Sex organs
Sex organs are not only for reproduction. They are organs of pleasure (i.e., they are also involved in sexual arousal). They are often classified as “male” and “female.” This does not always refer to men or women, but rather to people with penises (i.e., ‘male’ sex organs) or people with vulvas and vaginas (i.e., “female” sex organs).
This section discusses biological sex. Information on social gender, which does not always correspond to biological sex, can be found in the section on gender identities. Tips on how to talk respectfully about gender can be found in the section on sexuality & language.
What are sex organs?
Sex organs are parts of the body that are involved in reproduction, sexuality, pleasure, or hormones. A distinction is made between:
internal sex organs (e.g., uterus or prostate)
external sex organs (e.g., penis or vulva)
Diversity instead of neat labels
Most people distinguish between “male” and “female.” This often refers to people with a penis (= ‘male’) and people with a vagina (= “female”). But not everyone fits into these categories, intersex people, for example.
No two sex organs look alike. And that's exactly how it should be. In porn, on the other hand, the same images are always shown: huge penises, smooth vulvas, large breasts. This is not reality, but a standardized representation that leads to false expectations.
In addition, terms used to describe sex organs are often misleading. This is especially true for “female” sex organs. You can find more information on how to talk about reproductive organs and sexuality in the chapter “sexuality & language.”
Medical illustrations of a diversity of sex organs are currently scarce. Medical guidelines, such as treatment plans, are still often based on “female” or “male” sexual organs. That is why we are presenting them here. By putting “female” and ‘male’ in quotation marks, we want to emphasize that we are referring exclusively to biological sex. You can find more on the topic of social gender in the section “Gender Identities.”
The so-called “female” sex organs
The external, visible sex organs are called the vulva. It looks different on every person. The vulva includes
Mound of Venus
- Inner and outer labia
- Clitoris
Urethral opening
Vaginal opening
- Bartholin’s glands
- Perineum and anus
The Clitoris
There are many nerves throughout the vulva, which make it very sensitive. The most sensitive area is the clitoris. It is a central pleasure organ. Only the tip (clitoral glans) is visible; most of it is located inside the body. It can swell and become stiff when aroused. An orgasm is often achieved through external or internal stimulation of the clitoris via the vagina. Many researchers call the internal part of the clitoris the “G-spot.”
The Bartholin's glands secrete fluid that lubricates the vulva. The vagina is mainly lubricated by cells in the vaginal wall.
The vulva links the vagina and the other internal sex organs. The vagina is approximately 10 cm long and elastic. The vagina connects the vulva to the internal sex organs: the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. A healthy vaginal microenvironment and discharge prevent bacteria from entering the uterus.
![[Translate to English:] Farbige schematische Darstellung der weiblichen inneren Geschlechtsorgane mit Beschriftungen für Gebärmutter, Gebärmutterschleimhaut, Vagina, Eileiter, Eierstock, Zervix und Muttermund](/fileadmin/Topics/Abbildungen/Weiblilche_innere_Geschlechtsorgane.svg)
FYI: the vagina and vulva are also collectively referred to as vulvina. The word combines “vulva” and “vagina.” The term is intended to be used without fear or shame and to promote a positive body image.
In the medical field, after gender reassignment surgery in trans* women, the sex organs are called “neovulva“” and “neovagina,” collectively by the term “neovulvina.” You can find more information on the topics of transition and trans* identity on the focus page “trans*”.
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More about neo-vulvinas
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More about neo-vulvinas
Myth: hymen (“Jungfernhäutchen”)
The presence of the so-called “hymen” can be used to determine whether a person with female sex organs has ever had sex.
False
The hymen is a membrane of skin at the entrance to the vagina—it is not proof of virginity. It can tear and bleed during sex, sports, or other activities, but this is not always the case. The presence or absence of a hymen says nothing about sexual experience
The so-called “male” sex organs
The external male sex organs are the penis and scrotum. They also look different in each individual – size, shape, and other characteristics vary.
The penis consists of the root, shaft, and glans. The glans is covered by the foreskin, a retractable fold of skin that protects the sensitive mucous membrane. When aroused, the penis fills with blood, causing it to become thicker and larger in most people. If the foreskin is too tight (medical term: phimosis), it can be reduced or removed completely through surgery. This is called “circumcision.” You can find out more about this in the section on circumcision.
The urethra runs through the penis. It transports not only urine but also semen.
The scrotum is like a sac for the testicles and epididymis. The sperm ducts (medical term: vas deferens) extend up from the epididymis.
![[Translate to English:] Beschriftete farbige schematische Darstellung der männlichen inneren und äußeren Geschlechtsorgane im Querschnitt mit Harnblase, Samenleiter, Schwellkörper, Penis, Eichel und Vorhaut, Samenbläschen, Prostata, Rektum und Anus, Bulbourethraldrüse, Nebenhoden, Hoden und Hodensack.](/fileadmin/Topics/Abbildungen/m%C3%A4nnliche_innere_Geschlechtsorgane.svg)
The external “male” genitals are very sensitive because they are crisscrossed with many nerve fibers. Stimulation of these nerves can cause arousal, causing the penis to become hard and erect and for fluid to be secreted through the urethra. As arousal progresses, it can lead to orgasm and ejaculation.
The testicles are located in the scrotum. Although they are outside the body, they are still considered internal sex organs. They produce testosterone and sperm cells. The epididymis stores the sperm. This is also where the sperm become motile (gain the ability to move or “swim”). The sperm ducts (vas deferens) transport the sperm to the prostate. The prostate and seminal vesicles produce fluids which, together with sperm, form semen, which is transported through the urethra.
FYI: In a medical context, after gender-affirming surgery in trans* men, sex organs are referred to as „neopenis“ and „neotesticles.“ You can read more about trans* identity and transition here.
Intersex sex organs
Gender cannot be divided into “male” or “female.” It is diverse, not only in a socio-cultural sense, but also in biology and medicine. Intersex people have characteristics of both ‘female’ and “male.” In German, the term “inter*” (with an asterisk) is intended to emphasize that intersexuality is also diverse. The combination of characteristics that are classified as female, male, or intersex is fluid and sometimes overlaps.
Intersexuality can affect different areas
Chromosomes
Gonads
Internal genitalia
Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina = female
Vas deferens and prostate = male
Sex hormones
High estrogen = female
High testosterone = male
External genitalia
Vulva = female
Penis = male
There is an expectation that all these characteristics are clearly developed and consistent in all people. In fact, there are also multiple possibilities for each area. For example, other combinations of chromosomes can also occur.
There are therefore no clear-cut intersex organs, as many combinations and variations are possible.
Secondary sex characteristics
Secondary sex traits develop during puberty. However, they do not directly serve the purpose of reproduction.
In “male” bodies, these include body hair on the back, chest, stomach, armpits, face, and genital area.
In “female” bodies, they include breasts, body hair, and changes in body proportions after puberty (wider hips, narrower waist).
For such characteristics, the transition between “male” and “female” is particularly fluid. For example, many people with vulvas have facial or heavier body hair. People with penises can also develop breasts.
Ejaculation and orgasm
During ejaculation in people with a penis, muscles in the pelvic floor contract and push semen through the urethra. An orgasm can occur with or without ejaculation, and ejaculation can occur with or without orgasm.
During so-called squirting, in addition to the normal “getting wet”, more fluid is released—with or without orgasm. This is referred to as ejaculation for people with a vulva (or female ejaculation)
Whether or not someone can squirt says nothing about the quality of their sexual satisfaction or orgasm. Furthermore, an orgasm says nothing about the quality of sex and does not have to bring sex to an end. Many porn films end with the “male” orgasm and ejaculation. But that doesn't mean sex has to end there.
For a long time, a distinction was made between “vaginal” and “clitoral” orgasms in people with vulvas. Today, some studies show that vaginal orgasms are triggered by stimulation of the clitoris from inside, through the vagina
Myth: G-spot
The G-spot exists.
Yes and No
Whether the G-spot exists is a matter of debate among researchers. The so-called G-spot supposedly describes an area on the inner wall of the vagina that is particularly sensitive to stimulation. In studies, 62.9% of people with vaginas say they have a G-spot. About half of the research studies on this topic were able to clinically identify the G-spot, while others were not. Imaging studies also provided conflicting results. Thus, there is agreement that a G-spot exists, but its location, size, and nature remain unclear
One theory is that the G-spot could be part of the stimulation of the clitoris, as it is situated around the vagina and people with vulvas can reach orgasm this way.
Erogenous zones
Caressing, kissing, or licking certain areas of the body can be very effective in arousing sexual excitement. This is particularly effective on certain parts of the body that are especially sensitive to touch. These are known as erogenous zones. They include not only the primary and secondary sex organs, but also the lips, earlobes, and many other areas of the body. Several studies have already investigated where these erogenous zones are located in people with vulvas and/or breasts or in people with penises.