As with other parts of our anatomy, there is great diversity in the types and shapes of the vagina and vulva. Whether from the point of view of the shape, the size, the distribution of the hair, and even the color.
It is essential to clarify that although the terms vagina and vulva are often used as synonyms to refer to female genitalia, this is not entirely correct since they are different. The first is the conduit that constitutes the route of entry to the uterus. For its part, the vulva is the erogenous fold of skin that covers the superficial space of the perineum and includes the mount of Venus, the labia majora and minora, the vestibule, the clitoris, and the vulvar glands, according to studies.
If you want to find out what the different types and shapes of the vagina and vulva are, keep reading.
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23 standard types and shapes of the vagina and vulva
In general, some women wonder if their genitals are okay. As we already pointed out, the answer is that there is great diversity. These 23 types and shapes of the vagina and vulva that we present are normal. What should be considered abnormal is pain, a strange-looking or colored discharge, or an unpleasant odor.
1. Bulging mount of Venus
The mount of Venus is a rounded eminence located above the pubis. It is made up of fatty tissue covered with hairy skin. In some cases, it is more protruding or bulging, indicating increased lipid accumulation. Although this is not always related to being overweight.
Therefore, when the woman is naked and keeps her legs closed when looking down, she may not perceive the lips or other details of the vulva due to the prominence of the mount of Venus.
2. Heart-shaped genital area
In women with more giant legs and a bulging mount of Venus, the shape of the genital area is like that of a heart, with the apex towards the thighs. An example of this is Goya’s, Naked Maja.
3. V-shaped genital area
In thinner women, with a less pronounced mount of Venus and long legs, the impression of the external genitalia is in the shape of a somewhat elongated letter V.
4. V-shaped genital area with space
In a particular group of women, a V-shaped vulva is expected, similar to the previous one, with a small room at the lower vertex in the form of a corner. The latter is due to a greater separation of the labia majora. It is more common in thin women.
5. Thick labia majora
When the legs are opened, two folds of skin are perceived that cover the vulva. It is the outer or significant labia. They are rounded and measure between 2 to 4 centimeters wide. In addition, they are found covering the inner or minor labia, which leads to the vaginal opening.
These tips can also be of different types and shapes. The older ones tend to have thin and wrinkled skin. However, in some women, it is normal for these to be somewhat thick and more meaty.
6. Open outer lips
There are cases in which the fold of the labia majora is looser. In this sense, it will be possible to show how they are slightly open or do not close completely.
7. Closed labia majora
In general, the outer lips have less tension and fold less. However, there are cases in which these are so closed that the minor ones are only perceived when the skin of the major ones is removed, which also makes the clitoris visible.
8. Curved labia majora
In other women, the labia may be curved, meeting only at the ends. They will be shaped like a horseshoe or an eye, exposing the inner lips slightly.
9. Long or protruding labia majora
Although there is not much data, it is worth noting that studies have been carried out regarding lip measurements. The average of the largest is estimated at 8 centimeters in the perimeter.
These outer lips may be even more prominent in some women, leaving the skin loose. Even the folds are so exposed that they are marked in the underwear.
10. Small labia major
Smaller labia may not completely hide the contents of the vulva. Sometimes there are small outer lips. This is according to ethnic and hereditary characteristics.
11. Visible inner lips
The inner or minor labia are spongy tissue folds, the innermost portion of which is in direct contact with the vaginal mucosa, according to research.
Sometimes, although the outer lips are not curved or open, as in the previous cases, it can also happen that the inner lips are a little more prominent and are visible to the naked eye.
12. Asymmetrical Inner Lips
It refers to the fact that one inner lip is longer than the other. It is clarified that, as in the other cases we have described, this asymmetry does not have to be cause for concern since it is an individual, non-pathological characteristic of each woman.
13. Protruding Inner Lips
In most women, the labia majora are more significant than the labia minora. Although this is not true in all cases. This anatomical variant is called hypertrophy of the labia minora. Some authors define it when their length exceeds 4 to 5 cm.
Hypertrophy can be of one or both lips, symmetrical or asymmetrical, the latter being the most prevalent. Depending on the case, this can be fixed by reduction surgery.
14. Both small lips
The inner and outer lips can be the same size. Or even be both small. When it occurs, the clitoral hood or the clitoris can be readily visible without using your fingers to part the skin. This facilitates stimulation.
15. Visible clitoris
In some women, the clitoris is more visible because of its size or because it is less covered by a hood (the prepuce) located at the top of the vulva, where the labia minora meet.
16. Shaved pubic hair
When we talk about types and shapes of the vulva, the absence or amount of pubic hair, as well as the way to cut it, largely determines its appearance. In general, its distribution is in an inverted triangular shape, with the base on the mount of Venus. In rare cases, it can extend upwards on the abdomen.
In this sense, pubic hair helps to maintain the temperature, so when it is completely removed, there is a greater propensity to suffer from infections. In this sense, some women prefer to wax the entire pubic area. However, research indicates that this is not the most appropriate.
17. Shaped Pubic Hair
Other women prefer not to trim all the hair but leave a little. The amount depends on taste. In this sense, there are several styles:
- Reduce the length of the inches, leaving the natural shape.
- Reduce until leaving a single thin line in the center.
- A rounded speck on the mount of Venus.
18. Natural pubic hair
A group of women prefers to leave their hair naturally, without trimming. Of course, the abundance of hair will not be the same for all, nor will the color and texture.
19. Variety of colors
The color of the vulva also varies from woman to woman, although it is common for the labia to be darker than the rest of her skin. This is because, in the genital area, there is a greater abundance of melanocytes. And although this color is somewhat related to skin tone in general, other factors can affect it, such as the following:
- During arousal, blood flow increases.
- Hormonal imbalances and friction cause it to darken.
- A vaginal infection can cause the vulva to turn purple.
20. Average-size vagina
As with the male organ, there is a variety regarding the size of the vagina. According to research, the average length is 7 to 8 centimeters, from the vulvar fork to the posterior wall of the fornix, in the unstimulated vagina. With excitement, it reaches between 9.5 to 10.5 centimeters.
It is interesting to note that differences in length may be consistent with the woman’s height but not in all cases with weight.
21. Distended vagina
Sometimes the canal may be more comprehensive, or the muscles feel loose. This is what is known as vaginal flaccidity. It can appear after childbirth or at menopause. In addition, it obstetrically traumatized vaginas with tears, cystocele, or rectocele present accommodation problems.
22. Lateral trajectory
The trajectory or inclination of the vagina can also vary a bit. Some are slightly more lateralized than others. This also happens with the penis in men.
23. Less moisture and elasticity
Vaginal secretions have the function of maintaining humidity, affecting the health of the tissues. When there is little flow, dryness occurs; which affects sexual functioning and sometimes gives an older appearance to the vulva. Vaginal dryness is more common in postmenopausal women due to hormone deficiency, such as estrogen, according to studies.
When to go to the doctor?
The types or shapes of the vagina, as well as the size of the labia or mons pubis, should not be a cause for concern. However, a professional should be consulted when there is a change in color or odor in the tissues, accompanied by other symptoms:
- Lumpy.
- Profuse or frothy vaginal discharge.
- profuse bleeding
- Pain when having sexual intercourse.
- They are itching or burning in the vulva.
Characteristics of the vagina and sexual health
In a study carried out in 2020, it is stated that the size of the labia does not affect sexual function or the possibility of reaching orgasm. However, some women with labial hypertrophy may be sensitive and experience discomfort during intercourse.
On the other hand, when the vagina is small and the partner’s penis is large, there may be burning, pain, and irritation. Of course, that does not mean that they should end the relationship. The impact can be minimized by proceeding carefully, finding the best position, and stimulating lubrication.
Healthy Female Genitals Come in Various Forms
As you can see, there is a wide variety of types of vulvas and vaginas. The characteristics of the female genitalia are specific to each woman and do not determine the quality of health. Self-love and self-care are essential to avoid psychological sequelae regarding appearance. If you have any questions, consult your trusted gynecologist.