Well, rest assured, there is no such thing as normal or abnormal when it comes to genitalia.
Everything from the shape, color, smell, and more will differ depending on the individual.
Thevaginais actually the name for the internal canal where the menstrual blood or babies might come out.
“And that uniqueness is part of their beauty.”
Here are a few of those variations, according to health experts.
9 common vulva shapes.
This could mean one of the inner lips is longer or larger than the other.
Some outer lips will have a curved magnet-like shape, meeting at the bottom.
This shape will create a window in the middle revealing the inner lips.
This simply means the outer lips are larger than the inner lips.
They tend to sit lower on the vulva and may extend beyond underwear.
What color should it be?
The inner labia might be pink, while others might be reddish, brown, or purple in color.
The labia could undergo slight variations in color for different reasons.
That’s perfectly normal and shouldn’t be cause for concern.
“The vagina itself is usually a medium to dark pinkish-red,” Durrett says.
If it’s a vibrant, bright red, that’s typically a sign of inflammation, she adds.
Variations in pubic hair.
Around puberty,pubic hair will begin to grow due to hormonal changes1.
With age, Durrett says the pubic hair may begin to thin and become gray.
For example, hair loss could occur due to anutritional deficiencyor hormonal imbalance, she explains.
If this is happening suddenly, it’s best to consult with an OB/GYN.
Vagina FAQs:
What should it smell like?
Allvaginas will have their own unique odor.
“However, the odor shouldn’t be bad smelling.
If it is, then you should go see a medical provider to get examined,” she notes.
A concerning odor is fish-like or something you would consider objectively bad, she explains.
This could indicate animbalance in the vaginal microbiome, which could result in infection.
What does healthy discharge look like?
It can vary in viscosity throughout the month, Durrett adds.
It’s thicker when you ovulate and becomes thinner during the other parts of your menstrual cycle.
Signs of unhealthy discharge include green or yellow coloring or white with a cottage-cheese-like consistency.
Should I be shaving?
Whether or not someone chooses to shave is a personal preference.
Waxing, sugaring, or trimming are other common hair-removal options if you prefer a groomed vulva.
What do I do about ingrown hair or bumps?
Genital warts are a symptom of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
The warts can be visible on the vulva but may also be inside of the cervix or the anus.
Always consult with a doctor if you have visible warts or experience these symptoms.
“Again, only on the outside, not inner labia or vagina,” she says.
How to care for your vagina.
The best way toclean your vaginais, well, to not clean your vagina.
“It’s a beautiful microcosm and cleans itself,” Trubow says.
The external-most part of the vulva, however, can be cleaned.
You should always be wary of products telling you that you are not OK as is, Gilberg-Lenz says.
If you have a concerning odor, itching, or burning sensation, see your doctor.
That’s generally the sign of an infection, which means it can’t be fixed with soap.
“Labias are like people,” Trubow says.
“They literally come in all different varieties (and that’s normal!).
Some are narrow, some are thicker, some are longer, some are shorter.”
