The Vagina Guide: Full Anatomy and Ways to Pleasure a Woman

Only 30 to 40 percent of women orgasm during sexual intercourse. Women are less likely to orgasm due to various kinds of physical, emotional, or psychological reasons.

However, partners should be eager to please a woman and for that, they need to know about the anatomy of the female reproductive system. What does it consist of? And how does it work? What are the best tips to pleasure a woman?

Female reproductive system explained

Female reproductive system consists of internal and external parts. Knowing the full anatomy of the system can help you better understand women's health.

Internal parts

• Ovaries. On either side of the uterus, there are oval-shaped glands, called ovaries. This is the place where sex hormones are produced throughout the menstrual cycle. Additionally, an egg is excreted during ovulation.
• Fallopian tubes. They are narrow-shaped tubes that provide a passageway for the egg to go from the ovaries to the uterus. The part of the uterine tube that is close to an ovary contains fimbria (finger-like projections). This helps to transfer the egg from the ovaries to the fallopian tubes during ovulation. In most cases, the sperm fertilizes an egg in the fallopian tubes.
• Uterus. It is a hollow, pear-shaped organ that carries a fetus during pregnancy. The uterus is made up of three layers: the endometrium (which changes in thickness according to hormonal fluctuations), a muscle layer, and an outer lining layer. The uterus is made up of two parts: the corpus (body) and the cervix. The corpus is the largest section of your uterus that expands during pregnancy. The uterine cervix is a tubular structure located at the bottom of the uterus that links it to the vagina. It contains a tiny hole in the center through which sperm can enter, and menstrual blood can exit.
• Vagina. It is a muscular canal that connects the cervix to the vulva. The vagina is stretchy; it may extend to accommodate a baby during delivery. After delivery, the tissue normally returns to its pre-pregnancy size. It is protected by mucous membranes, which help to keep it moist.
• Bartholin's glands. They are pea-sized glands located on either side of the vaginal opening. These glands release fluid that contributes to vaginal lubrication. It is especially active during a woman's arousal.

External parts

It is a widespread misconception to refer to all female reproductive organs as a vagina. Nonetheless, the vagina is a separate internal structure, and the right name for the exterior female genitalia is the vulva. The vulva includes:

• Labia majora. As the Latin name suggests, it is the outer (larger) lips. It is there to protect other external organs. Hair grows on the surface of the labia majora, which also includes sweat and oil-secreting glands.
• Labia minora. The labia minora or “small lips” are covered by the labia majora. They surround the opening to the vagina and urethra (“pee hole”). It can vary in size, shape, and color (ranging from light pink to brownish black). This skin is highly sensitive.
• Clitoris. Inside a female’s body, the clitoris has an upside-down wishbone form. It consists of the body and two legs. It contains approximately 10,000 sensory nerve endings. This entire region is known as the clitorourethrovaginal (CUV) complex. The tip of the clitoris can be found at a location where the labia minora connect. The G spot is a part of the CUV complex, that usually can be stimulated on the anterior vaginal wall. However, the position of the complex and its parts might differ from woman to woman, which is why it is sometimes difficult to locate. When stimulated, it can cause female ejaculation and assist women in achieving a vaginal orgasm.
• Urethral opening. The opening to the urethra is a hole where the pee comes out.
• Vaginal opening. The vaginal entry is placed towards the bottom of the vulva, where the inner lips meet. This is the place where the menstrual blood and discharge exit the body and the penis enters during intercourse.

How the female reproductive system works

As it is stated in the name, the main function of this system is to allow a person to have sexual intercourse and reproduce.

Around the age of puberty, the ovaries store around 300 000 eggs. Every month, during ovulation, the left, or right ovary produces an egg. This egg moves to the uterus through the fallopian tube. During this, sperm can fertilize the egg. If fertilization occurs, the fertilized egg can implant into the thickened uterine lining. If the sperm fails to fertilize the egg or implantation does not occur, the uterine lining sheds and the menstrual cycle begins.

Taste and smell of the vagina

The vaginal pH is naturally acidic. As a result, the flavor is typically characterized as metallic, acidic, or salty. The taste and scent might differ from person to person. The taste and smell of the vagina can be affected by a female's cycle, diet, smoking habits, alcohol intake, and hygienic practices. Some vaginas have a faint odor, while others have a stronger one. Everything is normal until it begins to smell foul or fishy. This indicates that the natural pH balance has been disturbed, and it is important to consult with a physician.

Tips on how to pleasure a woman

The best way to know how to pleasure a partner is through communication.

"You should focus your attention primarily on communication between partners. No one is going to have great sex or pleasure with another person without first discussing boundaries, turn-ons, and turn-offs. Ideally, this conversation should take place before sex, outside of the bedroom, at a time when both partners are free from stress so that they can actively listen and contribute to the conversation."

Rhiannon John, MSexol

Another important thing is foreplay. Many women need plenty of mental and physical stimulation to become aroused, lubricated, and primed for an orgasm. Based on research, 12 to 20 minutes of foreplay increases the chance of a women’s orgasm by 50 percent. However, the quality of the foreplay is more important than the time spent. Therefore, you should talk with your partner about their likes and dislikes.

According to a study, people with vaginas are more likely to orgasm and have better orgasms from external clitoral stimulation. It can be stimulated in a variety of ways, such as orally, using sex toys, or fingers.

In conclusion, although the female reproductive system is complex, pleasuring a person with a vagina should not be overlooked. Partners should focus on communicating their likes and dislikes, knowing how to please each other. When attempting to pleasure a person with a vagina, the quality of foreplay and external clitoral stimulation should be prioritized.