Female body

In everyday language, the term female body is often used for bodies with certain physical characteristics, such as a vulva, uterus, or ovaries. From a technical and social perspective, however, this assignment is only partially useful, because physical traits do not automatically correspond to a female gender identity. A more inclusive and precise approach is to speak of women’s bodies when gender identity is meant, or of the specific anatomical features when referring to body structure.

Not all people with a vulva, uterus, or ovaries are women, and not all women have these organs. For that reason, such features should not be broadly described as “female sex characteristics.” Depending on the context, neutral and anatomically accurate language is preferable, especially in medical, sexual, and educational settings.