VAGINAS and vulvas come in all different shapes and sizes – despite the common misconception they should all look the same or a certain way.
Just like every woman has a different body shape and size, genitals are also unique to the individual.
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What are the different types of vagina?
According to HealthLine, there are at least nine types of vagina.
Dr Shree Datta, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at King’s College Hospital and an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London, explained the difference to Fabulous.
Asymmetrical inner lips
Some women may be self conscious of their vulva lips being different lengths – but this is completely normal.
A woman with asymmetrical inner lips may see one tucked closer towards the vagina, while the other might hang down a little.
Dr Shree says that as long as the vulva lips are not catching on your underwear or causing problems during sex, they should cause no issues.
Curved outer lips
Curved outer lips are perfectly normal and have little impact on day to day function.
If you do find that the inner skin is rubbing against your underwear, Dr Shree recommends wearing loose cotton underwear.
It could 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 smaller lips are exposed.
The inner lips of the labia hanging below the outer lips could cause discomfort in some women but it is not a concern if it’s not causing any problems.
Prominent outer lips
This type has larger outer lips than inner lips, which means that the lips sit lower on the vulva.
Dr Shree says they usually does not affect day to day activities.
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Long, dangling inner lips
Dr Shree says she often sees women in clinic who find prominent inner lips “problematic,” as the skin folds can catch on underwear and cause pain.
The protruding labia minor, as the small inner folds are called, may not always cause any issues but could do so if they become excessively long or big.
Long, dangling outer lips
This is another natural variant which has little impact on function, but Dr Shree says those with long or bulbous, swollen labia majora, as the outer “folds” are known, may benefit from wearing more supportive underwear.
They can also appear slightly asymmetrical.
Small, open outer lips
Petite outer labia majora, or “outer folds” are simply a variant of anatomy and are no cause for concern, unless problematic.
Small, closed outer lips
This is also a normal variant and there is no cause for concern.
Close outer lips can conceal the vagina completely.
Visible inner lips
Dr Shree says that hypertrophy, or enlargening of the internal labia minora, can lead to pain while having sex or catching on underwear.
If this happens repeatedly, or 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 gynaecologist, I see a range of different shapes and sizes of vulvas and vaginas, as well as skin type, texture, colour and smells.
“The inner and outer folds of your vulva and the clitoral hood can also vary in colour, symmetry and size, along with the amount of hair you have in your bikini area.
“There is massive amount of natural variation which is usually perfectly normal – as long as you have no problems changing tampons, your underwear or having sex.
“Events such as childbirth also have an effect on the shape and symmetry of our vulvas and vaginas, so it’s important to remember that there’s no ‘one size that fits all’.”
Can I change the shape of my vagina?
Events such as childbirth can affect the shape and size of your vulva.
In some cases, your vulva and vagina can also change with age or significant weight changes.
Dr Shree explains: “There’s very little you can do to change the shape of your vulva/vagina, but if you are experiencing problems such as dryness, chafing, excess skin catching on underwear causing pain, you may be referred for 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 about carefully with your gynaecologist.”