What Is A Mound Of Venus?

A: The “Mound of Venus” (mons veneris or pubis) refers to the rounded section of fatty tissue just above the labia that covers and protects the pubic bone of a person assigned female at birth.

Also called the “mons pubis area” or “pubic mound,” it is the upper part of the external female genitalia, which as a whole is known as the vulva, outlined in the diagram below:

The term, Mound of Venus, is translated from the Latin “mons veneris” and refers to a raised area belonging to Venus, the Roman goddess of love.

The mons pubis definition is nearly identical to the Mound of Venus meaning — it’s simply Latin for “mountain” or “mound” (mons) of the “pubic area” (pubis).

People assigned male at birth have a mons pubis located atop the pubic bone as well, but it is generally more pronounced in people assigned female at birth.

The Mound of Venus provides protection across the area where the pubic bones meet.

Functionality aside, the area is also an erogenous zone, which means it has nerve endings that make it sensitive to sexual stimulation.

While the area is often overlooked during masturbation, sex play, and intercourse, it can be responsive to light touch, tugging, kissing, licking, and downward pressure.

Additionally, the Mound of Venus contains glands that produce sebum and sweat-containing pheromones, which can attract and arouse partners.

In people assigned female at birth, the area is mostly hairless and relatively flat prior to puberty, but estrogen causes the Mound of Venus to grow pubic hair and become more prominent after puberty — although its size may wane somewhat after menopause.

Some people have more body fat in the mons pubis area due to hormonal factors, weight gain, and genetics, but the additional layer of tissue exists regardless of a person’s size.

Many people view this part of the body as a “problem area” and might even feel shame over having a little extra fat or skin there.

Some folks even pursue monsplasty, a type of plastic surgery also known as a pubic lift, that aims to reduce the appearance of the mons pubis through liposuction and skin removal.

While targeted exercises and cosmetic procedures can make people feel better about their appearance, it’s important to remember that the Mound of Venus is a perfectly natural part of the human body that helps protect the pubic bone during daily activities — including sex.

As an overlooked erogenous zone, it also provides yet another way to enhance sexual pleasure, making it an underrepresented and underrated part of the human body.