The mons pubis is located in the lower part of the abdomen, overlying the pubic symphysis, which is the fibrocartilaginous joint that sits between the two pubic bones. It is bounded superiorly by the horizontal pubic hairline and inferiorly by the labia majora and clitoris. The labia majora are the two outer folds of skin that extend downwards from the mons pubis and merge with the skin of the perineum (i.e., the area between the anus and genitals). Located underneath the labia majora are the labia minora, which are the inner folds of skin that surround the opening of the vagina and urethra. At the anterior junction of the labia minora lies the clitoris, which sits above the urethral orifice and at the lower border of the pubic bone. Posteriorly, the labia minora meet together in an area called the frenulum or fourchette, which is a fold of skin located at the bottom of the vaginal opening.
Although the mons pubis is present in both individuals assigned male at birth and individuals assigned female at birth, it tends to be more prominent in those assigned female. Before puberty, the mons pubis is relatively flat and hairless. During puberty, a surge in estrogen production causes the fatty tissue in this area to grow larger, while increased androgen activity can cause the skin to become covered with coarse pubic hair. With the decrease in bodily estrogen experienced during menopause, the overlying pubic hair thins out and the mons pubis decreases in size.
