The mons pubis is the rounded, fatty area located over the pubic bone. It is part of the female external genitalia and develops during puberty. The main function of the mons pubis is to protect the pubic bone and vulva. It also plays a role in sexual arousal. In this article, we will explore the anatomy and purpose of the mons pubis in further detail.
Anatomy of the Mons Pubis
The mons pubis is located above the vulva and in front of the pubic bone. It is formed by subcutaneous fat deposits that sit over the pubic bone. The amount of fat can vary significantly between individuals, leading to different sizes and shapes of mons pubis.
The mons pubis contains sensory nerves that make it sensitive to touch and pressure. It is covered in pubic hair after puberty. The hair provides cushioning and protection. Underneath the skin and fat deposits lies the suspensory ligament of the clitoris. This ligament anchors the clitoris and allows it to move during sexual arousal.
Structures Underneath the Mons Pubis
Underneath the mons pubis lies the pubic bone and important structures of the vulva and urethra:
- Clitoris – sensitive female sex organ
- Urethral opening
- Vaginal opening
- Labia majora – outer folds of vulva
These structures are protected and cushioned by the fat and tissue of the mons pubis.
Functions of the Mons Pubis
The mons pubis serves several important functions:
Protects Pelvic Structures
One of the main functions is to protect the underlying pelvic structures. The fat cushioning safeguards the pubic bone, urethra, clitoris, and labia from bumps and impact. It essentially acts as a padded shield over the vulnerable pelvic region.
Sexual Arousal and Stimulation
The mons pubis also plays a role in sexual arousal and stimulation in females. During arousal, the mons pubis swells and becomes more prominent as blood engorges the tissues. The swelling makes the mons pubis more sensitive to stimulation. Manipulation and stimulation of the mons can enhance sexual pleasure. It is often stimulated during foreplay and sex.
Supports Structures of Vulva
The mons pubis helps support and maintain the appropriate orientation of structures of the external female genitalia. The suspensory ligament of the clitoris and the labia majora are anchored to tissues under the mons. The stability and cushioning provided by the mons pubis keeps these structures properly oriented.
Varies with Body Weight
The size and shape of the mons pubis can vary significantly among women. Women with higher body fat percentages tend to have a more pronounced and rounded mons pubis. The fat deposits enlarge the mons. In contrast, thinner women often have a flatter, less prominent mons pubis. The mons pubis changes in appearance with weight gain and weight loss.
Changes During Puberty
The mons pubis goes through some key changes during puberty as sex hormones increase in both males and females:
- Accumulation of subcutaneous fat leads to enlargement
- Development of pubic hair
- Swollen appearance as tissues enlarge
These changes are all influenced by rising levels of hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone during puberty. The end result is transformation of the mons pubis from a small, flat mound in children to a cushier, rounder structure in adults.
Differences Between Males and Females
Both males and females undergo enlargement and hair growth of the mons pubis during puberty. However, some key differences exist:
- Females tend to accumulate more fat creating a fuller mons
- Males have coarser, thicker hair
- The suspensory ligament of clitoris develops in females
These differences relate to the different reproductive structures found in males and females. The female mons pubis tends to be larger due to the fat needed to protect the female external genitalia.
Role in Childbirth
During childbirth, the mons pubis and vulvar tissue enlarge and stretch significantly to allow passage of the fetus. There is extensive swelling of the region. The rounded shape and fat deposits of the mons pubis allow the tissue to more effectively stretch and return to normal after delivery. This is one example of how the mons facilitates female reproductive functions.
Diseases of the Mons Pubis
Most conditions that affect the mons pubis are related to infection and inflammation of the hair follicles. These include:
- Folliculitis – infection of hair follicles
- Sycosis barbae – bacterial infection of hair follicles
- Pseudofolliculitis – inflammation of hair follicles
Obesity can also lead to excessive enlargement of the mons pubis. The most effective treatments are antibiotics for infection, steroid creams for inflammation, and weight loss.
Some other less common conditions like mons pubis lipoma may also develop. This a benign growth of fat tissue under the skin.
Monsplasty Surgery
Some women elect to undergo a procedure called monsplasty to alter the appearance of the mons pubis. It usually involves removing excess fat through liposuction to flatten the mons. Sometimes skin is removed as well.
Women may choose monsplasty if they feel self-conscious about an overly large or droopy mons pubis. Critics argue this type of cosmetic surgery promotes an unrealistic standard for female external genitalia. Many women considering monsplasty should focus on body acceptance.
Conclusion
In summary, the mons pubis is an important anatomical structure with several key functions:
- Protects pelvic organs
- Cushions vulvar structures
- Enhances sexual stimulation
- Changes during puberty
Both males and females develop a mons pubis during puberty, but females accumulate more fat to protect reproductive structures. With proper education, women should learn to accept normal variations in the size and shape of the mons pubis.