Help on Tele2, tariffs, questions

Kelly. Fundamentals of modern sexology. Ed. Peter

Translated from English by A. Golubev, K. Isupova, S. Komarov, V. Misnik, S. Pankov, S. Rysev, E. Turutina

The anatomical structure of the male and female genital organs, also called the genitals, has been known for many hundreds of years, but reliable information about their functioning has become available only recently. Male and female genitalia perform many functions and play an important role, participating in reproduction, and in obtaining pleasure, and in establishing a trusting relationship in love.

Oddly enough, most popular sex education textbooks have traditionally treated the male genital organs first as a source of pleasurable sexual sensations, and only then discussed their role in childbearing. In the study of the female genital organs, the emphasis is clearly shifting to the reproductive functions of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The importance of the role of the vagina, clitoris, and other external structures in sexual pleasure is often overlooked. In this and the following chapter, both the male and female genital organs are described as a potential source of intimacy in human relationships and sexual enjoyment, as well as a potential source of childbearing.

FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS

The female reproductive organs are not exclusively internal. Many of their important structures located externally play a large role in providing sexual arousal, while the internal parts of the female reproductive system are more significant in regulating hormonal cycles and reproductive processes.

The external female genital organs consist of the pubis, labia and clitoris. They are richly innervated and therefore sensitive to stimulation. The shape, size and nature of the pigmentation of the external genital organs vary greatly in different women.

Vulva

The external female genital organs, located between the legs, below and in front of the pubic articulation of the pelvic bones, are collectively called the vulva. The most prominent of these organs is the pubis. ( monsveneris)and large labia (or shameful) lips (labia majora). The pubis, sometimes called the pubic eminence, or the hill of Venus, is a rounded pad formed by subcutaneous adipose tissue and located above the rest of the external organs, just above the pubic bone. During puberty, it is covered with hair. The pubis is quite abundantly innervated, and most women find that friction or pressure in this area can be sexually arousing. The vulva is generally considered the main erogenous zone in women, as it tends to be very sensitive to sexual stimulation.

The labia majora are two folds of skin directed from the pubis down towards the perineum. They can be relatively flat and barely visible in some women, and thick and prominent in others. During puberty, the skin of the large lips darkens slightly, and hair begins to grow on their outer lateral surface. These outer skin folds cover and protect the woman's more sensitive sexual organs inside. The latter cannot be seen unless the large lips are parted, so a woman may need a mirror to be positioned so that these organs can be seen.

When the labia majora are parted, one more, smaller pair of folds can be seen - the labia minora (or pudendal) lips. They look like two asymmetrical petals of skin, pink, hairless and irregularly shaped, which connect at the top and form the skin of the clitoris, which is called the foreskin. Both the labia major and minor are sensitive to sexual stimulation and play an important role in sexual arousal. On the inside of the labia minora are the outlets of the ducts of the Bartholin glands, sometimes called the vulvovaginal glands. At the moment of sexual arousal, a small amount of secretion is secreted from these glands, which, perhaps, helps to moisten the entrance to the vagina and, to some extent, the labia. These secretions, however, are of little value in lubricating the vagina during sexual arousal, and any other function of these glands is unknown. Bartholin's glands sometimes become infected with bacteria from feces or other sources, and in such cases, treatment by a specialist may be required. There are two openings between the labia minora. In order to see them, the labia minora often needs to be moved apart. Almost under the clitoris is the tiny opening of the urethra, or urethra, through which urine is expelled from the body. Below is a larger opening of the vagina, or the entrance to the vagina. This hole is usually not open and can only be perceived as such if something is inserted into it. In many women, especially those in the younger age groups, the entrance to the vagina is partially covered by a membrane-like tissue - the hymen.

The human genital organs are important for both reproduction and pleasure. Historically, sexuality educators have focused on reproductive function and the internal genitalia, especially in women. In recent years, these specialists have also begun to pay attention to those aspects of sexual behavior that are associated with obtaining pleasure, and the external genitalia.

Clitoris

The clitoris, the most sensitive of the female genital organs, is located just below the upper fusion of the labia minora. It is the only organ whose only function is to provide sensitivity to sexual stimulation and be a source of pleasure.

The clitoris is the most sensitive female genital organ. Some form of clitoral stimulation is usually necessary to achieve orgasm, although the most appropriate method varies from woman to woman. The most visible part of the clitoris usually looks like a rounded outgrowth protruding from under the foreskin, which is formed by the upper fusion of the labia minora. This outer, sensitive part of the clitoris is called the glans. For a long time, the clitoris has been likened to the male penis because it is sensitive to sexual stimulation and capable of erection. Sometimes even incorrectly considered the clitoris an underdeveloped penis. In fact, the clitoris and its entire internal system of blood vessels, nerves, and erectile tissue form a highly functional and important sexual organ (Ladas, 1989).

The body of the clitoris is located behind the head under the foreskin. The glans is the only freely protruding part of the clitoris, and, as a rule, it is not particularly mobile. The part of the clitoris, located behind the head, is attached to the body along its entire length. The clitoris is formed by two columnar cavernous bodies and two bulbous cavernous bodies, which are capable of filling with blood during sexual arousal, causing a hardening, or erection, of the entire organ. The length of a non-erect clitoris rarely exceeds 2-3 cm, and in an unexcited state only its top (head) is visible, but during an erection it increases significantly, especially in diameter. As a rule, in the first stages of arousal, the clitoris begins to protrude more than in the unexcited state, but as the arousal builds up, it retracts.

In the skin of the foreskin are tiny glands that secrete a fatty substance, which, mixing with the secrets of other glands, forms a substance called smegma. This substance accumulates around the body of the clitoris, sometimes leading to a benign infection that can cause pain or discomfort, especially during sexual activity. If smegma buildup becomes a problem, it can be removed by a doctor using a small probe inserted under the foreskin. Sometimes the foreskin is slightly incised surgically, further exposing the head and body of the clitoris. This procedure, known in Western culture as circumcision, is rarely performed on women, and doctors find little rationale for it.

Vagina

The vagina is a tube with muscular walls and plays an important role as a female organ associated with childbearing and sexual pleasure. The muscular walls of the vagina are very elastic, and unless something is inserted into the vaginal cavity, they are compressed, so this cavity is better described as a "potential" space. The length of the vagina is about 10 cm, although it is able to lengthen with sexual arousal. The inner surface of the vagina, elastic and soft, is covered with small comb-like protrusions. The vagina is not very sensitive, except for areas immediately surrounding the entrance to it or located deep into the entrance about one third of the length of the vagina. This outer region, however, contains many nerve endings, and its stimulation easily leads to sexual arousal.

The opening of the vagina is surrounded by two groups of muscles: the sphincter of the vagina ( sphincter vaginae)and anus levator ( levator ani). Women are able to control these muscles to some extent, but tension, pain, or fear can cause them to contract involuntarily, making it painful or impossible to insert anything into the vagina. These manifestations are called vaginismus. A woman can also regulate the tone of the internal PC muscle, which, like the anal sphincter, can be contracted or relaxed. This muscle plays a role in the formation of orgasm, and its tone, like the tone of all voluntary muscles, can be learned to regulate with the help of special exercises.

It is important to note that the vagina cannot contract to such an extent that the penis will be held in it. ( penis captivus),although it is possible that some have heard otherwise. In Africa, for example, there are many myths about people who become entangled during sex and have to go to the hospital to be separated. Such myths appear to serve the social function of preventing adultery ( Ecker, 1994). When mating dogs, the penis is erect in such a way that it is trapped in the vagina until the erection subsides, and this is necessary for successful mating. Nothing like this happens to people. During sexual arousal in women, a lubricant is released on the inner surface of the walls of the vagina.

douching

Over the years, women have developed many ways to flush their vaginas, sometimes referred to as douching. It was believed to help prevent vaginal infections and eliminate bad breath. In a study of 8,450 women aged 15 to 44 years, 37% of them were found to douche as part of their regular hygiene routine (Aral , 1992). This practice is especially prevalent among the poor and minority people of color, where the proportion can be as high as two-thirds. One member of the National Black Women's Health Project ( Black Women's Health Project) speculated that douching may represent black women's reactions to negative sexual stereotypes. Meanwhile, research is providing increasing evidence that douching, contrary to popular belief, can be dangerous. Thanks to him, pathogens can penetrate into the uterine cavity, which increases the risk of uterine and vaginal infections. Women who douche more than three times a month put themselves at four times the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease than those who do not douche at all. The vagina has natural cleaning mechanisms that can be disrupted by douching. In the absence of specific medical indications, douching should be avoided.

Hymen

The hymen is a thin, delicate membrane that partially covers the entrance to the vagina. It may cross the opening of the vagina, surround it, or have several openings of various shapes and sizes. The physiological functions of the hymen are unknown, but historically it has had psychological and cultural significance as a sign of virginity.

The hymen, present in the vaginal opening from birth, usually has one or more openings. There are many hymens of various shapes that cover the opening of the vagina to one degree or another. The most common type is the annular hymen. In this case, its tissue is located along the perimeter of the entrance to the vagina, and there is a hole in the center. The hymen tissue of some types extends to the entrance to the vagina. The ethmoid hymen completely covers the opening of the vagina, but it itself has many small openings. The cloisonné is a single strip of tissue that separates the entrance to the vagina into two distinct openings. Occasionally, girls are born with an overgrown hymen, that is, the latter completely closes the opening of the vagina. This can be clarified only with the onset of menstruation, when the fluid, accumulating in the vagina, will cause discomfort. In such cases, the doctor must make a small hole in the hymen to allow the menstrual flow to drain.

In most cases, the hymen has a hole large enough to easily pass a finger or a swab. An attempt to insert a larger object, such as an erect penis, usually results in a tear in the hymen. There are many other circumstances, not related to sexual activity, in which the hymen can be damaged. While it is often claimed that some girls are born without a hymen, recent evidence casts doubt on whether this is actually the case. More recently, a team of pediatricians from the University of Washington examined 1,131 newborn girls and found that each had an intact hymen. From this it was concluded that the absence of a hymen at birth is highly unlikely, if not impossible. It also follows that if the hymen is not found in a little girl, the cause of this most likely was some kind of trauma (Jenny, Huhns, & Arakawa, 1987).

Sometimes the hymen is stretchable enough to be preserved during intercourse. Therefore, the presence of a hymen is an unreliable indicator of virginity. Some peoples attach special importance to the presence of a hymen and special rituals have been established for breaking the hymen of a girl before the first copulation.

In the United States, between 1920 and 1950, some gynecologists performed special surgery on women who were about to get married but didn't want their husbands to know they weren't virgins. The operation, called "lover's knot", consisted in applying one or two stitches to the labia minora in such a way that a thin bond appeared between them. During intercourse during the wedding night, the bow broke, causing some pain and bleeding (Janus & Janus, 1993). Many in Western society still believe to this day that having a hymen proves virginity, which is naive at best. In fact, the only way to physically determine if intercourse has taken place is to detect semen in a vaginal swab using chemical analysis or microscopic examination. This procedure must be performed within a few hours of intercourse, and in cases of rape it is sometimes used to prove that penetration of the penis into the vagina has taken place.

The rupture of the hymen during the first sexual intercourse can cause discomfort or pain and possibly some bleeding when the hymen ruptures. In different women, pain can vary from barely noticeable to severe. If a woman is concerned that her first intercourse is painless, she can expand the opening of the hymen in advance with the help of her fingers. The doctor may also remove the hymen or stretch its opening with increasing dilators. However, if your partner gently and carefully inserts an erect penis into the vagina, using adequate lubrication, there are usually no special problems. A woman can also guide her partner's penis by adjusting the speed and depth of penetration.

Female genital self-examination

After becoming familiar with the basics of their external anatomy, women are encouraged to examine their genitals monthly, looking for any unusual signs and symptoms. With the help of a mirror and under appropriate lighting, you should examine the condition of the skin under the pubic hair. Then you should pull back the skin of the foreskin of the clitoris and spread the labia minora, which will allow you to better examine the area around the openings of the vagina and urethra. Be alert for any unusual blisters, abrasions, or rashes. They may differ in redness or pallor, but sometimes they are easier to detect not visually, but by touch. Do not forget to also examine the inner surface of the labia majora and labia minora. It is also advisable, knowing what your vaginal discharge looks like in a normal state, to pay attention to any changes in their color, smell or consistency. Although certain abnormalities can usually occur during the menstrual cycle, some diseases cause well-marked changes in the vaginal discharge.

If you find any unusual swelling or discharge, you should immediately consult a gynecologist. Often, all these symptoms are completely harmless and do not require any treatment, but sometimes they signal the onset of an infectious process, when medical attention is needed. It's also important to tell your doctor about any pain or burning when urinating, bleeding between periods, pelvic pain, and any itchy rash around your vagina.

Uterus

The uterus is a hollow muscular organ in which the growth and nutrition of the fetus takes place until the very moment of childbirth. The walls of the uterus have different thicknesses in different places and consist of three layers: perimetrium, myometrium and endometrium. To the right and left of the uterus, there is one almond-shaped ovary. The two functions of the ovaries are the secretion of the hormones estrogen and progesterone and the production of eggs and their subsequent release from the ovary.

The cervix protrudes into the deepest part of the vagina. The uterus itself is a thick-walled muscular organ that provides a nutrient medium for the developing fetus during pregnancy. As a rule, it is pear-shaped, about 7-8 cm long and about 5-7 cm in diameter at the top, tapering to 2-3 cm in diameter in the part that protrudes into the vagina. During pregnancy, it gradually increases to a much larger size. When a woman is standing, her uterus is almost horizontal and at right angles to the vagina.

The two main parts of the uterus are the body and the cervix, connected by a narrower isthmus. The top of the wide part of the uterus is called its bottom. Although the cervix is ​​not particularly sensitive to superficial touch, it is able to feel pressure. The opening in the cervix is ​​called the os. The internal cavity of the uterus has a different width at different levels. The walls of the uterus consist of three layers: a thin outer shell - the perimetrium, a thick intermediate layer of muscle tissue - the myometrium and an inner layer rich in blood vessels and glands - the endometrium. It is the endometrium that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and in the nutrition of the developing fetus.

Internal gynecological examination

The uterus, especially the cervix, is one of the common sites of cancer in women. Since uterine cancer can be asymptomatic for many years, it is especially dangerous. Women should periodically undergo an internal gynecological examination and have a Pap smear analyzed by a qualified gynecologist. There is disagreement among experts as to how often such an examination should be done, but most recommend doing it annually. Thanks to the Pap smear, it was possible to reduce mortality from cervical cancer by 70%. Approximately 5,000 women die in the US from this form of cancer every year, 80% of whom have not had a Pap test for the past 5 years or more.

During a gynecological examination, first of all, a vaginal speculum is carefully inserted into the vagina, which holds the vaginal walls in an expanded state. This allows a direct examination of the cervix. To take a Pap smear (named after its developer, Dr. Papanicolaou) from the cervix, using a thin spatula or swab on the rod, a certain number of cells are painlessly removed, while the vaginal mirror remains in place. A smear is prepared from the collected material, which is fixed, stained and examined under a microscope in search of any possible indications of changes in the structure of cells that may indicate the development of cancer or precancerous manifestations. In 1996, the Food and Drug Administration ( Food and Drug Administration) approved a new method for preparing the Papa smear, which eliminates the ingress of excess mucus and blood into it, which makes it difficult to detect altered cells. This made the test even more efficient and reliable than before. Recently, it has become possible to use another device that, when attached to the vaginal mirror, illuminates the cervix with light specially selected for the spectral composition. Under such illumination, normal and altered cells differ from each other in color. This greatly facilitates and speeds up the identification of suspicious areas of the cervix, which should be subjected to a more thorough examination.

After removing the mirror, a manual examination is performed. Using a rubber glove and lubricant, the doctor inserts two fingers into the vagina and presses them against the cervix. The other hand is placed on the abdomen. In this way, the doctor is able to feel the overall shape and size of the uterus and adjacent structures.

If suspicious cells are found in the Pap smear, more intensive diagnostic procedures are recommended. First of all, a biopsy can be used to determine the presence of malignant cells. If an increase in the number of altered cells is shown, another procedure called dilation and curettage (expansion and curettage) can be performed. The opening of the cervix expands, which allows you to enter a special tool - the uterine curette - into the internal cavity of the uterus. Some cells from the inner layer of the uterus are carefully scraped off and examined for the presence of malignant cells. As a rule, dilatation and curettage are used to clean the uterus from dead tissue after a miscarriage (involuntary abortion), and sometimes to terminate a pregnancy during an induced abortion.

Ovaries and fallopian tubes

On both sides of the uterus, two almond-shaped glands called ovaries are attached to it with the help of inguinal (pupart) ligaments. The two main functions of the ovaries are the secretion of female sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone), and the production of eggs necessary for reproduction. Each ovary is approximately 2-3 cm long and weighs approximately 7 grams. A woman's ovary at birth contains tens of thousands of microscopic vesicles called follicles, each containing a cell that has the potential to develop into an egg. These cells are called oocytes. It is believed that only a few thousand follicles remain in the ovaries by the time of puberty, and only a small proportion (400 to 500) of them will ever turn into mature eggs.

In a mature woman, the surface of the ovary has an irregular shape and is covered with pits - traces left after the release of many eggs through the ovarian wall during the process of ovulation, described below. By examining the internal structure of the ovary, one can observe follicles at different stages of development. Two different zones are also distinguishable: the central medulla and thick outer layer, cortex. A pair of fallopian, or fallopian, tubes lead from the edge of each ovary to the top of the uterus. The end of each of the fallopian tubes, which opens next to the ovary, is covered with fringed outgrowths - fimbria, which are not attached to the ovary, but rather loosely fit it. Following the fimbria is the widest part of the tube - funnel. It leads into a narrow, irregularly shaped cavity stretching along the entire tube, which gradually narrows as it approaches the uterus.

The inner layer of the fallopian tube is covered with microscopic cilia. It is due to the movement of these cilia that the egg moves from the ovary to the uterus. For conception to occur, the sperm must meet and enter the egg while it is in one of the fallopian tubes. In this case, the already fertilized egg is transported further to the uterus, where it attaches to its wall and begins to develop into an embryo.

CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE

Mariam Razak, was 15 when her family locked her in a room where five women held her as she struggled to break free while a sixth cut off her clitoris and labia.

This event left Mariam with the lingering feeling that she had been betrayed by the people she loved most: her parents and her boyfriend. Now, nine years later, she believes that this operation and the infection it caused have deprived her of not only the ability to have sexual satisfaction, but also the ability to have children.

It was love that led Mariam to this mutilation. She and her childhood friend, Idrissou Abdel Razak, say they had sex as teenagers and then he decided they should get married.

Without warning Mariam, he asked his father, Idrissa Ceiba, to apply to her family for permission to marry. His father offered a substantial dowry, and Mariam's parents gave their consent, while she herself was told nothing.

“My son and I asked her parents to circumcise her,” says Idrissu Ceibu. - Other girls, who were warned in advance, ran away. That is why we decided not to tell her what will be done.”

On the day scheduled for the operation, Mariam's boyfriend, a 17-year-old taxi driver, was working in Sokod, a town north of Kpalime. Today, he is ready to admit that he knew about the upcoming ceremony, but did not warn Mariam. Mariam herself now believes that together they could find a way to trick their parents into convincing them that she went through with the procedure, if only her boyfriend would support her.

When he returned, he learned that she had to be urgently taken to the hospital, as the bleeding did not stop. In the hospital, she developed an infection and stayed there for three weeks. But while, according to her, her body was recovering, the feeling of bitterness intensified.

And she decided not to marry a man who could not protect her. She borrowed $20 from a friend and took a cheap taxi to Nigeria, where she lived with friends. It took her parents nine months to find her and bring her home.

It took another six years for her boyfriend to win back her trust. He bought her clothes, shoes and jewelry as gifts. He told her that he loved her and begged for forgiveness. Eventually her anger softened and they married in 1994. Since then they have lived in his father's house.

But Mariam Razak knows what she has lost. She and her current husband made love in their youth, before she went through a mutilation, and, according to her, sex was very satisfying for her. Now, they both say, she feels nothing. She compares the permanent loss of sexual gratification to an incurable disease that stays with you until death.

“When he goes into the city, he buys drugs, which he gives me before we have sex, so that I feel pleasure. But it's not the same,” says Mariam.

Her husband agrees: “Now that she is circumcised, something is missing in this place. She doesn't feel anything there. I try to please her, but it doesn't work very well."

And their sorrows do not end there. They are also unable to conceive a child. They turned to doctors and traditional healers - all to no avail.

Idrissou Abdel Razak promises that he will not take another wife for himself, even if Mariam does not become pregnant: “I have loved Mariam since we were children. We will continue to look for a way out."

And if they ever have daughters, he promises to send them out of the country to protect them from cutting off their genitals. A source : S. Dugger. The New York Times METRO, 11 September 1996

Female genital mutilation

In different cultures and in different historical periods, the clitoris and labia were subjected to various kinds of surgical operations, as a result of which women were mutilated. Based on the widespread fear of masturbation during the mid- XIX century and until about 1935, doctors in Europe and the United States often circumcised women, that is, removed, partially or completely, the clitoris - a surgical procedure called clitoridectomy. These measures were thought to "cure" masturbation and prevent insanity. In some African and East Asian cultures and religions, clitoridectomy, sometimes incorrectly referred to as "female circumcision," is still practiced as part of the rites that accompany the transition to adulthood. The World Health Organization estimates that up to 120 million women worldwide have undergone some form of what is today called female genital mutilation. Until recently, almost all girls in countries such as Egypt, Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan underwent this operation. Although it can sometimes take the form of a traditional circumcision, in which the tissue covering the clitoris is removed, more often the head of the clitoris is also removed. Sometimes an even more extensive clitoridectomy is performed, which includes the removal of the entire clitoris and a significant amount of surrounding labia tissue. As a rite of passage marking a girl's transition to adulthood, clitoridectomy means the removal of all traces of "masculine features": since the clitoris is traditionally viewed in these cultures as a miniature penis, its absence is recognized as the highest symbol of femininity. But, in addition, clitoridectomy also reduces a woman's sexual satisfaction, which is important in cultures where a man is considered obliged to control a woman's sexuality. Various taboos are established to support this practice. In Nigeria, for example, some women believe that if the baby's head touches the clitoris during childbirth, the baby will develop a mental disorder ( Ecker, 1994). In a number of cultures, there is also the custom of infibulation, in which the labia minora and sometimes the labia majora are removed and the edges of the outer part of the vagina are sewn or held together with plant spines or natural adhesives, thus ensuring that the woman does not have sexual intercourse before marriage. The bonding material is removed before marriage, although the procedure may be repeated if the husband is going to be away for a long time. This often results in coarse scar tissue that can make urination, menstruation, intercourse, and childbirth more difficult and painful. Infibulation is common in cultures where virginity is highly valued at marriage. When women who have undergone this operation are chosen as brides, they bring significant benefits to their family in the form of money, property and livestock (Eskeg, 1994).

These rites are often performed with crude instruments and without anesthesia. Girls and women undergoing such procedures often become infected with serious illnesses, and the use of non-sterile instruments can lead to AIDS. Girls sometimes die as a result of bleeding or infection caused by this operation. In addition, evidence is accumulating that such ritual surgery can cause severe psychological trauma, with long-term effects on women's sexuality, marriage and childbearing (Lightfoot-Klein, 1989; MacFarquhar, 1996). The influence of civilization has brought some improvements to the traditional practice, so that in some places today aseptic methods are already used to reduce the risk of infection. For some time, the Egyptian health authorities have encouraged this operation to be carried out in medical institutions to avoid possible complications, while at the same time providing family counseling to end this custom. In 1996, the Egyptian Ministry of Health decided to ban all medical professionals from both public and private clinics from performing any type of female genital mutilation. However, it is believed that many families will continue to turn to local medicine men to fulfill these ancient prescriptions.

There is growing condemnation of the practice, which is seen by some groups as barbaric and sexist. In the United States, this issue has come under closer scrutiny as it is now becoming clear that some immigrant girls from over 40 countries may have been subjected to a similar procedure in the United States. A woman named Fauzia Kasinga fled the African country of Togo in 1994 to avoid mutilation and eventually arrived in the States illegally. She applied for asylum, but the immigration judge initially dismissed her arguments as unconvincing. After she spent over one year in prison, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled in 1996 that female genital mutilation did indeed constitute an act of persecution and was a legitimate basis for granting women asylum (Dugger , 1996). Although such practices are sometimes seen as a cultural imperative that should be respected, this court ruling and other developments in developed countries underline the idea that such operations constitute a violation of human rights that must be condemned and stopped ( Rosenthal, 1996).

Female genital mutilation often has deep roots in the way of life of the representatives of this or that culture, reflecting the patriarchal tradition, in which the woman is considered the property of the man, and female sexuality is subordinated to the male. This custom can be regarded as a fundamental component of the initiation rites, symbolizing the girl's acquisition of the status of an adult woman, and therefore serve as a source of pride. But with increasing attention to human rights around the world, including in developing countries, opposition to such practices is growing. There is fierce debate in countries where these procedures continue to apply. Younger and more Westernized women—often with the support of their husbands—are calling for a more symbolic initiation rite that would preserve the positive cultural value of the traditional ritual but avoid painful and dangerous surgery. Feminists in the Western world are especially eloquent about this issue, arguing that such procedures are not only dangerous to health, but also an attempt to emphasize the dependent position of a woman. Such disputes are a classic example of the clash between culture-specific customs and globally changing views on sexuality and gender issues.

Definitions

CLITOR - an organ sensitive to sexual stimulation, located in the upper part of the vulva; fills with blood during sexual arousal.

CLITOR HEAD - the outer, sensitive part of the clitoris, located at the upper fusion of the labia minora.

CLITOR BODY - an elongated part of the clitoris containing tissue that can fill with blood.

VULVA - external female genital organs, including the pubis, large and small labia, clitoris and vaginal opening.

PUBIS - an elevation formed by adipose tissue and located above the pubic bone of a woman.

LARGE LIPS - two outer folds of skin covering the labia minora, clitoris and openings of the urethra and vagina.

LABIA SMALL - two folds of skin within the space bounded by large lips, connecting above the clitoris and located on the sides of the openings of the urethra and vagina.

FORESKIN - in women, a tissue in the upper part of the vulva that covers the body of the clitoris.

BARTHOLINIAN GLANDS - small glands, the secret of which is secreted during sexual arousal through the excretory ducts that open at the base of the labia minora.

URINARY OPENING - opening through which urine is expelled from the body.

VAGINA ENTRY - external opening of the vagina.

VIRGIN HYLEVA - connective tissue membrane, which can partially close the entrance to the vagina.

SMEGMA A thick, oily substance that can accumulate under the foreskin of the clitoris or penis.

CIRCUMCISION - in women - a surgical operation that exposes the body of the clitoris, in which its foreskin is cut.

INFIBULATION A surgical procedure used in some cultures in which the edges of the vaginal opening are held together.

CLITORODECTOMY - surgical removal of the clitoris, a common procedure in some cultures.

VAGINISM - involuntary spasm of the muscles located at the entrance to the vagina, making it difficult or impossible to penetrate it.

PUNOCOPHIC MUSCLE - part of the muscles supporting the vagina, is involved in the formation of an orgasm in women; women are able to control his tone to some extent.

VAGINA - a muscular channel in a woman's body that is susceptible to sexual arousal and into which sperm must enter during intercourse in order for conception to occur.

UTERUS - a muscular organ in the female reproductive system in which a fertilized egg is implanted.

CERVIX - the narrower part of the uterus that protrudes into the vagina.

ISTHHUM - narrowing of the uterus directly above its neck.

BOTTOM (UTERUS) - wide upper part of the uterus.

ZEV - an opening in the cervix leading to the uterine cavity.

PERIMETRIES - outer layer of the uterus.

MYOMETRIUM - middle, muscular layer of the uterus.

ENDOMETRIUM - the inner layer of the uterus lining its cavity.

STROKE PAPA - microscopic examination of a preparation of cells taken by scraping from the surface of the cervix, carried out in order to detect any cellular abnormalities.

OVERS - a pair of female sex glands (gonads) located in the abdominal cavity and producing eggs and female sex hormones.

EGG - female sex cell, formed in the ovary; fertilized by sperm.

FOLLICLE - a conglomerate of cells surrounding a maturing egg.

OOCYTES - cells are the precursors of the oocyte.

FALLOPIAN TUBES - structures associated with the uterus, through which the eggs are transferred from the ovaries to the uterine cavity.

The female genital organs are divided into external (vulva) and internal. The internal genital organs provide conception, the external ones are involved in sexual intercourse and are responsible for sexual sensations.

The internal genital organs include the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. To the outside - the pubis, labia majora and labia minora, clitoris, vaginal vestibule, large glands of the vaginal vestibule (Bartholin's glands). The boundary between the external and internal genital organs is the hymen, and after the onset of sexual activity - its remnants.

external genitalia

Pubis(venus tubercle, lunar hillock) - the lowest section of the anterior abdominal wall of a woman, slightly elevated due to the well-developed subcutaneous fat layer. The pubic area has a pronounced hairline, which is usually darker than on the head, and in appearance is a triangle with a sharply defined upper horizontal border and a downward apex. Labia (shady lips) - folds of skin located on both sides of the genital slit and the vestibule of the vagina. Distinguish between large and small labia

Large labia - folds of skin, in the thickness of which there is fiber rich in fat. The skin of the labia majora has many sebaceous and sweat glands and is covered with hair on the outside during puberty. Bartholin's glands are located in the lower sections of the labia majora. In the absence of sexual stimulation, the labia majora are usually closed in the midline, providing mechanical protection for the urethra and vaginal opening.

Small labia located between the labia majora in the form of two thin delicate skin folds of pink color, limiting the vestibule of the vagina. They have a large number of sebaceous glands, blood vessels and nerve endings, which allows them to be considered an organ of sexual sensation. The small lips converge over the clitoris to form a skin fold called the clitoral foreskin. During sexual arousal, the labia minora are saturated with blood and turn into elastic rollers that narrow the entrance to the vagina, which increases the intensity of sexual sensations when the penis is inserted.

Clitoris- the female external genital organ, located at the upper ends of the labia minora. It is a unique organ whose only function is to concentrate and accumulate sexual sensations. The size and appearance of the clitoris vary from person to person. The length is about 4-5 mm, but in some women it reaches 1 cm or more. With sexual arousal, the clitoris increases in size.

vestibule of the vagina a slit-like space bounded laterally by the labia minora, in front by the clitoris, behind by the posterior commissure of the labia. From above, the vestibule of the vagina is covered by the hymen or its remnants. On the eve of the vagina opens the external opening of the urethra, located between the clitoris and the entrance to the vagina. The vestibule of the vagina is sensitive to touch and, at the moment of sexual arousal, is filled with blood, forming an elastic elastic “cuff”, which is moistened with the secretion of large and small glands (vaginal lubrication) and opens the entrance to the vagina.

bartholin glands(large glands of the vestibule of the vagina) are located in the thickness of the labia majora at their base. The size of one gland is about 1.5-2 cm. During sexual arousal and intercourse, the glands secrete a viscous grayish protein-rich liquid (vaginal fluid, lubricant).

Internal sex organs

Vagina (vagina)- the internal genital organ of a woman, which is involved in the process of sexual intercourse, and in childbirth is part of the birth canal. The length of the vagina in women, on average, is 8 cm. But for some, it can be longer (up to 10-12 cm) or shorter (up to 6 cm). Inside the vagina is lined with a mucous membrane with a lot of folds, which allows it to stretch during childbirth.

ovaries- female gonads, from the moment of birth they contain more than a million immature eggs. The ovaries also produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Due to the constant cyclical change in the content of these hormones in the body, as well as the release of hormones by the pituitary gland, the maturation of the eggs and their subsequent release from the ovaries occur. This process is repeated approximately every 28 days. The release of an egg is called ovulation. In the immediate vicinity of each ovary is the fallopian tube.

Fallopian tubes (fallopian tubes) - two hollow tubes with holes, going from the ovaries to the uterus and opening in its upper part. At the ends of the tubes near the ovaries there are villi. When the egg is released from the ovary, the villi, with their continuous movements, try to capture it and drive it into the tube so that it can continue on its way to the uterus.

Uterus- a hollow organ shaped like a pear. It is located in the pelvic cavity. During pregnancy, the uterus enlarges as the fetus grows. The walls of the uterus are made up of layers of muscles. With the onset of labor and during childbirth, the muscles of the uterus contract, the cervix stretches and opens, and the fetus is pushed into the birth canal.

Cervix represents its lower part with a passage connecting the uterine cavity and the vagina. During childbirth, the walls of the cervix become thinner, the cervical os expands and takes the form of a round hole with a diameter of approximately 10 centimeters, due to this, it becomes possible for the fetus to exit the uterus into the vagina.

Hymen(hymen) - a thin fold of mucous membrane in virgins, located at the entrance to the vagina between the internal and external genital organs. Each girl has individual, only her inherent features of the hymen. The hymen has one or more holes of various sizes and shapes through which blood is released during menstruation.

At the first sexual intercourse, the hymen ruptures (defloration), usually with the release of a small amount of blood, sometimes with a sensation of pain. At the age of over 22, the hymen is less elastic than at a young age, therefore, in young girls, defloration usually occurs more easily and with less blood loss, there are frequent cases of sexual intercourse without rupture of the hymen. Hymen tears can be deep, with profuse bleeding, or superficial, with little bleeding. Sometimes, when the hymen is too elastic, ruptures do not occur, in this case, defloration occurs without pain and spotting. After childbirth, the hymen is completely destroyed, leaving only a few patches of it.

The absence of blood in a girl during defloration should not cause jealousy or suspicion, since it is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the structure of the female genital organs.

In order to reduce pain during defloration and increase the duration of sexual intercourse, lubricants containing drugs that reduce the pain sensitivity of the vaginal mucosa can be used.

Each girl is fraught with many secrets that attract men. But there are also such riddles that the girls themselves want to solve. Often they ask themselves this question: what do the labia look like? It is necessary to understand this issue in more detail.

Large and small labia

Immediately it should be noted that the labia are large and small. Visible include large labia, which look like two skin folds. They are distributed from top to bottom: from the pubic area to the anus. The labia majora are covered with hair. Most often, girls are concerned about the appearance of the labia minora, which are located inside the large ones, so it is difficult to see them. They are also skin folds parallel to the labia majora. There are no hairs on the labia minora.

Shape, size and color

Women are unique - this fact should be taken into account when considering such parameters as the shape, color and size of the labia minora. Female labia are: smooth, jagged, short, long, thin, thick, slightly wrinkled and wrinkled. Moreover, all these forms are normal from a medical point of view. Such is female nature - uniqueness is manifested in everything.

The size of the skin folds is also different for all women. A certain standard of normal length is 5 cm with lateral traction. If the length exceeds 5 centimeters, then the labia is considered long.

With color, too, not everything is so simple. The skin color of each person is different, therefore, the color of the labia minora is difficult to compare with any norm in color. It all depends on pigmentation. It has already been noticed more than once that the lips on the face of girls are not always pink. They may be red or brown. Also with the color of the labia - each has its own.

So what should the labia look like? It is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. Only certain factors or symptoms can help in identifying a pathology or disease.

Pathology, disease or norm

Quite often, girls tend to think that long asymmetrical lips are some kind of pathology. This is not a completely correct judgment. The human body itself is not symmetrical, so the labia cannot be perfectly symmetrical either. And elongated labia are recognized as a defect, but definitely not a developmental pathology. This intimate problem can be solved with the help of surgery.

You need to sound the alarm with pain, itching or swelling in the labia. There are a lot of diseases that can attack this sensitive area. It can be vulvovaginitis (inflammation), and candidiasis (burning and itching), and vulvodynia (burning and discomfort), and bartholinitis (swelling and pain).

Does age affect the labia

What do the labia minora look like in women of different ages? With age, the labia also change. In little girls, the development and formation of the labia occurs. In a girl's age, the “flower opening” phase begins - the lips acquire their unique shape and size. After childbirth or upon reaching adulthood, atrophy of the labia is possible.

It is amazing that the labia can look completely different, but still remain healthy. It is only necessary to remind that any discomfort in this area should not be ignored. You should immediately contact a specialist.

A few decades ago, an increase in the labia was considered a pathology, and in some cases, immediate treatment was required. At present, women pay a lot of money in order to deliberately change the anatomy of this organ. Some do it for aesthetic purposes, and some do it to give men more pleasure.

Anatomy of the female reproductive system

So, women are divided into external and internal. The internal ones include the vagina, uterus, ovaries, and tubes. To the outer - large and small labia, as well as the clitoris and pubic region. The labia majora are two folds of skin inside which is adipose tissue. They are quite abundantly equipped with a network of blood vessels, and are also covered with hair on the outside. All this provides a protective function - preventing infection from entering the internal organs.

At the junction of the left and right labia majora, there are adhesions, or commissures.

It is interesting that the hairline in the pubic region is so plentiful that in ancient times, when women did not wear underwear, it contributed to the warming of the organ and protected it from the negative facts of the weather.

The small labia are located parallel to the large ones, they form the vestibule of the vagina. This organ has much less fat, but more blood vessels and nerve endings. Perhaps this is one of the most sensitive organs, which abundantly produces mucus.

Causes of labia enlargement

Many factors can affect women's health, and some make the weaker sex pretty worried. After all, any changes in the intimate zone always bring both physical and psychological discomfort.

sexual intercourse

Directly during or after sexual intercourse during a period of strong arousal, blood flow to the genitals increases, temporary swelling occurs - an increase in the size of the organ, and a large amount of sexual secretion is also produced. This condition will pass in 30-40 minutes after arousal on its own. It does not require any intervention.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, an increase in the labia is quite common. This process occurs against the background of changes in the hormonal status of a woman. The amount of adipose tissue in the abdomen and genitals increases, there is a slight swelling. An increase in the labia during pregnancy is temporary, most often disappears after delivery. Sometimes it can persist for lactation. It is important to understand that after natural childbirth, the shape of the labia may change.

Allergy

An increase in the labia in a woman may be the result of an allergic reaction. This is possible on an intimate hygiene product or on a synthetic powder that is used to wash underwear. Do not forget that allergies can be to the latex from which condoms are made, or to lubricant.

Symptoms will appear almost immediately after contact with the allergen. In this case, you should immediately use an antihistamine and consult a doctor. If such reactions have ever occurred, then the use of these brands should be avoided.

Bartholinitis

With inflammation of the Bartholin glands, the large and small labia also increase. The glands are located near the entrance to the vagina, so infections are most often the cause of their inflammation. At the same time, both the labia and the vagina acquire a pronounced red color and swelling. A woman is worried about discomfort in the intimate area, itching, burning during urination, as well as pain during intercourse.

Candidiasis

When the microflora of the vagina changes, Candida fungi begin to multiply intensively in this area, as a result of which thrush develops, which is accompanied by unbearable itching, hyperemia and an increase in the labia. Edema, by the way, can be aggravated by scratching. At the same time, in addition to an increase in the size of the organ, there are curdled discharge from the vagina with a specific odor.

Herpes

Herpetic infections of the anogenital region can provoke an increase in the labia. In addition, herpes affects the nerve endings, which leads to prolonged and severe soreness. In the genital area, against the background of inflammation and redness, vesicles appear with transparent or yellowish contents, which can open on their own with the formation of crusts.

Vulvodynia

Vulvodynia is a disease of modern women who, striving for fashion trends, prefer too narrow and tight underwear. All this leads to traumatization of the labia majora, and as a result - to a sharp pain and their increase.

Medications

We must not forget that taking certain medications (antibiotics, hormones) and ointments can also provoke a change in the external genital organs. An increase in the intimate area may be the result of long-term use of certain drugs.

Poor intimate hygiene

Insufficient hygiene, as a result of which infectious and bacterial processes develop, can also cause an increase in the woman's intimate area. The problem is solved by observing all the rules for caring for the intimate area.

Heredity

The reasons for the increase in the labia minora most often come from childhood. These may be defects in fetal development or the consequences of trauma in childhood. In adulthood, prolonged and frequent sexual intercourse can lead to an increase in small lips.

Injuries

An increase in the labia majora may occur due to trauma. Often, in addition to swelling and redness, there is pain, discomfort, bruising.

Neoplasms

An increase in the labia minora and large may be the result of the development of education in the anogenital region. In this case, a neoplasm in this area will be probed. You should immediately consult with a specialist.

Aesthetic gynecology

Today, various types of aesthetic surgery are very popular. If almost everyone knows about the correction of the facial area, then less is known about the plasticity of intimate areas.

Basically, the principle of correction of all areas of the body is similar. It is necessary to choose the right method for administering the drug and determine the choice of the injected substance. Important! There are contraindications for aesthetic gynecology:

• all diseases in the acute stage;
• diabetes;
• blood diseases;
• autoimmune processes;
• immunodeficiency;
• herpetic infection.

Side effects after injections

Any injection is an invasive intervention, which means that there will definitely be swelling, which should normally go away after a few hours. The following adverse reactions may occur:

• redness of the area;
• compaction at the injection site;
• bruise;
• inflammation at the injection site;
• an allergic reaction to the injected substance.

Indications for intimate contouring

1. Elimination of deformed organs or their asymmetry.
2. Restoration of tissue elasticity.
3. Transform the appearance (in conditions where the labia minora is almost the same volume as the large ones).
4. Restoration of shape (after childbirth, weight loss).
5. Moisturizing the mucosa due to the activation of rejuvenation processes.

Tactics of the procedure

The augmentation of the labia with a filler is carried out only by a gynecologist. Before starting the procedure, it is necessary to pass a minimum amount of general tests, wait for the end of menstruation.

The introduction of the drug is carried out at the following points:

• large and small labia;
• clitoris;
• point G.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and does not require hospitalization. After 14 days, a second visit to the doctor is necessary to evaluate the result of the work.

The pubic area and labia must be completely shaved seven days before the filler is injected. It is best to choose a time when menstruation has just ended. Before giving injections, the doctor will disinfect the area with an antiseptic.

Result

A woman will see the effect immediately after the procedure of aesthetic plastic surgery. It will last up to 12 months, then you need to inject a new portion of the drug.

Women are increasingly getting labia augmentation. Before and after the operation, the difference is obvious, and many people like the result very much.

It is impossible to ignore the fact that after the introduction of hyaluronic acid into the intimate area, its sensitivity increases during intimacy. This is due to a tighter fit with an increase in volume, as well as due to the excitation of nerve endings by plasma.

Many women note an increase in the production of sexual secretions after the introduction of hyaluronic acid - this improves the sensitivity during intercourse.

The history of the creation of hyaluronic acid

Back in 1934, two scientists Meyer and Palmer isolated the substance hyaluronate from the vitreous body of the mammalian eye, which later became known as hyaluronic acid. A feature of the complex compound was that it associated with cellular water and prevented it from leaving the tissue. This effect is useful for preventing aging and stimulating cell renewal. Subsequently, hyaluronate began to be synthesized artificially and used in cosmetology.

Hyaluronic acid is part of the fast-wearing tissues in the body: cartilage, joints, skin, eyes. In 2016, a group of scientists announced that a cure for cancer was being developed based on this substance.

Labia augmentation with hyaluronic acid

Many salons offer this procedure at various prices. It must be understood that the use of low-quality drugs, as well as the administration of the drug by a person without specialized education, is unacceptable.

Before agreeing to the procedure, make sure that the hyaluronic acid serum in this salon has a quality certificate and all expiration dates are normal. It is also necessary to clarify the education, availability of courses and work experience from the specialist conducting the procedure.

The introduction of the filler should be carried out in accordance with all norms of asepsis and antisepsis.

Currently, there are only two types of fillers Bellcontour and Reneall in Russia, which are used for transdermal injection both in cosmetology and gynecology.

The labia, both large and small, are part of the female external genitalia. The labia majora are two folds of skin, supplied with adipose tissue, venous plexuses. They contain, which are necessary to maintain moisture on the eve of the vagina. The labia majora start from the pubis and end at the perineum. Between them is a sexual gap.

The labia minora are located inside the large ones, but sometimes they can protrude beyond them. They look like two skin folds located longitudinally. Small lips originate from the head of the clitoris, pass through the urethra, vestibule and vagina and, connecting behind, form a commissure. The organs are distinguished by abundant blood supply and innervation. They contain many different glands.

The function of the labia majora is to protect the vestibule organs from mechanical impact, to prevent infection of the genitourinary system. Small lips are the second layer of protection against infection of the vagina and urethra, and are also more involved in moisturizing the mucous membrane. In addition, the labia minora take an active part in sexual intercourse. During sex, with the help of small lips, additional stimulation of the penis occurs. But organs are also involved in achieving orgasm by a woman. Despite the fact that one of the main erogenous zones of the female body is the clitoris, the labia minora are amplifiers of pleasant sensations during intercourse. Due to the fact that the labia is attached to the clitoris, their movement during sex provides additional stimulation to it, which helps to achieve orgasm.

Types of female labia

The shape and size of the labia minora are individual for each woman. On average, their thickness is half a centimeter, and length 2-4 cm. There are several classifications of the labia minora. By lenght:

• Short (there is a shortening of the distance from the clitoris to the posterior commissure, due to which the organs do not fulfill their protective function, as they do not close);
• Long (closing, form additional folds).

By modification of the edges:

• Smooth (very rare);
• Serrated (like cockscombs, observed most often and in many cases are asymmetric).

Thickness:

• Thin (occur in adolescents and are characterized by a lack of volume);
• Thick (have a significant volume, are characterized by a decrease in turgor).

It should be noted that all of the above variants of the labia minora are normal and do not need any correction.

Deformities of organs and their causes

Sometimes it happens that the labia minora do not correspond to any of the normal options. In such cases, they talk about deformations, of which the most common are:

1. Hypertrophy (the usual protrusion of skin folds outside the genital gap is not called hypertrophy, this term implies a total increase in length, thickness and volume, which results in very large labia, which brings significant discomfort during sexual intercourse and in everyday life);
2. Elongation (the essence of this deformation is an increase in the length of the skin fold at its maximum stretch, depending on the stage, it can vary from 2 to more than 6 cm);
3. Protrusion (this term is called the protrusion of the labia minora beyond the large ones, and this phenomenon is not always a deviation from the norm, only in the most advanced cases);
4. Asymmetry (of different lengths and volumes of the labia).

Also, among the changes in the labia minora, one can distinguish their depigmentation or, conversely, hyperpigmentation. The second is more often defined. What determines the size and shape of the labia is not exactly known, but there are several of the following reasons:

• Hereditary factor (most often the shape of the labia is embedded in the genes of the female body);
• Violation of the hormonal background (increased production of male sex hormones);
• Prematurity and birth trauma (can lead to underdevelopment of any organs and genitals, including);
• Involutional processes in the body (aging leads to a decrease in turgor, skin elasticity);
• Traumatization;
• Masturbation (it is not completely known whether protrusion of the labia really occurs against the background of masturbation, but, as practice shows, this is possible);
• childbirth;
• Various infections and chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
• congenital anomalies.

Correction and reduction of the labia minora

For women who have certain complexes or are not sure if men like large labia, there is such a plastic surgery as. This operation is done to restore the correct shape of the skin folds, in case of any deformation. There are no direct indications for surgical intervention. The operation is performed only at the request of the woman. However, like any therapy, this correction has its contraindications:

1. Age up to 18 years (it is not advisable to make changes, since the lips are not yet fully developed);
2. Any infectious, bacterial, fungal diseases in the genital area;
3. Tumor processes;
4. Mental disorders.

For labioplasty, you should first visit a gynecologist. After consulting with a doctor, you will need to pass some standard tests, and only then go for surgery. Labia reduction is best done a couple of weeks after the end of menstruation.

This operation is called a one-day operation, since its duration does not exceed one hour, and after the procedure, the girl can immediately go home. Anesthesia is most often local, but depending on individual cases, it can be general. Any discomfort, pain or swelling will disappear within a week. But the resumption of sexual activity should be postponed for a couple of weeks. During rehabilitation, which lasts several weeks, in addition to not having sex, open water, high temperatures and excessive physical exertion should be avoided. Antibiotics are prescribed for the first 5 days after surgery to prevent infection. Complications:

• Prolonged pain syndrome;
• Sensitivity disorders in the labia minora;
• Violation of regeneration in a surgical wound;
• Lack of closure of the genital slit, which leads to gaping of the vagina;
• Violation of the protective and moisturizing functions of the labia minora;
• during childbirth.

These complications are quite rare, but you should still be aware of them before deciding on a labioplasty. It should be understood that any surgical intervention in the body can lead to unexpected consequences. And if there is no vital need for it, then it is better not to risk it. Also, we must not forget that most types of labia minora are normal variants and do not need correction. The operation is advisable only in cases where enlarged or vice versa small labia bring significant discomfort in everyday life.