Not all pussies are positioned the same. And understanding yours might just change the way you experience pleasure.
Recently, sexologist Marla Stewart shared a fascinating Instagram reel discussing the difference between front-facing and back-
Naturally, my wife and I immediately had to investigate.
We stood in front of the mirror, compared our anatomy, and discovered something interesting: my wife has a front-facing vulva, and I have a back-facing vulva!
And suddenly, some of our differences in how we experience pleasure made a whole lot more sense.
Let's unpack what this means, why it matters, and how you can work with your unique anatomy rather than against it.
First, What Is a Front-Facing Vulva?
Imagine standing completely upright in front of a full-length mirror.
If you have a front-facing vulva, you may be able to see more of your vulvar anatomy from the front, including the labia, clitoral hood, and the cleft between the labia.
Your vulva is positioned in a way that makes more of the external anatomy visible without having to bend over or use a hand mirror.
For some people, this positioning may make certain types of external stimulation, particularly grinding, humping, and rubbing against surfaces, feel incredibly accessible.
Think:
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Grinding against a pillow or mattress.
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Lying on your belly and gently rocking your pelvis.
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Using a grinding vibrator for hands-free pleasure.
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Enjoying friction and pressure against the clitoral hood and surrounding vulva.
Of course, every vulva is different, and being front-facing doesn't automatically mean you'll love grinding. But it might help explain why certain positions feel particularly natural.
Our Favourite Pleasure Toys for Front-Facing Vulvas
If grinding is your love language, we have some delicious options at Yoni Pleasure Palace.
RAYE Grinding Vibrator
Designed for those who love pressure, friction, and external stimulation. RAYE is a gorgeous option for exploring grinding sensations and discovering the rhythm and pressure your body enjoys.
Another pleasure companion for exploring grinding and external stimulation. Perfect for experimenting with different positions, movements, and sensations.
Hump-Her Vibrating Grinder — Our newest product!
We're especially excited about this one.
Hump-Her is our newest vibrating grinder, shaped like a vulva and designed to sit on top of a pillow, transforming an everyday object into a pleasure playground.
Think humping, rocking, grinding, and hands-free pleasure, with vibration added into the mix.
And no, you don't need a front-facing vulva to enjoy any of these toys!
What Is a Back-Facing Vulva?
Now, let's talk about the under-pussy.
As someone with what Marla describes as a back-facing vulva, this was particularly interesting to me.
When I stand upright in front of a mirror, much less of my vulva is visible. My external anatomy sits further underneath my pelvis rather than facing directly forward.
It's a little more tucked away, down under, if you will!
For someone with this anatomy, the clitoral area, vaginal opening, and surrounding vulva may be easier to access from underneath or at a different angle.
And this can make a difference during partnered pleasure.
For example, during oral sex, elevating the hips slightly might help a partner access the clitoral area more comfortably.
During penetrative play, adjusting the pelvis or placing support beneath the hips can change the angle of entry and the sensations experienced.
It's not necessarily about needing more stimulation. Sometimes it's simply about finding the right angle.
Our Favourite Pleasure Accessory for Back-Facing Vulvas
This is where our Blow Up inflatable wedge comes in.
By gently elevating the hips, you can experiment with pelvic positioning during oral sex, penetrative play, and other forms of partnered pleasure.
Why we love it:
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Helps adjust the angle of the pelvis.
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Can make certain areas easier for a partner to access.
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Offers support during oral and penetrative play.
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Allows you to experiment with different levels of elevation.
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Makes it easier to discover positions that feel comfortable and pleasurable.
Sometimes a small adjustment in positioning can make a surprisingly big difference.
And again, wedges aren't exclusively for back-facing vulvas. They're wonderful tools for anyone who wants to explore new angles and sensations.
What About the Distance Between the Urethra and Vaginal Opening?
Another interesting part of this conversation is the spacing between different parts of our vulvar anatomy.
Some people have a shorter visible distance between their urethral opening and vaginal opening, while others have more space.
The position of the clitoris, length and shape of the labia, and appearance of the vaginal opening can also vary considerably.
However, it's important to understand that front-facing and back-facing aren't formal medical classifications, and there isn't established scientific evidence showing that one type consistently has more or less space between the urethra and vagina.
They're simply descriptive ways to start noticing how our bodies are positioned.
And that's what makes this conversation so interesting.
How to Discover Your Own Vulva Position
Here's a little homework for you.
Stand naked in front of a mirror, with your body relaxed and your feet comfortably apart.
Notice what you can see without moving or adjusting your pelvis.
Can you see the cleft between your labia from the front? Is your clitoral hood visible? Or does most of your external anatomy sit underneath your body, requiring a different angle or a hand mirror to see?
You might discover you're more front-facing, more back-facing, or somewhere in between.
There is no right or wrong.
You can also experiment with different positions during self-pleasure, noticing how changes in pelvic tilt, pressure, and movement affect sensation.
Your anatomy is unique, and your pleasure preferences are too.
Why Understanding Your Vulva Matters
I've spent over a decade exploring pleasure, teaching people about their anatomy, and helping them reconnect with their bodies.
And one thing I know for sure is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pleasure.
Two people can have completely different vulvar anatomy and enjoy completely different types of stimulation.
One might adore grinding against a pillow. Another might prefer direct clitoral stimulation with a vibrator. Someone else might discover that a slight elevation of their hips makes oral sex feel more accessible.
And plenty of people love all of the above.
Your vulva's orientation doesn't dictate what you'll enjoy, but becoming more familiar with your anatomy can help you discover what works for you.
Rather than trying to recreate what you've seen in pornography or assuming everyone enjoys the same positions, get curious about your own body.
Your pussy isn't designed to pleasure like anyone else's. It's designed to pleasure like yours.
Watch the Original Reel
This whole conversation was inspired by sexologist Marla Stewart, who shared the concept of front-facing and back-facing vulvas on Instagram.
[Watch Marla Stewart's original Instagram reel here]
And if this has inspired you to experiment with different angles, positions, and sensations, explore our pleasure tools at Yoni Pleasure Palace.
Explore RAYE, RYDA, Hump-Her, and our Blow Up Inflatable Wedge.
With love and curiosity,
Rosie xx
Disclaimer: Front-facing and back-facing are informal descriptions of vulvar appearance, not medical diagnoses or scientifically established anatomical categories. Everyone's anatomy and pleasure preferences are different. Explore gently, communicate with partners, and stop if something causes pain or discomfort.