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About women
Women's Urine Exits From?
Originally Published: September 20, 1996 ~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: July 08, 1998
 
Dear Alice,

Does urine exit the female body from the vagina or the clitoris?

 

Dear Reader,

Neither.

Urine exits from a separate body part called the urethra (the "pee hole"), which is below the clitoris and above the vaginal opening. Refer to diagrams in human sexuality and anatomy text books to help make this more clear, or read the directions for using tampons since they have illustrations and information that you might find useful.

Female anatomy can be pretty confusing since there is a lot going on "down there." Women, unfortunately, are not encouraged to look at their vulva and identify their many intricate, delicate, and powerful parts. Getting to know one's own genitals is really important, much in the way regular breast (and testicular) self-exams help women understand what is normal for them. That way, they have a reference point so that when, and if, there are any changes, they can identify them. Body knowledge is body power!

If you are talking about your own body, Alice suggests that you take a mirror, a flashlight, and some time and privacy to explore your "down under." If this is about a partner, or when (and if) you have a woman partner, you can explore and unravel this mystery together.

Alice

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