Here is a quick introduction to the female sexual organs. It is also important to have regular check ups, such as Pap smears (and breast checks). Pelvic floor exercises will also help keep the organs 'fit' and minimise problems such as incontinence.

External genitalia

The anatomical name for the external female genitalia is the vulva, which includes the:

• Labia majora:these are the large lips of the vagina - fatty folds of skin covered in hair on the outside.
• Labia minora: these are the small lips - delicate folds of skin located between the labia majora.
• Clitoris:this is a tiny knob of tissue and nerve endings located at the top of the labia minora. The clitoris is the female equivalent of the penis head in terms of sensitivity and sexual arousal.
• Vestibule:this is the cleft or opening below the clitoris and between the labia minora.
• Urethra:this is located just below the clitoris. The urethra is the external opening to the urinary tract; urine is expelled from the urethra.

The vagina

The vagina is both a genital and a reproductive organ. The vaginal opening is located just below the urethra. In some young women the vagina is covered by the hymen - a thin membrane with at least one opening. Although an intact hymen is still considered a sign of virginity in some cultures, many women break their hymen during sport or through sexual petting. The hymen may bleed when it tears, and if this occurs during sexual intercourse, it may be painful. The vagina is a muscular tube of great elasticity; while the walls normally remain close together, it has the capacity to expand to allow childbirth to occur.

Internal organs

• Ovaries are two small, almond-shaped glands that produce eggs (ova). The ovaries also make the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. An egg is released from the ovary approximately every 28 days in a process called ovulation.
• Fallopian tubes are small hollow tubes that lead from the ovaries to the top of the uterus. The egg travels to the uterus via the Fallopian tubes. Sperm travels to the Fallopian tubes in search of an egg to fertilise.
• Uterus. Commonly known as the womb, the uterus is an upside-down pear shaped, hollow reproductive organ located in the pelvis between the bladder and the rectum. Its lining is called the endometrium, which is where a foetus (fertilised egg) is implanted and grows during pregnancy.
• Cervix is the neck or entrance to the uterus. The cervix is located at the top of the vagina.