secrete pheromones that induce sexual attraction! The mons pubis is typically where the majority of the pubic hair grows. Now to keep pubic hair or not is rooted in preference. However, pubic hair can help prevent the transmission of HSV II because the hair serves as a barrier to protect the skin. Oil and sweat can get trapped in the hair, so the mons pubis must be cleansed with anti-bacterial soap. Now, for those who choose hair removal, sex can be intensified when the skin is bare! Many people love skin-to-skin contact. Waxing, lasering, and shaving are options that can be explored. Be sure you complete the home instructions with either option and go for it! If shaving is your go-to, I advise you always shave in one direction with a new razor to minimize razor and hair bumps. Overall, do what feels good! If you find yourself more confident without hair, remove it! If hair is sexy to you, keep it! Just know that your mons pubis' appearance can contribute to your sexual confidence! 

Labia Minora: A Protective Barrier For The Urethra And The Vagina

 The lips that deserve kisses! The labia minora, aka the "inner lips," are a pair of smooth tissue that is the innermost part of the vulva, protecting the urethra and the vaginal opening. Depending on hormonal levels like estrogen, the labia minora can grow and thicken! Age and life changes, such as vaginal birth, can alter the look of the labia minora. In fact, either side can hang lower than the other. The labia minora varies in size and shape.

Labia Majora: An Enclosure That Protects The External Genital Organs

 On the other hand, the labia majora, aka the "big lips," is the fattest, most outer layer tissue of the vulva. The labia majora can completely cover the minora or mainly cover it, depending on the shape and size of the minora. Like the labia minora, the labia majora's shape and size can change over time due to age, hormonal levels, and vaginal birth. Don't be alarmed if either lip is uneven; typically, they are, and that's okay! The lips are sensitive, and some vulva owners find pleasure in feeling the tip of the penis rubbed against it before penetration. But we will dive deep into this a little later!

Clitoris: Enables Vulva Owners To Experience Sexual Pleasure

 Clit, "Man in the boat," "Bean,"…. The one and only, the Clitoris! One of the most underrated structures of the vulva. Sure, you know about the tip of the clit. The clitoris' tip is also known as the glans and is covered by the clitoral hood. But the Clit measures about 8 cm long, and it sits behind the lips! With over 8,000 nerve endings, its sole purpose is to provide pleasure. Instead of giving the tip most of the attention, apply a comfortable amount of pressure to the length of the labias. The clit extends down the labia majora, so stop neglecting it! Let me paint a bigger picture for you…when the vagina is being penetrated, the Clitoris is wrapped around it. Imagine sticking an object through a wishbone… that's the illustration of how the clit sits on top of objects that penetrates the vagina. To answer your question, can the clit receive stimulation during penetration? Yes! However, internal clit stimulation may not be as powerful as external clit stimulation! Since the clit is composed of erectile tissue, like the penis, the muscles, and blood vessels, causes the clit to swell, thus increasing the chances of vaginal orgasms!

Vestibular Bulbs: Induce Pleasure Through Vaginal Orgasmic Contractions

 Have you ever heard of Vestibular Bulbs? It's okay. The average person hasn't, either! This is the erectile tissue closely related to the clit. When the clit is aroused, the blood flows to the vestibular bulb to create an erection. During sex, if you ever experience vaginal contractions, these bulbs are responsible for that feeling! Some people practice Kegels, the practice of tightening or squeezing the pelvic floor muscles, to stimulate this type of orgasm during or after sex!

Bartholin Glands: Produces Lubrication For The Vagina

So many vulva owners highlight how "wet" their vaginas can become! The set of glands that are responsible for vaginal lubrication is the Bartholin Glands. These glands are located behind the vestibular glands on each side of the vaginal opening. The pair are as small as a pea size but powerful when stimulated. When these glands swell, they secrete fluid that lubricates the vagina for sexual intercourse.

The Vulva Vestibule: Houses The Urethra And Vaginal Canal

The Vulva vestibule is the smoothest surface of the vulva that surrounds the opening to the urethra and vagina. This area connects the labia minora and the vaginal opening. Additionally, this wall contains the vestibular glands. 

Skene Glands: Lubricates The Vagina During Sexual Arousal

 For the vaginas that squirt, you can give all the thanks and glory to the Skene Glands! The small pair are located on both sides of the urethra. While the skene glands are responsible for lubricating the vagina, their primary function is lubricating the urethra to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). During sex, some people experience "female ejaculation," which is known as "squirting!" For decades there has been controversy on whether the fluid exiting the urethra during or at the conclusion of sex is urine. Keep in mind the urethra is the tube that is connected directly to the bladder. Although the skene glands secrete fluid into the urethra to keep it lubricated, the fluid produced by the skene glands is not enough to cause the squirting alone. The fluid from the skene glands is mixed with urea components, but it is not necessarily pure urine! The fluid should not be odorous or smell like urine and should be clear! Now do what you want with that information. Oh, and just so we're clear, squirting is ONE way a vagina can release sexual tension, which is experiencing an orgasm! Again, squirting is ONE way, not the ONLY way! Before we move on, I must let it be known that the Skene and Bartholin glands are really the star of the show here, but I digress for now.

Vagina: Provides A Passageway From The Outside Of The Body To The Uterus Or Womb

Am I the only one who refers to the vagina as a "coochie"? What were your nicknames growing up to describe the vagina? While you process that, let's break down the vagina! First, urine does not exit this hole; that is only done from the urethra! The vagina is a muscle about 2-3 inches long unaroused and can expand up to 200% during arousal! This internal canal is where the period and fetus exit and penile penetration primarily take place for heterosexual vulva owners! Yes, the vagina was made to be penetrated! The vagina is not supposed to be "tight" during intercourse! A tight vagina during sex is an indicator that sex is uncomfortable and unenjoyable. This could cause internal trauma, so be careful! During sex, this muscle should be relaxed! I like to describe it as loose but snug! The vagina will adjust to the object that is inside of it, but it won't "stretch it out." Remember, this same canal can dilate to 10cm and return to its original size in no time! Surely, you do not think a penis can ruin its shape!?

 That was a lot of information, so what do you do with it? Put it to use so that you can have more pleasurable sex!

Let's get into the vulva's erogenous zones…

How Do You Pleasure A Vulva?

The erogenous zones are the parts of your body that have heightened sensitivity and can generate a sexual response when stimulated!

 The next time you are engaging in foreplay, I want you to instruct your partner to wash their hands and to do the following:

1. Gently rub or massage the labia majora! Your legs can be partly opened but give the fatty outer layer some love. Tell your partner to increase the pressure, ease up a little, or keep it the same! 

2. Once there's a nice rhythm, open your legs completely! Move your partner's hand to the tip of the glans and allow them to stimulate that area. A pro tip: have them place the tip of one finger on the center of the clit and rub at several speeds! Apply as much pressure as you can tolerate and massage the sides of the glans near the urethra to encourage the skene glands to swell.

3. Motion for your partner to move their fingers to the labia minora and stroke to your comfort level.

4. Have your partner move down to the vaginal opening and caress both sides to encourage the Bartholin glands to swell.

5. A light finger trace along the vulva vestibule will increase the vulva's sensitivity (which is a good thing)!

Repeat these steps in whichever order you choose! A bullet toy can be used as a substitute for the fingers. If you do opt for this alternative, I highly recommend using a water-based lube with toys made up of silicone material. Lube increases pleasure and helps decrease the friction between the toy and your skin. Lube is your friend, not your enemy, don't be afraid to incorporate lube into your sexual routine! Although water-based lube was recommended, it will dry out. Once this happens, simply moist the area again. Silicone lube is the top recommendation for toys that are NOT silicone material (e.g., metal, wood, etc.). This lube can also be used for non-condom, partnered sex! Although silicone lube lasts longer than water-based lube, it will deteriorate silicone-made toys, so please do not pair the two!   

Clitoral toys, such as a bullet, are perfect for this job! If you do not have any toys, start with a clitoral toy because they are usually small, non-intimidating, and can be used multiple ways with a partner or solo. Most importantly, vibrational speeds can incite the vulva and clit more intensely than manual stimulation.

Pleasurable Sex Begins With Understanding Your Body

Overall, I want you to leave this article knowing sex is truly a journey! Do not rush the process. Take your time! Flirt, tease a little, and always engage in foreplay. Desirability starts before one is touched. But the touches are where the journey accelerates! Your vulva needs attention before sex or penetration begins. Before you drive your car, you first get inside, adjust your seats and mirror for comfort, and turn on a sexy music playlist or audio erotica. Before you begin driving, take a few moments to set the mood for yourself! Apply that same logic to your sex life, more specifically, stimulating the vulva's erogenous zones. Allow the glands to swell, so the vagina is appropriately lubricated and fully aroused to enjoy penetration! Vulva stimulation will create a pleasant warmth over your body, and you will most likely experience vaginal orgasms and orgasms from penile penetration.

 P.S. the same steps can be performed during solo sex!

 Visit thevaginaliberator.com for tools on how to master your body through masturbation!

 Signed,

Jasmine Daniels, MPH

The Vagina Liberator

One of the integral ways women miss out on having pleasurable and enjoyable sex is by not understanding their bodies and what brings them pleasure or sexually arouses them. Education is vital to having the sex that you desire. Therefore, part of Lala's Bedtime Tales mission is to provide a safe space and judgment-free zone to educate yourself on sexual health & wellness. The Sexual Health & Wellness corner will have monthly articles dedicated to continuous education on living a positive and sexually healthy lifestyle. Subscribe to Lala's Bedtime Tales Newsletter and follow @LalasBedtimeTales on social media to never miss any sexual education to help you live the healthiest life possible. Also, check out Lala's Bedtime Tales Podcast and Lala's Oh So Exclusive Patreon account for even more content! If you’re browsing for sexy pleasure products or cute giftable items, then check out Lala’s Pleasure Shop.

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