Genitals
Hear this word Genitals
Also known as: Sex organs, “private parts”
Skip Ahead:
What Is It?
Genitals are body parts that can be part of having sex, creating a pregnancy, menstruation, creating sperm, releasing bodily fluids such as lubrication and semen, or experiencing sexual pleasure. Genitals include the vulva, testicles, and penis, and internal body parts such as the vagina, ovaries, and scrotum.
An Example
Genitals may be part of many different experiences. Here are just a few examples. Genitals can be part of experiencing sexual pleasure. Genitals can be involved in sexual activities with a partner, or during sexual activities on one’s own, like masturbation. People with a vulva may experience menstruation with menstrual fluid leaving their vagina. Genitals can be part of creating a pregnancy. A person with a penis may experience erections and may wear an external condom to prevent pregnancy or passing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Usually, a doctor only relies on how a baby’s genitals look when assigning sex at birth. A person’s sex assigned at birth may not align to the person’s gender identity.
- Everyone’s genitals look different, and this is natural.
- Washing the penis and the vulva with warm water and gentle soap during a bath or shower and changing underwear often helps to keep the genital area clean.
- Once a person goes through puberty, their body changes to allow for reproduction or to create a pregnancy. This is why it’s important to know how different parts of the body work and how pregnancy happens. Knowing this information helps people to practice safer sex if they do not want to create a pregnancy.
- Practicing safer sex also helps to prevent passing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to partners. Some symptoms of STIs might appear on the genitals such as itching or bumps.
- If a person experiences any discomfort (irritation, burning, stinging, rash, etc.) with their genitals, they should see a health care provider.
- For many people, it feels good when their genitals are rubbed or touched. This can happen alone when masturbating or during sexual activity with sexual partners.
- There must be consent before a person touches the genitals of another person.
Think about
Hover or tap the cards below to reveal suggestions or ideas!
Which body parts are part of the genitals?
The vulva (including the labia and clitoris), vagina, penis, scrotum, testicles, and ovaries are all examples of genitals.
What questions do you have?
To learn more about the body, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!