VAGINAS and vulvas come in different shapes and sizes – despite the common misconception, they should all look the same or a certain way.
Just as every woman has a different body shape and size, genitals are also unique to each individual.
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What are the different types of vagina?
According to Health LineThere are at least nine types of vagina.
Dr Shree Datta, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at King’s College Hospital and honorary senior lecturer at Imperial College London, explained the difference to Fabulous.
Asymmetrical inner lips
Some women may be aware that their vulva lips are different lengths – but this is completely normal.
A woman with asymmetrical inner labia may see one of them closer to the vagina, while the other may hang down a bit.
Dr Shree says that as long as the vulva lips don’t catch your underwear or cause problems during sex, they shouldn’t cause any problems.
Curved outer lips
Curved outer lips are perfectly normal and have little impact on day-to-day functions.
If you find that your inner skin is rubbing against your underwear, Dr. Shree recommends wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear.
It may then be worth speaking to your doctor for advice if the problem persists.
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Prominent inner lips
This is a common variant and Dr. Shree says it is often more prominent if women shave or wax, as the inner labia minora are exposed.
Inner labia hanging below the outer labia can cause discomfort in some women, but it is not a concern if it is not causing problems.
Prominent outer lips
This type has larger outer labia than the inner labia, which means the labia are lower than the vulva.
Dr Shree says they generally do not affect day to day activities.
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Long, hanging inner lips
Dr. Shree says she often sees women at the clinic who find their prominent inner labia “problematic,” as the folds of skin can catch on underwear and cause pain.
Protruding labia minora, as the small inner folds are called, cannot always cause problems, but they can if they become excessively long or large.
Long, hanging outer lips
This is another natural variant that has little impact on function, but Dr. Shree says those with long labia majora or bulbous and swollen labia, as the outer “folds” are known, may benefit from wearing more supportive underwear.
They may also appear slightly asymmetrical.
Small, open outer lips
Small outer labia majora, or “outer folds,” are simply a variant of anatomy and are not a cause for concern unless they are problematic.
Small, closed outer lips
This is also a normal variant and there is no cause for concern.
Closed outer labia can completely hide the vagina.
Visible inner lips
Dr Shree says hypertrophy, or enlargement of the inner labia minora, can cause pain during sex or catching underwear.
If this happens repeatedly or if the appearance is really bothering you, it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
Is my vagina normal?
Dr Shree states that each vulva and vagina is unique.
She says: “As a gynecologist, I see a variety of different shapes and sizes of vulvas and vaginas, as well as skin type, texture, color and smells.
“The inner and outer folds of your vulva and clitoral hood can also vary in color, symmetry, and size, along with the amount of hair you have in your bikini area.
“There is a huge natural variation that is usually perfectly normal – as long as you don’t have problems changing pads, underwear or having sex.
“Events like childbirth also affect the shape and symmetry of our vulvas and vaginas, so it’s important to remember that there is no ‘one size fits all’.”
Can I change the shape of my vagina?
Events like childbirth can affect the shape and size of your vulva.
In some cases, the vulva and vagina may also change with age or significant weight changes.
Dr Shree explains: “There is very little you can do to change the shape of your vulva/vagina, but if you are experiencing problems such as dryness, irritation, excess skin trapped in your underwear and causing pain, you may be referred to a labiaplasty surgery.
“It’s important to remember that you may experience long-term pain, scarring or asymmetry as a result, so it’s worth thinking carefully with your gynecologist.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
