Greater knowledge and comfort with genital anatomical terminology were associated with higher sexual self-efficacy, greater sexual satisfaction, and fewer sexual function difficulties among US emerging adults.
Knowledge of genital anatomy was higher for male anatomical parts compared to female anatomical parts.
Slang use was low overall but more common for male external genitalia than for other anatomical regions.
Gender differences emerged in both genital anatomy knowledge and comfort with using correct terminology.
Controlling for gender, greater genital anatomy knowledge and comfort were associated with higher sexual self-efficacy in health-promoting behaviors and in experiencing pleasure.
Greater genital anatomy knowledge and comfort were associated with greater sexual satisfaction and fewer sexual function difficulties.
Comfort with genital terminology, but not knowledge alone, predicted resistive self-efficacy (self-efficacy in refusing unwanted sexual activity).
Genital anatomy knowledge, but not comfort alone, predicted more respectful approaches toward a sexual partner.
This research suggests that among young American adults, knowing the correct anatomical names for genitals and feeling comfortable using those terms are linked to better sexual health and well-being. The study surveyed 516 participants and found that people with greater genital anatomy knowledge and comfort were more confident in health-promoting sexual behaviors, experienced more pleasure, reported greater sexual satisfaction, and had fewer sexual difficulties. Interestingly, comfort with terminology was specifically tied to the ability to refuse unwanted sexual activity, while knowledge was specifically linked to treating sexual partners more respectfully. The study also found notable gaps: knowledge was generally higher for male anatomy than female anatomy, and differences in both knowledge and comfort existed across gender groups. Slang use was relatively rare overall but more common when referring to male external genitalia. These patterns suggest that current approaches to sex education may be leaving people—particularly around female anatomy—without accurate language to discuss their bodies. This research suggests that sexuality education programs that focus on teaching correct anatomical terminology and building comfort with using that language may have meaningful benefits for young people's sexual health and well-being. The findings highlight that knowledge and comfort are related but distinct competencies, each contributing to different aspects of sexual health, which has implications for how comprehensive sex education is designed and delivered.
Kotiuga J, Maes C, Maheux A. (2026). Exploring Knowledge and Comfort with Genital Anatomical Terminology Among Young Adults.. Archives of sexual behavior. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-025-03360-7