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<\/p>\nThe vagina and the external structures of the vulva naturally range in shape, color, and size. No specific types of vagina exist. Each person\u2019s vagina will have unique characteristics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
When it comes to bodies and sexual and reproductive health, people may wonder, \u201cAm I normal?\u201d For the vagina, the answer is that there is no \u201cnormal.\u201d Vaginas may have a wide variety of healthy shapes, sizes, and colors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
This article describes different types of vaginas, how they can vary, and when to contact a doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Is my vagina normal?<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nThere is no such thing as a \u201cnormal\u201d vagina, which refers to the internal female genitals and the external vulva. Everyone\u2019s vagina is different.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nOverall, most vaginas have a similar shape, but they can\u00a0vary widelyTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0in terms of:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- length and width<\/li>\n
- shape of the labia (lips)<\/li>\n
- amount of pubic hair<\/li>\n
- color<\/li>\n
- discharge and odor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Shapes<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nWhen people refer to the vagina, they usually mean the visible, external part of the genitals. The anatomical term for this area is \u201cvulva.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe appearance of the vulva can vary widely, depending on the size and shape of the external structures. Research has proven\u00a0this,Trusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0showing a large variability in vulva shapes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nIt is rare for any differences in this shape or size to be a cause for concern. A person can find\u00a0images of the outer female genitalia<\/a>\u00a0to see this wide variety of shapes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nTaking this variety into account, some common characteristics of the vulva include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nOuter lips<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nThe 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe outer lips are usually relatively smooth and do not fold as much as the inner lips.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nSome 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nIf the outer lips are short, they may not meet and may expose the inner lips more prominently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nInner lips<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nIt is typical for the inner lips, called the labia minora, to be visible. They may dangle below the outer lips or otherwise be prominent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nOne inner lip may be longer than the other. Asymmetry in the labia is not necessarily a cause for concern.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nSome people may have short inner lips that the outer lips hide. In others, the outer and inner lips are of similar length.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nIf the outer and inner lips are small and close to the inner thighs, the clitoral hood, which hides the clitoris, may be visible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThese are some possible variations in shape, but healthy vulvas have many other shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nInside the vagina<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nThe inside of the vagina is like a long tube with folded areas that can expand and contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nImaging studies revealTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0that 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nThe 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nMost studies on vaginal anatomy focus on people who are white. There can be, however, additional internal and external\u00a0differencesTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0between the female genitals of white people and those who are Black or who belong to other non-white groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nThe hymen<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nThe hymen is a thin membrane that, in most females,\u00a0partly coversTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0the opening to the vagina. The labia protect the hymen, which some people compare with a hair scrunchie, as it can expand and contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nHymens\u00a0vary greatly<\/a>\u00a0in shape and elasticity, and they can also change with age or during pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nIn some cases, the hymen may fully cover the vagina. This can lead to complications, as it may prevent menstrual blood from leaving the body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nSome 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nSize<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nThe 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe length of the vagina varies, but the average length is just under 4 inches, according to a\u00a02016 studyTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>. In this study, researchers sometimes used\u00a0MRI scans<\/a>\u00a0to measure the length, width, and angles of participants\u2019 vaginas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nHowever, some people\u2019s vaginas measure up to\u00a07 or 7.5 inchesTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>, according to most studies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nTo 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nColor<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nSkin colors naturally vary, including the skin of the vulva.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nThe\u00a0color of the vulva<\/a>\u00a0may be:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- tan<\/li>\n
- dark brown<\/li>\n
- pink<\/li>\n
- red or burgundy (dark red)<\/li>\n
- wine-colored<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
The color can also vary depending on blood flow. During arousal, the flow of blood increases, and the vulva may appear purplish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nSome people note color changes when they have certain medical conditions. A\u00a0yeast infection<\/a>, for example, may cause the vulva to appear purple or red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nHair<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nThe amount, color, and texture of pubic hair vary from person to person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nPubic hair<\/a>\u00a0may help protect the genitals from bacterial illnesses. It can also indicate sexual maturity, as it usually develops during puberty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nIn children, beginning puberty too early, which includes getting pubic hair, may point to an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to\u00a0research from 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nPubic hair tends to thin as people age due to hormone-related changes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nDischarge<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nVaginal discharge<\/a>\u00a0and secretions help keep the vaginal tissues healthy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nSome people use the color and consistency of their discharge to\u00a0track their fertility<\/a>. For example, an increase in discharge\u00a0usually occursTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0a few days before\u00a0ovulation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nChanges 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\nBleeding<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nThe 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nAnyone whose menstrual flow routinely soaks pads or makes them feel dizzy or short of breath should see a doctor. A\u00a0heavy menstrual flow<\/a>\u00a0can disrupt daily activities and may result in anemia. It can also\u00a0indicateTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0a health condition that may need treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nIn some cases, a doctor may prescribe\u00a0birth control<\/a>\u00a0pills to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/a>Smell<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nThe vagina naturally contains bacteria and yeasts that can cause odors. The smell can vary from sweet to metallic. A person\u2019s menstrual cycle, overall health, and the natural flora of the vagina can all affect\u00a0vaginal odor<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\nUsually, variations in vaginal smell are no cause for concern. However, an unpleasant smell\u00a0can indicate<\/a>\u00a0an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhen to see a doctor<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n\nAnyone who has concerns about their vagina or vulva should contact a doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nSome concerns include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n- unusual discharge<\/li>\n
- unusual smell<\/li>\n
- a change in the color of the labial tissues<\/li>\n
- heavy bleeding<\/li>\n
- pain during sex<\/a><\/li>\n
- pelvic pain<\/li>\n
- menstruation not starting around the age of puberty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
There is no such thing as a \u201cnormal\u201d vagina, which refers to the internal female genitals and the external vulva. Everyone\u2019s vagina is different.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Overall, most vaginas have a similar shape, but they can\u00a0vary widelyTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0in terms of:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When people refer to the vagina, they usually mean the visible, external part of the genitals. The anatomical term for this area is \u201cvulva.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The appearance of the vulva can vary widely, depending on the size and shape of the external structures. Research has proven\u00a0this,Trusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0showing a large variability in vulva shapes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n It is rare for any differences in this shape or size to be a cause for concern. A person can find\u00a0images of the outer female genitalia<\/a>\u00a0to see this wide variety of shapes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Taking this variety into account, some common characteristics of the vulva include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The outer lips are usually relatively smooth and do not fold as much as the inner lips.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If the outer lips are short, they may not meet and may expose the inner lips more prominently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One inner lip may be longer than the other. Asymmetry in the labia is not necessarily a cause for concern.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some people may have short inner lips that the outer lips hide. In others, the outer and inner lips are of similar length.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If the outer and inner lips are small and close to the inner thighs, the clitoral hood, which hides the clitoris, may be visible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n These are some possible variations in shape, but healthy vulvas have many other shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The inside of the vagina is like a long tube with folded areas that can expand and contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Imaging studies revealTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0that 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Most studies on vaginal anatomy focus on people who are white. There can be, however, additional internal and external\u00a0differencesTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0between the female genitals of white people and those who are Black or who belong to other non-white groups.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The hymen is a thin membrane that, in most females,\u00a0partly coversTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0the opening to the vagina. The labia protect the hymen, which some people compare with a hair scrunchie, as it can expand and contract.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Hymens\u00a0vary greatly<\/a>\u00a0in shape and elasticity, and they can also change with age or during pregnancy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The length of the vagina varies, but the average length is just under 4 inches, according to a\u00a02016 studyTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>. In this study, researchers sometimes used\u00a0MRI scans<\/a>\u00a0to measure the length, width, and angles of participants\u2019 vaginas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n However, some people\u2019s vaginas measure up to\u00a07 or 7.5 inchesTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>, according to most studies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Skin colors naturally vary, including the skin of the vulva.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The\u00a0color of the vulva<\/a>\u00a0may be:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The color can also vary depending on blood flow. During arousal, the flow of blood increases, and the vulva may appear purplish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some people note color changes when they have certain medical conditions. A\u00a0yeast infection<\/a>, for example, may cause the vulva to appear purple or red.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The amount, color, and texture of pubic hair vary from person to person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pubic hair<\/a>\u00a0may help protect the genitals from bacterial illnesses. It can also indicate sexual maturity, as it usually develops during puberty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In children, beginning puberty too early, which includes getting pubic hair, may point to an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to\u00a0research from 2021<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Pubic hair tends to thin as people age due to hormone-related changes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Vaginal discharge<\/a>\u00a0and secretions help keep the vaginal tissues healthy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some people use the color and consistency of their discharge to\u00a0track their fertility<\/a>. For example, an increase in discharge\u00a0usually occursTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0a few days before\u00a0ovulation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Anyone whose menstrual flow routinely soaks pads or makes them feel dizzy or short of breath should see a doctor. A\u00a0heavy menstrual flow<\/a>\u00a0can disrupt daily activities and may result in anemia. It can also\u00a0indicateTrusted Source<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0a health condition that may need treatment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In some cases, a doctor may prescribe\u00a0birth control<\/a>\u00a0pills to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The vagina naturally contains bacteria and yeasts that can cause odors. The smell can vary from sweet to metallic. A person\u2019s menstrual cycle, overall health, and the natural flora of the vagina can all affect\u00a0vaginal odor<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Usually, variations in vaginal smell are no cause for concern. However, an unpleasant smell\u00a0can indicate<\/a>\u00a0an infection, such as bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Anyone who has concerns about their vagina or vulva should contact a doctor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Some concerns include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
Shapes<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
Outer lips<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Inner lips<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Inside the vagina<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
The hymen<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
Size<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
Color<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
\n
Hair<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
Discharge<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
Bleeding<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
<\/a>Smell<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
When to see a doctor<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
\n