We have an unfair tendency to forget how important our intimate sphere is. We belittle its role or completely avoid the subject. Out of shame, fear... Well, you know us a bit already - you know that these words do not exist in our dictionary ;)
Vaginal functions
- During intercourse, the male penis is inserted into the vagina, and his ejaculation inside it can lead to fertilization – so we are talking about a procreative function .
- It is the culmination of the reproductive system – thanks to its properties, the vagina enables so-called natural childbirth.
- It is the outlet for menstrual blood during menstruation.
Menstrual blood, depending on the intensity of the period, can take on different colors. During spotting , it is often brown because it slowly flows down the vaginal walls and clots. When the bleeding is intense and abundant , it takes on a bright red color. Sometimes clots appear in menstrual blood .
The structure of the vagina and vulva
The vagina is the internal, final part of the female reproductive system. Some people use the word "vagina" interchangeably, but this is a broader term that also includes the external part surrounding the vagina. It consists of:
- labia (larger – outer and smaller – inner) – their task is to protect the reproductive tract against mechanical injuries and infections;
- clitoris – a highly innervated and vascularized organ that is the most erogenous point in the body; according to research, clitoral stimulation is the most common way to achieve orgasm during intercourse;
- pubic mound – located above the labia minora; serves as a protective barrier against the pubic bone during intercourse.
The appearance of the labia is a common complex that arouses a lot of uncertainty and embarrassment, especially during intimate encounters. Their irregular structure can cause pain during intercourse (then it is not only an aesthetic problem). However, not every asymmetry means an abnormality. Interestingly, in many cultures, the irregular appearance of the labia is treated quite the opposite - as something natural or even desirable! In medical terminology, there is a term "Hottentot apron" - the name comes from an African tribe and means an enlarged labia, which is considered extremely attractive among the Hottentots!
We also encourage you to read our article: shaving intimate areas .
Labia majora (outer labia)
They are made up of two longitudinal folds of skin. Their outer part is convex and covered with skin, under the surface of which are glands and hair follicles. The inner part, on the other hand, is moist and less concave. In young people, the labia majora are tense and adhere to each other, with age they can become increasingly loose (for example, after childbirth or simply due to the natural loss of collagen in the skin).
Labia minora (inner labia)
These are thin, hairless folds of skin visible when the outer lips are parted. They should be pinkish-red in color. Incorrect structure of the labia minora (i.e. the aforementioned hypertrophy) is a situation when the outer and inner lips are not proportional to each other and the smaller lips protrude from under the larger ones. In such cases, we talk about the division into labia majora and large, and labia majora and small (smaller) labia . However, these terms can be very misleading, so when looking for information about the appearance of the vulva, you may come across much more "homely" sounding names (which we explain below :)
Appearance of the vulva – what types of lips do we distinguish?
It’s not a revelation to say that every vagina looks different – we all know that our bodies are unique and one of a kind. However, there are certain relationships based on which the appearance of the vagina can be classified into characteristic types. The most popular of them are:
- "Barbie" – a vagina that has small labia majora covering small labia minora, then practically invisible (similarly to other intimate parts, which looks analogous to the structure of the popular doll).
- "Butterfly" - a type in which the large labia minora appear larger because they protrude from beneath the larger labia minora; this can cause pain during intercourse (and even during everyday activities), which is why many people opt for labia reduction surgery (known as labiaplasty).
- Popular "bun" - a type in which large labia majora cover the smaller ones, remaining then almost invisible. If the labia minora are not fully covered, this type is called a horseshoe. "Bun" is a type similar to "barbie", however in the former the labia are larger.
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Asymmetry – a fairly common phenomenon that usually affects the smaller lips; larger and grand lips are less frequently asymmetrical.
What does the vagina look like?
The vagina is an extension of the birth canal. It has a cylindrical shape and is formed by two walls – the front and the back. They are about 3 millimeters thick. The front wall of the vagina is one of the most sensitive and erogenous areas on the body of AFAB people (those whose gender was assigned as female at birth). Its equivalent in the case of AMAB people (those whose gender was assigned as male at birth) is the prostate. The G-spot, which is supposed to be located in the erogenous zone of the vagina, is sometimes referred to as a small (although palpable) "button". However, it is a kind of Holy Grail of sexuality – there is no clear evidence that could prove its existence. Radiological studies conducted during numerous scientific expertise have not confirmed the existence of an autonomous part other than the clitoris that can be responsible for orgasm.
The entrance to the vagina is located in the vestibule of the vagina, right next to the urethral opening. It is surrounded from the outside by the labia minora. On the border of the vestibule and the vagina proper there may be a hymen (also called a hymen) , which is formed during fetal life. We distinguish the following types:
- annular,
- semilunar,
- perforated,
- fused.
The hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane whose functions relate more to the cultural concept and perception of sexuality than to a specific role in the body. Contrary to popular belief, in most people the hymen only partially covers the vaginal opening – it is usually stretched during first intercourse. This moment is called defloration and is culturally associated with the loss of virginity .
In the upper part, the structure of the vagina changes and its shape begins to resemble the letter H more. At the top of the vagina is the shaft, where the sperm is collected, and behind which the uterus is located .
The vaginal walls have a three-layer structure, which consists of:
- Outer membrane – made of connective tissue, which in the upper part takes on a more compact form.
- Muscle membrane – it is formed by smooth muscles interwoven with connective tissue. The boundary separating it from the mucous membrane is unclear, which results from the arrangement of venous plexuses, which build a small thickening.
- Mucous membrane – is grey-red in colour and has numerous folds and wrinkles, which usually smooth out with each delivery. Additionally, the mucous membrane is divided into two layers. These are: lamina propria (made up of elastic fibres) and vaginal epithelium (non-keratinising squamous epithelium with a multi-layered structure).
The exfoliating vaginal epithelium and cervical mucus create a secretion that moisturises the vaginal wall membranes. It is white in colour and contains about 5 per mille of lactic acid, produced by microbes that make up the natural bacterial flora of the vagina.
Beauty in diversity – the shape, color and smell of the vagina
We already know the anatomical structure and internal appearance of the vagina – we also know what it is made of and what functions it fulfills in our body. You probably didn't expect that it would end there, did you? ;)
The vulva takes on a variety of colors - pink, raspberry, purple, and sometimes even brown! However, you should not worry about this discrepancy. However, an intense, red color on the outside of the vagina can be disturbing, especially if it is accompanied by itching, burning or pain in the labia. This is often the result of intimate infections , wearing inappropriate, constricting underwear or pads and liners containing plastics.
The smell of the discharge from the vagina depends on the cervical mucus, which contains exfoliated cells of the vaginal epithelium, as well as bacteria that are a natural part of the bacterial flora of the intimate areas. These factors can cause a slightly sour, although not unpleasant, smell from the vagina. Remember that the cervical mucus is influenced by the phases of the menstrual cycle . If it starts to worry us or we notice any irregularities during the cycle (both in the color and smell of the vagina) - you should consult a gynecologist to rule out possible infections.
Also read our articles on vaginal dryness and vaginal wetness .
Vagina Length – How Long Is It? What Does It Matter?
Many people often wonder whether the depth of the vagina can affect the quality of sexual life and orgasm, and whether its insufficient length will not negatively affect the experience of childbirth. It's time to dispel these doubts!
- The vaginal length is usually between 6 and 8 centimeters, although similar articles sometimes give information on a range from 7 to even 15 centimeters.
- The structure of the vagina allows it to stretch and expand significantly, which is especially valuable during a "natural" delivery in order to bring the baby out through the vaginal opening.
- The excitement caused by sexual stimulation also affects the length of the vagina, so that even a generously sized penis can usually fit inside it without any problems.
So why do some people have trouble having and enjoying intimate intercourse?
The length of the vagina is an individual matter and may vary from person to person. However, achieving satisfaction and deriving pleasure from intercourse is influenced not only by the structure of the genitals, but also by psychological conditions. Fear of unplanned pregnancy, traumas or other personal experiences and experiences can cause unconditional contractions and make it difficult to insert the penis through the then tight entrance to the vagina. Another reason that makes it difficult to be satisfied with sexual intercourse may seem trivial - we are talking about insufficient external stimulation of the clitoris and other erogenous zones. After all, achieving orgasm is possible not only through vaginal penetration.
How does the structure of the vagina affect the quality of sexual intercourse?
The vagina is an innervated and extremely sensitive organ. Its walls are nourished by the vaginal artery, which is a branch of the uterine artery. The vaginal nerves come from the uterovaginal plexus. This location makes the vagina sensitive to tactile stimuli and, with proper stimulation, can ensure orgasm .
As sexual arousal increases, not only the length but also the appearance of the vagina changes. In the next phase of intercourse, after sexual arousal and stimulation, the genitals are congested - the labia and clitoris become swollen, and the inside of the vagina is even more moisturized under the influence of the natural lubricant produced.
The aforementioned vaginal length usually has little effect on the quality of sexual intercourse. In some situations, however, the structure of the vagina can worsen the sensations during intercourse. People whose vaginal length is shorter than average may experience pain during intercourse due to the size of the partner's penis or the intensity of penetration. In the opposite case, the vagina may be too loose, often after childbirth or improper suturing of a torn or cut perineum.
You can read more about pain during intercourse in our article: Dyspareunia – what is it and how is it treated?
Does the vagina return to its original state after childbirth?
So-called natural childbirth is possible thanks to the elasticity and extensibility of the vagina.
After a natural birth, the vagina is usually red, swollen and loose. This is of course due to the pressure of the baby's head and body coming out of the birth canal. The strongly stretched vagina usually lasts from 6 to 8 weeks.
The vagina regenerates and can return to its original diameter (usually 2 to 3 centimetres), but the duration of this process is influenced by:
- the circumstances of the birth (how long the pushing lasted, whether there were any complications),
- child's weight and height,
- possible incision or tearing of the perineum (this is a relatively common procedure, especially during the first delivery),
- number of deliveries,
- Kegel exercises (both before and after childbirth) .
Vaginal hygiene – what should you pay attention to?
As mentioned earlier, bacteria that are part of the bacterial flora produce lactic acid, which is responsible for providing an acidic environment inside the vagina. The normal vaginal pH is between 3.6 and 4.5 in people of reproductive age. Maintaining the right acidity can be helped by proper hygiene of intimate areas, which additionally reduces the risk of unpleasant and troublesome infections.
How to take care of vaginal hygiene?
- You should wash your intimate areas 1 to 2 times a day (unlike during your period, when you should do it much more often, preferably every time you change a pad or tampon).
Gentle gels containing lactic acid are recommended for washing – it is worth remembering to avoid perfumed products with long and incomprehensible compositions when choosing. Your KAYA intimate hygiene fluid meets both of these conditions. It will take care of even the most sensitive skin, and you will also smile at the natural environment (the bottle is made of recycled plastic). Use the fluid for external hygiene, gently washing the labia.
- Vaginal douches are also not recommended (they can dry out the vaginal mucosa and wash away the valuable lactobacilli).
- It is worth paying attention to the material our underwear is made of – it should be natural and breathable. Synthetic fabrics can cause painful and unpleasant vaginal irritation.
- A similar issue applies to menstrual protection – it is worth choosing products made of organic cotton, because synthetic materials do not allow the skin to “breathe” and can irritate it.
We took this advice to heart when creating our pads and tampons - both products are proudly GOTS certified, as they are made from 100% organic cotton. Their other elements (such as covers and inserts) are made from a biopolymer made from corn starch. Safe for you and the environment, they will provide maximum protection during menstruation.
- A proper diet and supplementation of products containing live bacteria cultures are also important. You should avoid consuming excessive amounts of sugar, because they promote the development of infections.
Photographer Laura Dodsworth photographed the vaginas of 100 people and interviewed them about their relationships with their intimate spheres. The result is a collection of beautiful images accompanied by lovely, moving, and sometimes shocking and painful stories. The whole thing creates a wonderful manifesto of diversity, celebration of one's body and the respect and gratitude with which we should surround it.
Created at: 05/08/2022
Updated at: 13/06/2023
