Genitals & Socialization: Sexual Anatomy

• Common occurrences are not necessarily acceptable or healthy
• Understanding sexual anatomy promotes safety, health, and pleasure

Words for Genitals & Socialization

• Genital slang mirrors cultural attitudes about gender and sexuality
• Terms for boys are more anatomically correct
• Names for female anatomy are often euphemistic, sexualized, or vague
• Cultural taboos and misinformation lead to a lack of knowledge about female anatomy
• Education is important for body autonomy and comfort

External Genitalia

• Embryos start with undifferentiated genitals until about 7 weeks
• Corpora cavernosa tissues are in the penis shaft and internal parts of the clitoris

Female External Genitalia

• Vulva includes the mons pubis, labia majora/minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening
• Mons veneris is fatty tissue over the pubic bone
• Labia majora are large skin folds running along the vulva with nerve endings
• Labia minora are hairless folds between the labia majora, surrounding the urethral and vaginal openings
• The clitoris is similar in tissue to the penis and functions for pleasure, consisting of the glans, shaft, and crura
• The vestibule is the area inside the labia minora containing the urethral and vaginal openings
• The urethral opening is below the clitoral glans and above the vaginal opening; its short length increases UTI risk
• The vaginal opening (introitus) may have a hymen, which varies by individual
  • The hymen is not an indicator of virginity
• The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and anus and is rich in nerve endings

Male External Genitalia

• The urethral opening (meatus) is located at the tip of the penis for urine and semen release
• The corpora cavernosa (2 cylinders) fill with blood during arousal for erection
  • The corpus spongiosum (1 cylinder) contains the penile urethra and forms the glans (head)
• The frenulum is a tissue strip connecting the glans to the shaft
• The root is the base of the penis, attached to pelvic bones by crura
• The prepuce (foreskin) covers the glans in uncircumcised males; hygiene prevents smegma buildup
• Erection is caused by the engorgement of penile tissues with blood
• The scrotum develops from the same tissue as the female labia majora; it holds the testes and regulates temperature
  • The spermatic cord contains the vas deferens, blood vessels, nerves, and cremaster muscle
  • The cremaster muscle raises/lowers the testes in response to temperature or stimulation

Intersex

• Intersex refers to genitalia that are not distinctly male or female

Internal Sex Organs

• The vagina expands during arousal or childbirth and is self-cleaning
• The uterus is the site of pregnancy
• The fallopian tubes transport eggs, and ectopic pregnancies can occur here
• The ovaries produce eggs and hormones

Male Internal Sex Organs

• The testes produce sperm and testosterone
• The vas deferens transports sperm and are cut during a vasectomy
• Semen is 1% sperm; the rest is fluid from the prostate and glands

Labia & Labiaplasty

• Labia majora are covered in pubic hair and protect openings
• Labia minora surround the vaginal and urethral openings and vary in size and shape
• Labiaplasty is surgery to alter the labia, often for aesthetics, which can lead to high satisfaction but carries surgical risks

Clitoris

• The clitoris is homologous to the penis and functions for pleasure
• It becomes engorged with blood during arousal
• The crus of the clitoris extends under the pubic bone

G-Spot

• The existence of a G-spot is debated; it may be an erogenous zone on the vaginal front wall

Penis

• The penis functions for sexual pleasure and the passage of urine and semen
• It comprises three internal cylinders
  • The corpus cavernosum is erectile tissue
  • The corpus spongiosum contains the urethra
• The foreskin covers the glans, similar to the clitoral hood

Circumcision

• The Canadian Paediatric Society does not recommend routine circumcision
  • Benefits include a slightly lower risk of UTIs, STIs (HPV, HIV), and prostate cancer
  • Concerns include that it is medically unnecessary and involves ethical issues about consent
  • Proper hygiene mitigates many risks

Scrotum & Testes

• The scrotum holds the testes and regulates sperm production temperature
• The testes produce sperm and testosterone
  • Sperm takes 72 days to mature, with 30 billion produced per year
  • The epididymis stores sperm before ejaculation

Menstrual Cycle

• Menstruation involves shedding the uterine lining
• The Follicular phase involves a rise in estrogen and egg maturation
• Ovulation involves egg release
• The Luteal phase prepares for pregnancy; menstruation begins if there is no pregnancy
  • The menstrual cycle is regulated by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries
  • Common issues include:
    • Dysmenorrhea, which is painful periods
    • Amenorrhea, which is absent periods
    • PMS/PMDD, which is mood/physical symptoms before periods

Sexual & Reproductive Health Concerns

• UTIs are more common in females due to their shorter urethra
• Testicular cancer is most common in young men; early detection leads to high survival
  • Prostate Issues - BPH: Benign prostate enlargement - Prostatitis: Pain/inflammation - Prostate Cancer: Detected via PSA test, rectal exam

Unisex Anatomy

• Strengthening pelvic floor muscles (e.g., Kegels) improves sexual function and bladder control
• The rectum and anus are highly sensitive and contain nerve endings

Breasts

• Breasts function for breastfeeding and as a secondary sex characteristic
• Breast cancer is common in women; risk factors include genetics (BRCA mutations) and hormones
  • Detection involves mammograms and self-exams
  • Treatment involves surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy