NOV 21, 2024 | FEATURES | By Anonymous
Disclaimer: I am not a sex addict. I am writing this column for the benefit of others because this idea was meant to be shared with the world (Colorado College).
It dawned on me a brisk day over Block Break that not everyone is educated about sex. Specifically when my friend, who is a girl, said, “I don’t even know where the clit is.” I realized that not everyone is comfortable with talking about genitalia and exploring their own bodies. Whether it’s having a conversation with your parents or friends, looking it up online, or exploring down there the possibilities of how you know are endless. So, like any sex columnist, I took it upon myself to give her a little lesson on the vulva, which then inspired this article (thank you!).
I began by searching for a photo of a vulva on my friend’s iPad and started explaining. She immediately cleared her iPad search history when she found out what I was teaching her (sorry!).
I first cleared up one big misconception. While most people call the female genitalia ‘a vagina,’ it is actually called a vulva. The vulva includes the vagina, clit, inner and outer lips, so you cannot call it a vagina (I mean, you totally can, but if you want to be anatomically correct, then it’s a vulva). The vaginal opening leads to the vagina. The vagina is where you put a tampon or where your partner may insert things during sex.
Inside the vagina, however, there is a uterus, which is very different from the vagina itself. The cervix is the opening to the uterus. Babies grow in the uterus and the uterine lining sheds, allowing a monthly period (be grateful for your period, it’s an amazing thing!).
Above the vaginal opening is the urethral opening. This is where you pee.
The holy grail, also known as the clitoris, is above the urethral opening. The clit (short for clitoris) is covered by the clitoral hood. This protects the clit from unwanted friction and rubbing. If you are unsure where to find this, do not hesitate to ask! People with vulvas want to cum too!
While some may think that the G-spot is the same as the clit, it is not. The G-spot is inside the vagina.
There are two pairs of lips, the outer and inner lips. You may have heard the term ‘innie’ or ‘outie’ when it comes to belly buttons, but it also applies to vulvas. An innie vulva is when the inner lips are tucked into your vulva, not able to be seen unless you spread the outer lips. However, an outie vulva is where the inner lips hang out and can be seen naturally.
Here is another misconception I will clear up: all vulvas look alike. That is so far from the truth. Your vulva may look different from your friend’s vulva. And while they all look different, they are all still beautiful. Please do not compare your vulva to anyone else’s. You are perfect!
As I finish this article, I hope this inspires you to be more comfortable with your body and/or whomever’s body you are consensually getting personal with. To make sure I did my part as a sex columnist, I showed my friend two photos of a vulva, and each time she identified the location of the clit perfectly. She now refers to it as “the bulbous thing with the hood.”
Please remember to always practice safe sex between you and your partner!
If you or anyone you know is suffering from sexual violence or harassment please follow these resources.
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
Campus Safety Emergency: (719) 389-6911