9 The shape of the vagina seen from the position of the labia (vaginal lips)

Although the function is the same, the fact is that the vagina has a different shape, size and color for each woman. Therefore, it can be said that the characteristics and shape of each person's vagina are quite unique. So that you no longer have to wonder, let's take a look at the various forms of the vagina along with other interesting facts about this one reproductive organ.

Know the anatomy of the vagina

External view of vagina and vulva (source: Our Bodies Ourselves)

Dr. Suzy Elneil, a consultant urogynaecology and uroneurology at University College Hospital, London, states that the vagina has different characteristics from one another.

The vagina is a tube that is the entrance to the cervix. InBJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, it is said that the vagina has an average depth of 9.6 cm. In fact, the depth of the vagina from the initial entrance to the tip of the cervix can reach 17.7 cm.

The vagina consists of several important parts, namely:

Vaginal opening

This part is also known as the vaginal vestibule or introitus. This section is located between the urethra and anus. This opening is where menstrual blood leaves the body and becomes a way out for the baby during childbirth. This opening also provides access to the penis during sexual intercourse.

Vaginal wall

The vaginal wall is made of muscles covered by a mucous membrane similar to the tissue in the mouth. The walls contain layers with lots of elastic fibers. Its surface is also composed of rugae or folds of extra tissue that allow the vagina to stretch during sex and childbirth.

The vaginal wall tissue usually undergoes hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. The cells on the outside store glycogen. During ovulation, this lining is shed. Glycogen is broken down by bacteria and helps maintain the pH level to protect the vagina from harmful bacteria and fungi.

Hymen

The hymen or hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the vaginal opening. These sections usually come in different shapes and sizes. However, most of the hymen is semicircular.

When someone has sex for the first time, the hymen will usually tear. However, this section can also tear when you do a variety of strenuous exercise.

Certain shapes and types of the hymen can usually interfere with menstrual blood flow, when using tampons, or during sex. As for the various forms of the hymen that are usually quite disturbing, namely:

• The hymen imperforate, covering the entire vaginal opening so that it blocks the flow of menstrual blood.
• Microperforate hymen, the membrane is very thin and almost completely covers the vaginal opening.
• The septate hymen, has an extra grid that leaves two holes in it.

Various forms of vagina

When people mention the shape or appearance of the vagina, they are really talking about the labia (vaginal lips). There are several forms of labia that are quite common, but there can also be other types that cannot be classified into certain categories. Here are the details:

1. Asymmetrical inner lips

This type has a labia minora (inner lip) that is longer, thicker, and larger than the others. Because the two sizes are not the same, this type is called asymmetric.

2. Curved outer lips

The shape of this one is indicated by a vaginal opening that is wider at the top so that it shows the labia minora. Meanwhile, the labia majora are seen closing downwards so that they look like a horseshoe.

3. Prominent inner lips

The shape of the vagina is visible from the labia minora, which is longer and protruding than the labia majora. However, the difference in length may not be that noticeable as it could be that the inner lips of her vagina are just sticking out a little.

4. Prominent outer lips

In contrast to prominent inner lips, this vaginal shape has a labia majora that is more prominent and lower than the vulva. Because of this, you usually have thicker or thinner skin on one side of the lips.

5. Long dangling inner lips

This type of vagina has a protruding inner lip shape. Usually, the labia minor form even dangle up to 2.5 cm or more past the labia majora. Therefore, it is not uncommon for the labia to stand out when you wear underwear. The reason is, there are additional folds on your vaginal lips.

6. Long dangling outer lips

Contrary to the previous, this type usually has the outer lips of the vagina that is more prominent. Therefore, the folds of the labia can be seen on the outside of your underwear.

7. Small, open lips

In this one form, the labia majora are flattened and attached to your pubic bone. However, there is a slight gap that keeps the labia minora visible.

8. Small closed lips

In this one form, your labia majora cannot be separated and seem tight. Hence, your inner lips are completely closed and invisible. Usually, this one form is the most common among the other forms.

9. Visible inner lips

This vaginal shape is indicated by the same size as the labia majora and minora. Therefore, the inner lips are not visible because they hang outside the outer crease.

Normal vaginal shape

If you are wondering what the most normal and best forms of female genital organs look like, the answer is no. The vagina, or rather the vulva, and all of its components come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Even each vagina has a different smell.

In fact, vaginal lips can vary in size and about half of women have a labia minora that is longer than the labia majora.

Based on the studies contained in BJOG: International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the shape of the labia is very varied, whether it is the inner vaginal lips that are longer than the outer lips or vice versa.

The shape of the female reproductive organs also sometimes differs between the left and the right. In fact, it is very rare to find a labia that is symptomatic naturally. So, you don't need to worry if you find your vaginal lips that are longer with each other.

As long as you don't feel pain or find certain lumps in your vagina and various other strange symptoms, there is nothing to worry about.

Average size of the labia (vaginal lips)

Some women worry about their lab size. However, there really is nothing to worry about. This is because the size of the labia varies from woman to woman. That is why, you should not judge the size of your labia as it is comparing it with others.

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

• 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 the average size, if the labia minora or majora are very sensitive and sore, you need to be careful. It could be that you experience symptoms of labia hypertrophy or vaginal lips enlargement.

This condition usually makes the process of cleaning the genitals after urinating painful. As a result, this one part of the body will experience infection because it is not cleaned properly.

Factors that make the vagina change shape

The size, shape, and depth of the vagina will usually change over time. The following are various factors that influence vaginal changes, namely:

Have sex

When a woman is aroused, there is more blood flowing into the vagina. This makes the vagina expand, lengthen, and widen with the cervix slightly raised.

Hormonal changes

During the menstrual period, the vagina will usually experience a difference from the usual days. The reason is, the ups and downs of hormones, especially when estrogen is very high, makes vaginal tissue thicker and fuller. In addition, the cervix will also move and change shape throughout the menstrual cycle.

Pregnancy and postpartum

The vagina is affected by changes in hormone levels during pregnancy. Increased blood flow to the pelvic area usually makes the vulva and vagina darker than normal. In addition, during pregnancy, the connective tissue of the vaginal wall also relaxes as it prepares for birth.

After delivery, your 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 that your vagina will feel different after giving birth, your doctor will recommend Kegel exercises. This exercise helps strengthen the pelvic muscles and tightens the muscles around the vagina.

Age

The level of estrogen in the body affects how much tissue there is in the vagina. As you age, the vaginal walls become more loose and their diameter becomes wider.

After menopause, estrogen levels in the body are lower. As a result, the vaginal walls become thinner and brittle. This usually results in sex that is no longer comfortable.

Conditions and diseases that affect the vagina

Various diseases that attack the vagina usually will not change the shape of Miss V. However, this can change the appearance or color. Here are various diseases and conditions that can attack the vagina:

Vaginitis

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina that is usually caused by an infection. This inflammation is generally triggered by bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. When the vagina becomes inflamed, you will experience various symptoms such as:

• Itchy
• Burning sensation
• Whitish that is white or thick yellow, like cheese
• Leucorrhoea that smells fishy
• Redness of the skin around the vagina

Vaginismus

This condition occurs when the vaginal muscles experience involuntary spasms during sexual intercourse. This muscle contraction makes penetration very painful. Usually vaginismus often affects people who are having sex for the first time.

Genital warts

Genital warts are caused byHuman papillomavirus (HPV). Apart from attacking the vagina, this one disease also affects the vulva and cervix or the cervix. Not only that, genital warts can also appear on the lips, mouth, tongue and throat.

Genital warts are characterized by various symptoms such as:

• Leucorrhoea
• Itchy
• Burning and burning sensation in the affected area
• Warts are painful

Trichomoniasis

This vaginal infection is caused by a microscopic parasite called Trichomonas vaginalis. This disease is usually transmitted through sexual contact which is characterized by various symptoms such as:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge, greenish yellow, foul-smelling or fishy, ​​or bloody
• Pain when urinating
• Pain during sex
• The vagina feels sore, sore, itchy, and swollen

Vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is a disease that is very rare but can be life threatening if it attacks. Of the various types of vaginal cancer, one of the most common is squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer will usually attack the lining of the vagina.

At the beginning of its appearance, this disease will not cause any symptoms. However, if it has spread, this disease can cause unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, and even a lump in the vagina.

Herpes simplex virus

This virus can infect the vulva, vagina, and cervix. Usually the symptoms include small, painful blisters and bumps that keep appearing and increasing. This virus is usually transmitted through sexual contact. Herpes simplex can be treated but cannot be cured so that the symptoms can only be controlled.

Vaginal prolapse

Vaginal prolapse occurs when this one reproductive organ stretches, falls, and protrudes from where it should be. Not only the vagina, this condition usually affects the uterus. Normal delivery, pressure on the stomach due to obesity or hard bowel movements, and menopause can all increase the risk of prolapse.

This condition does not always cause symptoms. However, various signs that usually appear, namely a feeling of fullness or heaviness in the pelvis. In addition, the symptoms will worsen when standing, defecating, or lifting heavy objects.

Vaginal atrophy

Vaginal atrophy causes vaginal tissue to shrink and thin. As a result, this makes the channel narrow and reduces its elasticity. This condition usually occurs more frequently during menopause. The reason is, during menopause the production of estrogen drops so that the vagina becomes drier and sex feels more painful than usual.

How to maintain vaginal health

You don't need to bother thinking about the shape of the vagina. The most important thing that needs to be done is to maintain their health. Here are various tips for maintaining vaginal health that can be practiced, namely:

Avoid douching

Douching is a method of cleaning the vagina with a liquid that consists of a mixture of various chemicals. Usually this liquid contains water, baking soda, vinegar, fragrance, and antiseptic. This liquid is packed in douche, namely a bag with a hose or spray that functions to spray fluids on the female area.

Avoid scented products

Soaps, pads, and tissues used for the vagina should not contain certain scents. The reason is, the fragrant ingredients in these products can irritate the skin and disrupt the pH balance of the vagina.

Drink lots of water

Water keeps skin hydrated. With good hydration, energy and blood circulation to the vagina will not be hampered. The smooth flow of blood makes the vagina more sensitive and functions as it should.

Practicing safe sex

Using a condom during sex helps reduce the risk of venereal disease that can attack the vagina. In addition, try to urinate after sex to reduce the risk of diseases caused by bacteria such as urinary tract infections.

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