Is my vagina normal?

There is no such thing as a “normal” vagina, which refers to the internal female genitals and the external vulva. Everyone’s vagina is different.

Overall, most vaginas have a similar shape, but they can vary widelyTrusted Source in terms of:

• length and width
• shape of the labia (lips)
• amount of pubic hair
• color
• discharge and odor

Shapes

When people refer to the vagina, they usually mean the visible, external part of the genitals. The anatomical term for this area is “vulva.”

The vulva includes many structures, such as the labia majora (outer lips) and labia minora (inner lips). These are folds of skin that surround the vaginal and urethral openings.

The appearance of the vulva can vary widely, depending on the size and shape of the external structures. Research has proven this,Trusted Source showing a large variability in vulva shapes.

It is rare for any differences in this shape or size to be a cause for concern. A person can find images of the outer female genitalia to see this wide variety of shapes.

Taking this variety into account, some common characteristics of the vulva include:

Outer lips

The outer lips of the vulva, called 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.

If the outer lips are short, they may not meet and may expose the inner lips more prominently.

Inner lips

It is typical for the inner lips, called the 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 possible variations in shape, but healthy vulvas have many other shapes and sizes.

Inside the vagina

The inside of the vagina is like a long tube with folded areas that can expand and contract.

Imaging studies revealTrusted Source 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.

The 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 prepregnancy size following the birth, or it may remain slightly widened.

Most studies on vaginal anatomy focus on people who are white. There can be, however, additional internal and external differencesTrusted Source between the female genitals of white people and those who are Black or who belong to other non-white groups.

The hymen

The hymen is a thin membrane that, in most females, partly coversTrusted Source the opening to the vagina. The labia protect the hymen, which some people compare with a hair scrunchie, as it can expand and contract.

Hymens vary greatly in shape and elasticity, and they can also change with age or during pregnancy.

In some cases, the hymen may fully cover the vagina. This can lead to complications, as it may prevent menstrual blood from leaving the body.

Some people say that a hymen can indicate whether a person is a virgin or not, but this is untrue. The first time a person has sex, they may bleed, but this is not true for everyone. One reason for this bleeding may be tears in the hymen.

Size

The vagina can change in size or length to accommodate objects like a tampon, finger, or penis. 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 is just under 4 inches, according to a 2016 studyTrusted Source. In this study, researchers sometimes used MRI scans to measure the length, width, and angles of participants’ vaginas.

However, some people’s vaginas measure up to 7 or 7.5 inchesTrusted Source, according to most studies.

To measure the length of a vagina, researchers consider the average length of the anterior (near the bladder) and posterior (near the rectum) vaginal walls. However, the length can vary significantly.

Color

Skin colors naturally vary, including the skin of the vulva.

The color of the vulva may be:

• tan
• dark brown
• pink
• red or burgundy (dark red)
• wine-colored

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.

Hair

The amount, color, and texture of pubic hair vary from person to person.

Pubic hair may help protect the genitals from bacterial illnesses. It can also indicate sexual maturity, as it usually develops during puberty.

In children, beginning puberty too early, which includes getting pubic hair, may point to an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to research from 2021.

Pubic hair tends to thin as people age due to hormone-related changes.

Discharge

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, an increase in discharge usually occursTrusted Source a few days before ovulation.

Changes in vaginal discharge can indicate an infection that needs medical attention. A person should see a doctor if they have green, gray, or foul-smelling discharge.

Bleeding

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 have only mild spotting, while others have heavy bleeding.

Anyone whose menstrual flow routinely soaks pads or makes them feel dizzy or short of breath should see a doctor. A heavy menstrual flow can disrupt daily activities and may result in anemia. It can also indicateTrusted Source a health condition that may need treatment.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe birth control pills to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding.

Smell

The vagina naturally contains bacteria and yeasts that can cause odors. The smell can vary from sweet to metallic. A person’s menstrual cycle, 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, an unpleasant smell can indicate an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.

When to see a doctor

Anyone who has concerns about their vagina or vulva should contact a doctor.

Some concerns include:

• unusual discharge
• unusual smell
• a change in the color of the labial tissues
• heavy bleeding
• pain during sex
• pelvic pain
• menstruation not starting around the age of puberty

Some people have structural differences from birth that may require surgical treatment.

For example, some peopleTrusted Source have a wall — called a vaginal septum — either across or down the vagina. The wall divides the vagina into two sections. It can affect menstruation and may cause problems during sex. Surgery can resolve this.

Other features a person may be born with are:

• vaginal agenesis, when the vagina stops developing before birth, which may result in no vagina or a vagina that is shorter than usual
• an imperforate hymen, when the hymen blocks the opening to the vagina, preventing menstrual blood from leaving the body
• a septate hymen, when a band of extra tissue in the hymen divides the vaginal opening in two, making it difficult to insert a tampon
• a microperforated hymen, where the hymen almost covers the vagina, which can make it difficult to remove a tampon

A person may not notice this until they start menstruating or become sexually active.

Summary

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.