The difference in the shape of the vagina should not be a concern for every woman. If you've ever looked at the shape of the vulva — the outermost part of the vaginal organs including the vagina, labia, and clitoris — and asked, "Am I normal?" rest assured, you're not alone. Differences in shape, color, and size are natural and common.
Many women don't even like the shape of their vaginas. According to Sherry Ross, MD., Ob-Gyn, 1 in 7 women are considering labiaplasty. Even data from the Cosmetic Surgery National Data Bank reports that labiaplasty procedures increased by 213% between 2013-2017.
According to Ross, women need to understand that every vagina has a different type. As long as it does not cause discomfort, there is no reason for a woman to be ashamed and undergo an expensive surgical procedure. It is time for all women in Indonesia to vary the shape of the vagina and why this is normal.
What is the standard of a normal vaginal shape?
There is no set standard by which a woman's vaginal shape is considered normal. Every woman should have a unique and specific shape. The labia, or vaginal lips, can differ from woman to woman. But don't worry, different doesn't mean abnormal.
Anatomically, you can identify the parts of the vagina as follows:
- Vulva: The outer part consisting of the labia (vaginal lips), urethral opening, vaginal opening, and clitoris
- Mons pubis: a hill above the vulva, consisting of a layer of fat that occupies the pubic bone
- Labia majora: Known as the outer labia, is the outer lip of the vagina
- The labia minora: Known as the inner labia are the inner vaginal folds that lie in the outer labia
- Clitoris: A small bulge at the top of the vagina and above the urethra, which is home to a collection of nerves that make the area very sensitive.
- Clitoral lid: piece of meat that covers the clitoris
- Urethra: the hole under the clitoris where urine comes out
- Vaginal Orifice: The opening between the outer and inner labia and below the clitoris and urethra
Get to know the 8 variations of the vaginal shape and why this is normal
- Large or small vagina size
Vaginal size varies in terms of size and length. The average length of the vagina when not aroused is about 6-12 cm or more. The difference in the size of the vagina is also affected by a woman's height and age. Taller women usually have longer vaginas. - Vaginal color other than pink
The color of the skin of the vulva varies as does the color of the skin. Doctors report that the color of the vulva varies such as burgundy, pink, red, and purplish. This difference is also affected by blood flow. As the flow increases, the color of the vulva may turn purple. - Asymmetrical labia
If one labia is smaller or larger than the other, it means you have asymmetric labia. There is nothing to worry about as this is completely normal. The same goes for other organs that can be a size larger, such as eyes, ears, or breasts. This concept also applies to the labia. - Small labia
The small labia minora is normal. Owners of this type have the shape of the labia folded into the vulva or a larger outer labia that covers the labia minora. - Large outer and inner labia
The shape of the labia sticking out beyond the vulva is normal. Some women may have large labia or inside. - The outer labia stick out more
The outer labia may be smaller or shorter. This shape makes the inner labia appear more noticeable. - Inner labia stick out
In contrast, the larger or longer inner labia make the outer labia appear hidden and the inner labia more noticeable. - Big or small clitoris
The size of the clitoris also varies, it can become larger and more sensitive. Every woman has a different clitoral size, ranging from the size of a pea to the size of a thumb.
In addition to the various images of the appearance of the vagina that you can find on the internet, the shape of each woman's vagina can still vary outside of the 8 variations that have been mentioned. The vulva, clitoris, and clitoris cover may differ in shape, size, color, and density. Don't worry if your vagina looks different than it does on the internet. Different does not mean abnormal!