We often compare ourselves to other people, especially when it comes to our bodies.
It’s an unhealthy habit that is particularly common among women, and only makes us question whether our appearance – boobs, nipples, waistline, facial structure (we could go on) – is normal and/or beautiful.
Genitals are tricky, because people rarely choose to talk about, let alone show off, their private parts to anyone other than those they share a bed with or medical health professionals. More often than not, young girls and women in particular turn to the internet, where ‘perfect’ vaginas – where everything is smooth, glistening and neatly tucked – are on display.
Let’s settle one thing first: there is no ‘normal’ – this standard doesn’t exist in relation to human bodies, and this includes vaginas.
However, this can makes people question if their slightly asymmetrical labia (the vaginal lips), wrinkly or prominent inner lips are abnormal.
To help educate men and women on the various types of labia that exist, and to help women worry less about theirs, The Hospital Group has released eight illustrations of the most common shapes.
‘It’s a common misconception that vaginas should look a certain way but, this is not true at all,’ said Ben Khoda, plastic surgeon and labia specialist at The Hospital Group.
‘Just like the way in which the size, shape or girth of men’s private parts vary, so do women’s! The most common differences in the labia are the shape and size, however the thickness and colour of them varies too.’
Do remember that this is not an extensive list, so if you don’t see your particular labia shape, that doesn’t mean that yours isn’t just as glorious and ‘normal’ as the rest – it is.
1. Asymmetrical or uneven lips
Perhaps one hangs a little, while the other is quite firmly tucked towards your vagina, but an asymmetrical vagina is nothing to be concerned about.
Like The Hospital Group said: ‘Just like eyebrows, some labias thrive best as sisters and not twins!’
2. Curved outer lips
The curved outer lips is sometimes described as a ‘flower’ (we can’t help but wonder whether this is where the phrase ‘giving away your flower’ – losing your virginity – came from).
This labia look is quite varied; it might cover the clitoris and inner lips almost entirely, and may also expose the inner lips towards the bottom.
3. Prominent inner lips
Having prominent inner lips may cause discomfort to some women.
Aesthetically this is a very common shape, but do speak to a medical professional if you feel any pain.
4. Prominent outer lips
Some women are on the opposite end of the spectrum, with prominent outer lips.
They may look a bit ‘loose’ or almost as if they are hugging the inner lips.
5. Small closed lips
Most people imagine that this is the ‘standard’ vagina (because it hides the labia minora, also known as the inner lips).
As these illustrations demonstrate, that’s not true. While some women do have this shape, just as many women have the others – and all are great.
6. Long outer lips
Some women have outer lips that are so long they can even brush against their legs (the upper part of the thigh).
If you feel discomfort, speak to a medical professional – but if you don’t, just embrace the length.
7. Small open lips
If you have small lips, they might not meet in the middle.
The inner lips may be visible but they might also be tucked inside (it depends on their length in comparison to the outer lips).
8. Visible or enlarged inner lips
This particular shape can cause pain or discomfort, because it exposes the vaginal skin, which are symptoms of a medical term known as labia hypertrophy.
However, do note that not all women with enlarged inner lips feel pain.
Dr Khoda said: ‘You’ll be happy to know that every labia is a normal labia!
‘However, some women have enlarged or uneven vaginal lips which may cause them physical or emotional discomfort, which they may recognise as ‘abnormal’ compared to other women.
‘If the size or shape of your labia is interfering with your everyday life or even reducing the quality of activities you enjoy, it’s time to think about whether you’d like an expert to take a look.
‘This may be especially true if the appearance or feel of your labia has changed in recent years and you’d like your old labia back.’
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