Words Matter: The Power of Naming Female Anatomy

How many words do you know that refer to a woman’s vagina? Most women have

heard many, ranging from common slang to obscure euphemisms. Often, we refer to

women’s vulvas as something other than their anatomical name because the terms are

deemed “unsexy” or “inappropriate,” especially around children.

But what is the impact of sidestepping proper terminology?

Refusing to call the vulva by its given name is not only harmful to women by reinforcing

shame about their bodies, but it also creates a dangerous culture of silence that

facilitates grooming and sexual assault.

The solution is twofold: reclamation and celebration. Reclamation means using the

correct anatomical term, “vulva”, to destroy shame. The next step, celebration, means

elevating the conversation to one of honour and respect.

The Yoni Mudra Art Gallery engages in both reclamation and celebration by featuring

yoni art — the term “yoni” being Sanskrit for vulva and sacred womb space. While the

term might seem “gentler” than vulva or vagina to some, it’s not here to replace them.

Rather, it’s a spiritual perspective that frames this part of the feminine form as sacred

and worthy of celebration.

With introductions out of the way, let’s dive into the importance of naming female

anatomy and why there should be no shame or secrecy about women’s genitals.

The High Cost of Silence

Using vague or flowery language instead of the proper terminology has real-world

consequences that begin in childhood and last a lifetime.

The Impact on Young Girls

Euphemisms create opportunities for girls to be confused about their own anatomy, and

worse, their autonomy. If a child feels talking about their “private parts” is inappropriate

or could even get them into trouble (especially by using the right terms), they are more

likely to shut down and avoid communication.

This reinforces the idea that discussions around their genitals are shameful and

embarrassing. It enforces a culture of secrets, which is a sexual predator's ideal

scenario. The less likely a child is to talk about their body, and the more they feel

secretive and embarrassed, the less likely they are to communicate abuse.

A study provided by enoughabuse.org shows that 89% of children know the names of

their non-genital body parts, while only 10% surveyed know the correct names for their

genitals.

This is why it’s essential to teach young girls the proper terms for their bodies and

remove the idea that talking about their bodies with trusted parties is shameful.

The Impact on Teen Girls

The shame taught in childhood can lead young people to have an utter inability to

communicate their own sexual health or personal safety. This means pre-teen and teen

girls could experience shame about their periods, leading to potential health risks or

concerns. In the case of teen pregnancy, adolescents may be less likely to communicate with trusted adults out of fear and shame. What's more, victims of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are more likely to experience teen pregnancy.

The Impact on Women

Imagine spending your entire life believing a central part of your anatomy is shameful

and in need of censorship. Really think about how that could shape a person’s sense of

self, self-esteem, and sexual autonomy. If you believe that your body is “shameful” or

“vulgar,” you could be at greater risk of being taken advantage of or even experiencing

negative health outcomes.

Women with poor body image are at greater risk of having poor mental health

outcomes, physical health outcomes, and poor self-image. This is why establishing a

healthy understanding of one’s body from early stages of life is so important.

Refusing to Name the Vulva: Why, as a Society, Do We Fear it So?

Vagina censorship isn’t a “new problem” in the modern world. For centuries, the word

vagina has been censored across every conceivable platform. Today, it continues to be

censored in film and television, politics, social media, educational settings, and in

everyday life; and while the expressed intention behind censoring the word is intended

to be "beneficial"; it actually isolates and harms women and girls.

In an essay called "Unlearn Patriarchy"; Kübra Gümüsay expertly points out:

What is not named does not exist

For women to believe that their bodies don’t exist in the form in which they were born, they lose a sense of personal autonomy, which can not only create a disconnection from their bodies but also put them at serious risk.

Historically, the vulva has been associated with shame and embarrassment -- and this

isn't hyperbole. One of the areas of the female genitals, the "pudendal," literally comes

from the Latin word "pudere," which means "to be ashamed." This approach to referring

to women's genitals has historically backed the idea that open discussions and

terminology about the female genitals are "embarrassing" and worthy of shame.

Refusing to call the vulva by its appropriate name allows society to essentially dehumanize and minimize the female sex organ. In young girls, it’s something you don’t talk about; as adult women, the only context you “should” talk about your vulva is in terms of sex or childbearing.

The Language We Use Matters

According to an empirical study mapping out the varying terms used when referencing

female genitalia, attitudes and health outcomes are thoroughly explored.

The results showed that in non-sexual contexts, 75% of individuals surveyed used at

least one correct anatomical term. 14% used euphemisms while 15% used playful and

childlike language when referencing the vulva.

The same study showed that using playful or childish terms in nonsexual circumstances

was linked to negative views about one’s genitals, fluctuations in sexual pleasure, and

poorer genital health habits. These impacts were not equally observed when terms were

used in more sexual contexts.

To get a clearer vision of what people use in place of the terms vagina or vulva, here

are some of the more commonly used terms you're likely to see and hear:

Clarifying Terms: Vagina vs. Vulva

The word “vagina” is often used as a colloquial term to refer to the female genitals. In

reality:

• The vagina is a canal that connects your vulva (the genitals outside of the body,

including clitoris, labia, urethra, and vaginal opening) to the cervix and uterus.

• The vulva is the correct term for the genitals outside of the body, including the

clitoris, labia, urethra, and vaginal opening.

For further clarification for those interested and for the sake of transparency, here’s a

comprehensive graph on the anatomical makeup of the human vulva as well as its

functions:

Anatomical and Functional Comparison: The Human Vulva

Vulval Structures and Their Functions

1. Labia Majora

Anatomical Definition: Outer fleshy folds containing sweat and oil glands, along with fat pads.

Range of Natural Variation: Varies in size, projection, colour, and hair density.

Primary Biological Function: Protects internal structures and provides minor sensory input.

2. Labia Minora

Anatomical Definition: Inner mucosal folds that meet at the clitoris.

Range of Natural Variation: Massive variation in size, length, and symmetry.

Primary Biological Function: Provides protection, lubrication, and contributes significantly to sexual arousal and sensation.

3. Clitoris (Glans, Hood, and Shaft)

Anatomical Definition: Erectile tissue homologous to the penis, densely packed with nerve endings.

Range of Natural Variation: Variation in visual prominence and size of the hood.

Primary Biological Function: Primary source of sexual pleasure, containing over 11,000 nerve endings.

4. Vestibule

Anatomical Definition: The area enclosed by the labia minora that contains the urethral and vaginal openings.

Range of Natural Variation: Changes with age and hormonal status (for example, atrophy post-menopause).

Primary Biological Function: Serves as a gateway for reproductive and excretory functions.

How YMAG Combats the Issue

The Yoni Mudra Art Gallery features vulvas of all shapes and sizes and celebrates the

divine feminine through art and connection. Yoni art challenges the common

misconceptions about the vulva and celebrates it to help break down the stigma

associated with the female body.

The Gallery is a hub designed for women interested in yoni art, yoga, lectures, or even

just community and conversation. If you’re interested in having a new experience or

joining the efforts, visit the website or stop by any time.