Vagina Types
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Vagina Types
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on August 30, 2019
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on August 30, 2019
Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD
© 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional
© 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional
The vagina and the external structures of the vulva naturally range in shape, color, and size.
When it comes to anything related to bodies and sexual and reproductive health, most people wonder, “Am I normal?” The answer regarding the vagina is that there is a wide variety of healthy shapes, sizes, and colors.
This article describes different types of vagina. We also discuss when to see a doctor based on the appearance of the vagina and factors such as discharge.
A person’s vulva is unique to them, and there are many possible variations in appearance.
Most studies reveal that vaginas share a general shape, but that there are many variations in length and width.
When people refer to the vagina, they usually mean the visible, external part of the genitals. The proper term for this area is the vulva.
The vulva includes many structures, such as the labia majora and labia minora, or inner and outer lips. These are folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening and the urethral opening.
Depending on the size and shape of the external structures, the appearance of the vulva can vary widely.
It is rare for any variation in this shape or size to be a cause for concern.
Taking this variety into account, some common characteristics of the vulva include:
The outer lips of the vulva, or the labia majora, are longer in some people. The lips may hang low, and the skin may seem thin, or they may be thick and puffy.
The outer lips are usually relatively smooth and do not fold as much as the inner lips.
Some people have outer lips that hide the inner lips and clitoris almost entirely. In others, the outer lips may curve and meet at the ends, exposing some of the inner lips above.
If the outer lips are short, they may not meet and may expose the inner lips more prominently.
It is typical for the inner lips, or labia minora, to be visible. They may dangle below the outer lips or otherwise be prominent.
One inner lip may be longer than the other. Asymmetry in the labia is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Some people may have short inner lips that the outer lips hide. In others, the outer and inner lips are of similar length.
If the outer and inner lips are small and close to the inner thighs, the clitoral hood, which hides the clitoris, may be visible.
These are some variations in shape, but healthy vulvas have many other shapes and sizes.
The inside of the vagina is like a long tube with folded areas that can expand and contract. Some doctors compare this characteristic to an accordion.
Imaging studies reveal that most vaginas are narrower toward the vaginal opening and wider toward the cervix. This usually forms a “V” shape, although the width at the widest point can vary.
Their vagina can seem wider or looser following childbirth. This is because the vaginal tissues expand to make room for a baby to pass down the birth canal. The vagina may resume its pre-pregnancy size, or it may remain slightly widened.
Factors that may affect the size of the vagina include height and age.
The vagina can change in size, or length, to accommodate a tampon, finger, or penis, for example. It does this by stretching and elongating. This also moves the cervix and uterus upward.
The length of the vagina varies, but the average length, when a person is not aroused, is just under 4 inches, according to an article in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology .
However, the length can range significantly from person to person, from about 2.5 inches to 5 inches or more.
In a study published in the International Urogynecology Journal , researchers used MRI to measure the length, width, and angles of participants’ vaginas.
They found that, in some cases, they could predict variations in length based on a participant’s height and age, but not necessarily their weight. For example, a taller person may have a longer vagina.
Skin colors naturally vary, including the skin of the vulva. Doctors report the following colors of the vulva:
The color can also vary, depending on blood flow. During arousal, the flow of blood increases, and the vulva may appear purplish.
Some people note color changes when they have certain medical conditions. A yeast infection , for example, may cause the vulva to appear purple or red.
The following factors can also influence the appearance or smell of the vulva, and they naturally vary from person to person:
Pubic hair may help protect the genitals from bacterial illnesses. Pubic hair may also be a natural signal of reproductive maturity.
The amount, color, and texture of pubic hair vary from person to person.
Pubic hair that develops early — before age 8 — and excessive amounts of pubic hair may point to an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Pubic hair tends to thin as people age, due to hormone-related changes.
Vaginal discharge and secretions help keep the vaginal tissues healthy.
Some people use the color and consistency of their discharge to track their fertility. For example, very stretchy discharge can occur during ovulation .
Changes in vaginal discharge can indicate an infection, which requires medical attention. See a doctor if discharge is green, gray, or foul-smelling.
The vagina provides an exit for menstrual blood. The amount of blood that a person loses can vary from period to period. Some people tend to only have mild spotting, while others have heavy bleeding.
A person can control their flow somewhat by taking hormonal medication, such as birth control pills.
Anyone whose menstrual flow routinely soaks pads or makes them feel dizzy or short of breath should see a doctor. They may have heavy menstrual flow , which can disrupt daily activities.
The vagina naturally contains bacteria and yeasts that can cause odors. The smell can vary from sweet to metallic.
A person’s menstrual cycle, their overall health, and the natural flora of the vagina can all affect vaginal odor.
Usually, variations in vaginal smell are no cause for concern. However, a foul smell can indicate infection.
Anyone who notices unusual changes in the appearance of their vulva should speak to a doctor.
Anyone who has concerns about their vagina or vulva should see a doctor. Some common concerns include:
Some people have congenital anomalies that may require surgical treatment.
For example, some people have a wall — called a vertical vaginal septum — in the vagina. The wall essentially creates two vaginas.
A person may not notice this until they start menstruating or become sexually active.
From sexual pleasure to childbirth to menstrual flow, the vagina and vulva can play many roles.
Most variations in shape, size, and color are healthy. However, if a person has concerns about their vagina or vulva, they should consult a doctor.
Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2019
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Abby Moore is an Editorial Assistant at mindbodygreen. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine.
Board Certified Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Heather Irobunda, M.D. is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist based in Queens, New York.
Image by
Tatjana Zlatkovic
/ Stocksy
What does healthy discharge look like?
What do I do about ingrown hair or bumps?
Abby Moore
mbg Editorial Assistant
Abby Moore is an Editorial Assistant at mindbodygreen. She earned a B.A. in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin and has previously written for Tribeza magazine. She has...
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/types-of-vaginas
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If you've ever taken a mirror to observe your vagina and everything surrounding it, you may have wondered if the reflection looking back at you was normal. 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.
First: terminology. The vagina is actually the name for the internal canal where the menstrual blood or babies might come out. The exterior structure surrounding the vaginal opening is called the vulva , and it's what most people think of when wondering about what their "vagina" looks like . The labia majora (outer lips), the labia minora (inner lips), and the mons pubis (the area of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone) are all part of the vulva.
"Vulva are as unique and individual in their appearance as a fingerprint," OB/GYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, M.D., tells mbg. "And that uniqueness is part of their beauty."
Here are a few of those variations, according to health experts.
While the labia majora are often symmetrical, the labia minora can be asymmetrical, gynecologist Lynley Durrett, M.D. , says. This could mean one of the inner lips is longer or larger than the other. "Sometimes different parts of the labia may be different sizes, and that is fine," OB/GYN Heather Irobunda, M.D . , tells mbg.
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 is when the inner lips are larger than the outer lips, and it's a relatively common type of vulva. Some people may experience discomfort using tampons, having sex, or wearing tight clothing when their inner lips extend beyond the outer lips, Durrett says, while other people with this vulva type aren't bothered at all.
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. Both full and puffy outer lips, as well as thin and loose outer lips, can fit into this category.
This is one way prominent inner lips might appear, wherein when the inner lips are longer than the outer lips and seem to dangle from the vulva, Irobunda says. These inner lips can be an inch long or longer, or they may look like there's extra skin or folds.
This is when the outer lips are longer than the inner lips (opposite to the type above). This is a form of prominent outer lips, though this structure, in particular, tends to involve thinner or looser outer lips that may extend beyond underwear.
In some vulvas, "the labia majora and the labia minora blend together so it's not really like two sets of lips; it's more like one," Durrett says. While they are technically two separate parts, the outer lips are closed so that they conceal the inner lips. Small, closed outer lips are commonly seen in porn, though it's actually a relatively uncommon type of vulva.
With this type of vulva, the outer lips are still small, but they're set farther apart making them appear slightly open.
For this type of vulva, the outer lips appear curved or pulled outward, leaving almost a window for the inner lips to peek through.
For more examples of what vulvas can look like, check out The Vulva Gallery , a project where illustrator Hilde Atalanta paints portraits of real people's vulvas.
The outer labia are generally the same color as the skin or slightly darker, functional OB/GYN Wendie Trubow, M.D., says. The inner labia might be pink, while others might be reddish, brown, or purple in color. "If someone has vitiligo and it affects the vagina, that would cause the person not to have any pigmentation on their labia, and it would be white," Trubow adds.
The labia could undergo slight variations in color for different reasons. "Some people may notice that the labia may become a little redder or larger in appearance when aroused because of the increase in blood supply," Irobunda explains. That's perfectly normal and shouldn't be cause for concern.
However, irritation from fragrances may also lead to a redness or darkening of the labia, Irobunda tells mbg. If that occurs, stop using products with fragrance, including scented body wash, scented tampons, and even scented laundry detergent, and consult with a gynecologist.
"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.
Just like everything else down there, pubic hair will vary from person to person in terms of thickness, growth patterns, and pubic hair color (which does not always match the hair on your head). The variations here are a combination of grooming, genetics, developmental stages, and response to medical conditions, Gilberg-Lenz says.
Around puberty, pubic hair will begin to grow due to hormonal changes . With age, Durrett says the pubic hair may begin to thin and become gray.
Some people will only experience hair growth on the mons pubis and the outer lips, stopping at a natural bikini line. Others might see growth beyond the bikini line, either onto the thighs, beyond the mons pubis toward the belly button, and toward or surrounding the anus, Gilberg-Lenz says. "None of this is necessarily abnormal, but sudden changes in an otherwise healthy adult could signal a need for medical attention."
For example, hair loss could occur due to a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance, she explains. If this is happening suddenly, it's best to consult with an OB/GYN.
All vaginas will have their own unique odor . Sweat and menstruation can change the smell of the vagina, but it should return to normal after a shower. According to Irobunda, odor can also be altered slightly due to changes in diet, soaps you're using, and even different sexual partners.
"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 an imbalance in the vaginal microbiome , which could result in infection.
"Healthy discharge can come in a variety of colors," Irobunda says, including clear or white, and it may even have a slight brown tinge following a period. 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. These can indicate a yeast infection or overgrowth and will usually be accompanied by itching and burning, Irobunda says.
Whether or not someone chooses to shave is a personal preference. That said, "Without the natural defense of the hair, its oils, and naturally occurring bacteria, you may be more susceptible to infection, and of course, shaving bumps or folliculitis," Gilberg-Lenz says. Waxing, sugaring, or trimming are other common hair-removal options if you prefer a groomed vulva.
The vulva, like any other areas of the skin, can have moles, varicose veins, warts, ingrown hairs, and sebaceous cysts that look like acne, Durrett says. "Melanoma is the second most common kind of cancer of the vulva or vagina," she adds, so it's always recommended to have your OB/GYN check moles, just as you would at the dermatologist.
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. If you're not able to see these warts but are experiencing pain or bleeding during sex , that could be a sign of an undiagnosed STI. Always consult with a doctor if you have visible warts or experience these symptoms.
If the bumps are a result of ingrown hairs, Gilberg-Lenz recommends exfoliating but only on the hairy or external-most portion of the vulva, followed by a gentle natural moisturizer. "Again, only on the outside, not inner labia or vagina," she says.
The best way to clean your vagina is, 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.
"If you want to use something other than water (which is definitely an acceptable way to clean the area), you can use a gentle, unscented soap," Irobunda says. "Vulvar skin is very sensitive, so you should try to use something that will not irritate it."
You should always be wary of products telling you that you are not OK as is, Gilberg-Lenz says. In other words, avoid products claiming to "fix" the odor or appearance of your vagina, she explains. 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." If you've never taken the time to get to know yours, grab a handheld mirror and take a look.
Understanding your baseline scent, color, and overall appearance (aka your version of "normal") can help you recognize when something is off.
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