Mons pubis

For females, the mons pubis forms the anterior portion of the vulva. It divides into the labia majora (literally "larger lips"), on either side of the furrow known as the pudendal cleft, that surrounds the labia minora, clitoris, urinary meatus, vaginal opening, and other structures of the vulval vestibule.^[2][5][6]

Although present in both men and women, the mons pubis tends to be larger in women.^[1][6] Its fatty tissue is sensitive to estrogen, causing a distinct mound to form with the onset of female puberty.^[4][6][7][8] This pushes the forward portion of the labia majora out and away from the pubic bone. The mound also becomes covered with pubic hair. It often becomes less prominent with the decrease in bodily estrogen experienced during menopause.^[9]

The term mons pubis is derived from Latin for "pubic mound". The more specifically female mons Venus or mons veneris is derived from Latin for "mound of Venus".^[1][2]

Aesthetic modifications of the mons pubis include scarification tattoos (left) and genital piercings such as the Christina piercing (right).

Although not part of external genitalia itself, the pubic mound can be regarded as an erogenous zone and is highly eroticized in many cultures. Throughout history, the complete or partial removal of pubic hair has been common in many societies,^{[citation needed]} and more recently it has become widespread in the Western world. The removal of all pubic hair has become common practice in the past decade primarily due to societal pressures and personal preferences. There are several popular removal methods including shaving and waxing or "Brazilian wax". Not to be confused with bikini wax. ^[10][11][12]

In some circumstances, the mons veneris is subjected to aesthetic ideals beyond hair removal. Correspondingly, plastic surgery is offered, which alters the shape of the mons to a desired ideal.^[13] Desired ideals may be influenced by personal preferences, current cultural norms, or societal pressures.^{[citation needed]}

Permanent forms of decoration to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this area are hanabira (the application of cosmetic scars)^[14] or piercings such as the Christina piercing or the Nefertiti piercing.^[15] Vajazzling refers to the non-permanent decoration of the mons pubis with crystal ornaments.^[16][17] Traditional ink tattoos are also common in this area as well as temporary henna designs or Mehndi.

• Sloane, Ethel. Biology of Women. Cengage Learning 2002, ISBN 978-0-7668-1142-3, p. 31
• Gray, Henry: Anatomy of the Human Body. Lea & Febiger, 1918
• "Mons pubis" in Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2010.

• Media related to Mons pubis at Wikimedia Commons
• "The Female Perineum: The Vulva". Archived from the original on 10 March 2016.