Body · Ages 8–12
Getting to know your genital area
Perhaps you have wondered where pee comes out, where menstrual blood comes from or what the parts between your legs are called. This area is called the genital area. You can learn the names a little at a time and use them if you want to ask a question or explain where something hurts.
Perhaps you have wondered where pee comes out, where menstrual blood comes from or what the parts between your legs are called. This area is called the genital area. You can learn the names a little at a time and use them if you want to ask a question or explain where something hurts.
01
What does 'genital area' mean?
Genital area is an everyday term for the area between your legs. When talking about girls' bodies, it can mean both the parts you can see on the outside and some parts that are inside the body.
02
The parts you can see on the outside
The parts on the outside are called the vulva. They include the labia, clitoris and two different openings. The labia are soft folds of skin. They may look different on each side and come in different colours. The clitoris is a sensitive part near the top where the inner labia meet. A drawing can make the names easier to learn. You do not need to examine your body or compare yourself with anyone else to learn about it. It is okay to use an everyday word like 'private parts' when asking a question. An adult can gradually help you learn more precise words.
03
Where does pee come out?
Urine, or pee, comes out through a small opening called the urethral opening. It is part of the vulva. The urethra is a small tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
04
What are the vaginal opening and the vagina?
Between the labia is an opening called the vaginal opening. It leads into the vagina, a soft passage inside the body. Farther inside is the uterus, a small hollow organ low in the tummy. This is where menstrual blood comes from. The body also makes fluid that comes out through the vagina. This fluid is called vaginal discharge. Period blood and discharge leave through the vaginal opening, while pee comes out through a separate opening.
05
Bodies look different
Labia, skin colour, hair and the distance between different parts can all vary. There is no single way that a vulva is supposed to look.
06
When is it a good idea to tell someone?
Tell an adult if you have itching, stinging, soreness or pain when you pee. You can explain when it began and whether you feel it on the skin outside or farther inside. You can point to a drawing or show them this page. You do not need to know what is causing it. An adult can help you get advice or an examination if needed. If somebody is going to examine your body, you can ask them to explain what will happen and say if you need a break.
Want to talk about it?
You can ask someone you trust about anything you have noticed or are worried about. A school nurse or doctor can also help if symptoms affect everyday life.
Help me explainSources and further information
Personal health concerns require assessment by a healthcare professional. Some source documents are in Norwegian.