GGC - Sexual Health - Supporting Adult Service Users with Relationships, Sexual Health and Sexual Wellbeing - IN DEVELOPMENT
Warning
Understanding the body the parts involved in sexual and reproductive health is important for an individuals overall health and wellbeing. Understanding the correct names for parts of the body can help individuals describe problems that may be having when speaking to a health professional.
Males
- Penis: The external organ used for urination and sexual intercourse. During sexual arousal, it becomes erect due to increased blood flow.
- Testicles: Two small organs located in the scrotum (a pouch of skin below the penis). They produce sperm and the hormone testosterone, which is important for male development and reproductive function.
- Scrotum: The pouch of skin that holds and protects the testicles. It helps regulate the temperature of the testicles. This is important for healthy sperm production.
- Urethra: A tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body and also carries semen during ejaculation
- Foreskin: The loose skin that covers the end of the penis. Circumcision is a medical procedure that involved removal of the foreskin, someone might be circumcised for health, cultural or religious reasons.
Females
- Vulva: The external part of the female genitalia, including the labia majora and labia minora (the outer and inner folds of skin), the clitoris (a sensitive organ involved in sexual pleasure), and the openings to the urethra and vagina.
- Clitoris: A small sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva.
- Vagina: A muscular tube leading from the external genitals to the cervix of the uterus. It serves as the birth canal and the passageway for menstrual blood.
- Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.
- Uterus (Womb): A hollow, muscular organ where a fertilised egg implants and grows during pregnancy.
- Fallopian Tubes: Two thin tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus through the fallopian tubes.
- Ovaries: Two small glands either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle and support pregnancy.
Related topics: Screening and self checks, Personal hygiene, Body image
Further Information
NHS Inform: Sexual and Reproductive Health 