The female reproductive system is essential for life, but it is also linked to intimacy and beauty. We describe the main types of vagina, classified according to vulvar morphology.
For this reason, both men and women often ask themselves, when looking in the mirror: are my genitals attractive? Will they attract my potential partner? In the case of men, special emphasis is usually placed on the size of the penis, but in women, the shape, arrangement and even coloration of the labia are the most common object of scrutiny. As soon as the external genital anatomy of the woman deviates from the norm, complexes and stigma can begin.
On this occasion, we come to break molds and establish that “normality” does not exist, neither in the genital features, nor in the facials nor in any other front that you can think of. “Normal” is a spectrum, so anything that isn’t considered pathological can be a potentially attractive trait. With all these ideas in mind, we present the 10 types of vaginas and their implications at the socio-health level. Don’t miss it.
- We recommend you read: “The 8 parts of the female reproductive system (characteristics and functions)”
What types of vaginas exist?
Before beginning to explore the diversity of the female external genitalia, some groundwork needs to be laid. In a strict sense,the vagina is only the fibromuscular tube that connects the vulva with the uterustag. This muscular tube is about 7.5 centimeters long and its main task is to allow fertilization (the sperm travel through it), sexual pleasure and the exit of the baby to the external environment during childbirth. At this delicate moment, the cervical opening can extend up to 10 centimeters in diameter.
If we follow this definition, we must recognize that at a medical level it is not correct to refer to “types of vaginas” if we are going to talk about the external female genitalia, since the vagina itself is internalized. What we are really analyzing is the vulva, made up of the following elements:
- Mount of Venus: A rounded mass of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone. It forms the anterior portion of the vulva and secretes hormones related to sexual attraction. Fatty tissue bearings are covered with hair.
- Labia majora: folds of voluminous and fleshy tissue, whose function is to cover and protect the rest of the external genital organs. Their arrangement is longitudinal and they surround the vulvar cleft.
- Labia minora: very variable in size (almost imperceptible up to 5 centimeters). They are located inside the labia minora and, due to their vascular supply, have a pinkish color. They merge at the top.
- Clitoris: covered by the foreskin (union of the labia minora), this small protuberance is equivalent to the male penis. It is highly innervated and corresponds to the most erogenous zone in the entire woman’s body.
Thus, when we talk about types of vagina, we are really referring to the vulvar conformation, regardless of the length or particularities of the muscular channel that precedes it. With these clear ideas, we present the variety in the female external genitalia.
1. Vagina with asymmetrical labia minora
This type of vagina is characterized by a labia minora that is thicker or longer than the other, which can give it a slightly more “hanging” appearance and breaks the asymmetry of the vulvar structure. It is a completely normal trait and, in addition, professional sources estimate that it is more common than many women and men believe.
2. Vagina with curved labia majora
In this conformation of the vulva, the labia majora are curved “outwards”, touching each other at their ends (as if it were a horseshoe). This external curvature makes the labia minora and other structures a little more exposed.
3. Vagina with prominent labia minora
The labia minora can be longer or more prominent, thus standing out from the set or even protruding in front of the labia majora. Because the irrigation of these structures is greater than that of the adjacent ones,the vagina will present a more pink or reddish color .
4. Vagina with prominent labia majora
Although it does not imply any indication of pathology, vaginas with prominent labia majora are often treated as undesirable aesthetic components in general society. If these are thick and firm, the vagina is said to be bulging or puffy and is not usually paid more attention to. In any case, the problem comes when the lips are more “hanging” or “drooping”.
According to the Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank, in recent years vaginoplasties have increased by 213%. Of all the possible procedures, labia majora lifts (remove skin and fat and tighten structures) are very common. These traits are completely normal, but ideas and stereotypes have taken a toll on the self-confidence of many women around the world.
5. Vagina with hanging labia minora
In this case, the labia minora do not “make their way” in front of the labia majora, but are directly more sagging due to their length. It is another of the most common reasons that encourage nymphoplasty or vulvoplasty. Although it is a completely normal trait, it is possible to “correct” it with an outpatient surgery session in a period of 45 minutes.
Although the risks are minimal, we can only ask ourselves if it is really worth undergoing a procedure to fix something that is perfectly normal. As in everything, in the end the decision is personal.
6. Vagina with hypertrophy of the labia minora
At this point, it should be noted that the aforementioned trait begins to incur the pathological when the length between the midline and the lateral free edge is greater than 4-5 centimeters, that is, the labia minora protrude abnormally. In these cases, symptoms such as irritation of the vulvar area, problems with local hygiene, increased proclivity to infections in the intimate areas and discomfort during sexual intercourse may occur. This condition does require medical treatment.
7. Vagina with hanging labia majora
The same premise as in point number 5 applies, but in this case the most hanging structures are the labia majoratag. The fact that the labia majora protrude beyond intimate clothing can be a problem for women who present them, although in general it is not an extreme bother.
8. Vagina with small and open lips
In this vulvar conformation, the labia majora are small and rest on the pubic bone, leaving the labia minora exposed. Again, due to the increased blood supply to the internal structures, these vaginas tend to have a more pinkish overall color.
9. Vagina with small and closed lips
Something very similar to the previous case, but the labia majora are in close contact , so they fully protect the minors and other internal structures.
10. Vaginas of different colors
Skin color varies naturally based on genetics and environment, and this also applies to the environment of the vulva. According to doctors, the general vaginal colors are pink, red, and shades similar to wine and burgundy. In addition, depending on the state of arousal of the woman, the color of the labia minora can also vary.
The color of the vagina and the secretions that accompany it can indeed be indicative of a pathology, since swollen and redder than normal labia majora and minora are signs of vulvovaginitis. If these abnormal tones are accompanied by purulent or bloody discharge, it’s time to see a doctor.
Summary
As you can see, only two of the features that we have shown in these lines are pathological: a swollen, reddish and purulent vaginal environment and hypertrophy of the labia minora. The rest of the conformations do not report any physiological problem and, therefore, are conceived within the normal variability in the human being.
For all these reasons, we encourage all readers (binary or not) to try to relativize their features and physical conformations, since really all applied criteria are arbitrary and are promoted in meaningless canonstag. If it does not fall into the pathological field, all physical diversity is beautiful.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.