Vaginal Shape Seen From the Position of the Labia

Despite their similar function, vaginas vary in shape, size, and color from woman to woman. Therefore, it's safe to say that each person's vagina's characteristics and shape are quite unique. To avoid further questions, let's explore the various vagina shapes and other fascinating facts about reproductive organ . this

Getting to know the anatomy of the vagina

Dr. Suzy Elneil, a consultant in urogynaecology and uroneurology at University College Hospital, London, states that vaginas have different characteristics from one another.

The vagina is a tube that serves as the entrance to the cervix. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that the vagina has an average depth of 9.6 cm. In fact, the vagina can reach a depth of 17.7 cm from the opening to the tip of the cervix.

The vagina consists of several important parts, namely:

Vaginal opening

This area is also called the vaginal vestibule or introitus. It's located between the urethra and the anus. This opening is where menstrual blood exits the body and serves as the baby's exit during childbirth. It also serves as the penile canal during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal walls

The vaginal walls are made of muscle covered by a mucous membrane, similar to the tissue in the mouth. The walls contain layers of flexible fibers. The surface also consists of rugae, or folds of extra tissue, that allow the vagina to stretch during intercourse and childbirth.

The vaginal lining tissue typically undergoes hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The outer cells store glycogen. During ovulation, this lining is shed. The glycogen is broken down by bacteria and helps maintain the vagina's pH level, protecting it from harmful bacteria and fungi.

Hymen

The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the vaginal opening. It typically varies in shape and size. However, most hymens are semicircular.

When someone first has intercourse, the hymen usually tears. However, it can also tear during strenuous exercise.

Certain shapes and types of hymen can interfere with menstrual flow, when using tampons, or during sex. Some of the most common forms of hymen that are quite bothersome include:

Imperforate hymen, covers the entire vaginal opening, thus blocking the flow of menstrual blood.
Microperforate hymen, the membrane is very thin and almost completely covers the vaginal opening.
The septate hymen has supplementary tissue that creates two holes in it.

Various forms of vagina

When people talk about the shape or appearance of the vagina, they're actually talking about the labia (vaginal lips). There are several common labia shapes, but there are also other types that don't fit into any specific classification. Here are the details:

1. Asymmetrical inner lips

This type has labia minora (inner lips) that are longer, thicker, and larger than the others. Because they are not the same size, this type is called asymmetrical.

2. Curved outer lips

This shape is characterized by a wider vaginal opening at the top, exposing the labia minora. Meanwhile, the labia majora appear to close down, creating a horseshoe-like appearance.

3. Prominent inner lips

This particular vagina shape is characterized by longer and more prominent labia minora than labia majora. However, the difference in length may not be as pronounced as the inner labia may only protrude slightly.

4. Prominent outer lips

In contrast to prominent inner lips, this type of vagina has labia majora that are more prominent and lower than the vulva. Therefore, it's common to have thicker or thinner skin on one side of the labia majora.

5. Long dangling inner lips

This type of vagina has protruding inner labia. The labia minora typically protrude up to 2.5 cm or more beyond the labia majora. For this reason, they often appear prominent when wearing underwear. This is due to the additional folds on the labia.

6. Long dangling outer lips

In contrast to the previous type, this type generally has more prominent outer labia. Therefore, the labia folds can be visible outside your underwear.

7. Small, open lips

In this shape, the labia majora are flat and attached to your pubic bone. However, there's a slight gap that leaves the labia minora visible.

8. Small closed lips

In this form, your labia majora cannot be separated and appear tightly closed. Therefore, your inner labia are completely covered and invisible. This is generally the most common form.

9. Visible inner lips

This vaginal shape is characterized by the labia majora and minora being similar in size. Therefore, the inner labia are not visible because they hang outside the outer folds.

Normal vaginal shape

If you're wondering what the most normal and ideal shape of female genitalia is, the answer is no. The vagina, or more specifically, the vulva, and all its components come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Even each vagina has a different odor.

In fact, the labia can be of opposite sizes and about half of women have labia minora that are longer than the labia majora.

According to a study published in BJOG: International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the shape of the labia is truly diverse, with the inner labia being longer than the outer labia or vice versa.

The shape of the female reproductive organs can also sometimes differ between the left and right sides. In fact, it's rare to find naturally symmetrical labia. Therefore, you don't need to worry if your labia are longer than the other.

As long as you don't feel pain or find any lumps in your vagina or any other unusual signs, there's nothing to worry about.

Average size of labia (vaginal lips)

Some women are concerned about the size of their labia. However, there's really no need to worry. This is because labia size varies from woman to woman. Therefore, you shouldn't judge your labia size by comparing it to someone else's.

Based on two observations published in BJOG: International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, the average labia size ranges between:

• The length of the left or right labia majora is about 12 cm with a depth of about 10 cm.
• The left labia minora is up to 10 cm long and up to 6.4 cm wide.
• The right labia minora is about 10 cm long and up to 7 cm wide.

However, regardless of their average size, if your labia minora or majora are extremely sensitive and painful, you should be concerned. You may be experiencing signs of labial hypertrophy, or enlargement of the labia.

This condition usually makes cleaning the genitals after urinating painful. As a result, this area of ​​the body can become swollen due to improper cleaning.

Factors that cause the vagina to shift shape

The size, shape, and depth of the vagina typically change over time. Various factors that influence vaginal changes include:

Having sex

When a woman becomes aroused, more blood flows to the vagina. This causes the vagina to expand, lengthen, and widen, and the cervix to slightly elevate.

Hormonal changes

During menstruation, the vagina typically feels different than usual. This is due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly when estrogen levels are high, which cause the vaginal tissue to become thicker and more dense. Furthermore, the cervix also moves and changes shape throughout the menstrual cycle.

Pregnancy and postpartum

The vagina is affected by changing hormone levels during pregnancy. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area typically darkens the vulva and vagina. Furthermore, during pregnancy, the connective tissue in the vaginal walls also relaxes, preparing for childbirth.

After giving birth, the vagina and vaginal opening will be wider than usual. However, 6 to 12 weeks after delivery, the vagina will return to its normal pre-pregnancy size.

If you think your vagina will feel different after giving birth, your doctor may recommend Kegel exercises. These exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles and tone the muscles around your vagina.

Age

Estrogen levels in the body significantly influence the thickness of the vaginal tissue. As we age, the vaginal walls become looser and their diameter increases.

After menopause, estrogen levels in the body decrease. As a result, the vaginal walls become thinner and more fragile. This often results in uncomfortable sexual intercourse.