Are my labia okay?

What is a vulva?

Let's start with the basics!

The vulva is the set of external genitalia of the female reproductive system. It consists of:

• inner and outer labia , and according to the older nomenclature: smaller and larger (Where do these additional names come from? The labia often have irregular shapes and sizes – that is why the terms "outer" and "inner" are sometimes considered more professional and accurate than "smaller" and "larger". We use them interchangeably in the text .),
• anterior and posterior commissures of the labia minora,
• frenulum of the labia minora,
• the clitoris (which includes the foreskin and the clitoral frenulum),
• vestibule of the vagina.

The vulva is a kind of shield protecting the internal organs (vagina) from various types of infections and damage. Its structure and innervation also determine other, additional functions:

• The pubic mound and outer labia become covered with pubic hair during puberty – they are therefore a reliable carrier of information related to sexual development.
• The structure and strong innervation of the vulva also influence pleasure during intercourse.

In this text, we will tell you a little more about the labia themselves. Many people struggle with complexes about them, which is why they give up many activities and sometimes withdraw from sexual life . Appearance is one thing - but sometimes it happens that irregularities in the structure of the lips also cause significant discomfort and pain . In such cases, consultation with a doctor is necessary, and sometimes surgical treatment.

Outer labia

• The labia majora/outer labia are folds of skin that are an extension of the pubic mound. Between them is the vulvar cleft.
• They surround the labia minora (inner lips) on two sides.
• They consist mainly of fat tissue.
• They are covered with pubic hair.
• They are very strongly innervated (which, when caressed appropriately, can significantly affect the satisfaction with intercourse).

Inner labia

• The labia minora are located between the external folds of skin and close the vaginal vestibule, where they smoothly pass into the mucous membrane.
• These are very thin, hairless folds of skin.
• They are quite richly supplied with blood, which explains their often bright pink color (it may vary depending on the complexion).
• The function of the inner labia is to protect the vagina against infections and mechanical injuries.

Types of labia majora

So there is beauty in diversity :)

It won't be groundbreaking to say that labia can be different for each person and that there is no single canon or ideal model for their appearance, but we often forget about it. Labia can be larger or smaller , symmetrical or asymmetrical , thin or thick ...

Their color is similarly diverse - from vivid pink through purple to brown. These colors do not necessarily indicate pathologies or infections, but in the case of unpleasant symptoms accompanying them, you should immediately go to a doctor.

Types of vulva structure

Here are some of them:

• when the labia minora are covered by the folds of the labia majora – sometimes called "barbie",
• when the labia minora protrude from beneath the labia majora (you may hear the term "butterfly").
• the type called "horseshoe" (or "muffin"; very similar to "barbie") - the labia minora are covered by the labia majora, which are much more prominent and more protruding.

These additional names (in quotation marks) were quite popular at one time, a kind of mental shortcut. They are not used very often these days – so we are providing them more as a curiosity, although it may happen that you hear them in conversation or notice them when looking for some information about them.

It is known that there are as many bodies as there are people, and each of them is different and unique . It is therefore impossible to capture all types of their structure in one specific way!

Labia asymmetry is extremely common. Well, it's physiology! Infections in the mother's womb may be the cause of congenital hyperplasia, but it may just as well be a natural state not caused by a disease entity. Our other physical "pairs", i.e. breasts , are also often not one hundred percent symmetrical - and that's okay (as long as it doesn't cause any unpleasant symptoms)!

Swollen Labia – What Causes Them?

Swollen labia (or one of them) should not always be a cause for concern. It can result from various experiences, such as hormone therapy or intimate piercing. However, if swollen labia are accompanied by other persistent symptoms (such as itching and burning), you should not deal with this problem on your own and should consult a specialist.

Hypertrophy of the labia minora

Hypertrophy of the inner labia majora in the fetal period and in infancy is normal. It usually regresses spontaneously. However, it may persist or develop later in life.

Hypertrophy of the labia minora is a condition in which the labia minora are not covered by the labia majora. This condition is also called the Hottentot apron. The name comes from the African tribe of the Hottentots, among whom hypertrophy of the labia minora is considered beautiful and even desirable.

Enlarged inner labia – causes

Hypertrophy of the labia minora can be congenital or acquired. The causes of its development are not fully established. Some people are born with it, others may "acquire" it as a result of, for example, chronic inflammation.

Overly large labia can cause discomfort and worsen the quality of sexual life, making it difficult for the penis to enter the vagina and thus causing pain. Enlarged labia can sometimes prevent you from doing sports (such as riding a bike). Enlarged labia minora can also affect libido and sexual drive - many people suffer from complexes related to this condition and feel ashamed during intimate intercourse. However, it sometimes happens that it is simply a "cosmetic" problem.

What is labiaplasty?

This is a surgical procedure in the field of aesthetic gynecology, but many people are inclined to it to improve the functionality of the labia. Their structure can determine not only pain, but also more frequent infections .

During labiaplasty, the labia are corrected and reshaped in such a way that they not only gain an optimal appearance, but above all enable normal functioning.

Sometimes the labia are too small – then they are filled with preparations containing hyaluronic acid. The doctor may also suggest autograft of fat tissue.

Labiaplasty can therefore correct asymmetry and any irregularities in the shape of the lips (such as labia hypertrophy or deformities, for example, after childbirth). The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, although some people opt for general anesthesia.

Labiaplasty concerns both the labia minora (labiominoroplasty) and the labia majora (labiomajoroplasty).

What are the contraindications to the procedure?

Labiaplasty is not recommended in cases of ongoing infections and genital cancers. Surgical treatment should not be performed in the case of a number of concomitant diseases (for example, problems with blood clotting). The doctor may also advise against surgical intervention due to unrealistic expectations regarding labiaplasty.

Diseases of the labia

Here's some information straight from the doctor's office ;) Here are some of the diseases affecting the labia:

Bartholin gland inflammation

At the back of the labia are the vestibular glands (Bartholin glands). Their function is to produce mucus, which is to moisten the epithelium around the vagina. They also facilitate the pleasure of intercourse. In the case of a bacterial infection, inflammation may occur, the symptoms of which are:

• severe pain, even resulting in problems with free movement,
• redness and swelling,
• most often unilateral enlargement of the labia minora,
• lump (bulging at the vaginal vestibule).

Progressive swelling can block the flow of mucus, and if the gland becomes infected, it can cause an additional Bartholin gland abscess. In the initial stage of treatment, antibiotic therapy is usually sufficient. Sometimes, however, surgery is necessary, during which the abscess is cut and its contents are removed.

Genital herpes

It is caused by the Herpes simplex viruses . Viral skin lesions usually appear on the labia. Infection occurs through sexual intercourse with a carrier, but the virus can also be transmitted from other parts of the body (for example, from the oral cavity) - but these are rare cases, because we are talking about a different type of HSV.

Psst! You can read more about this inanother article on our blog.

Lichen

Scleroderma

This disease mainly affects people in the postmenopausal period – it is a whitish, lumpy changes and calluses on the labia. They are most often accompanied by:

• painful urination,
• itching and burning,
• pain during intercourse.

The causes of the disease lie in hormonal fluctuations associated with the postmenopausal drop in estrogen levels in the body. Lichen may occur in the course of vulvar cancer, so the doctor usually takes a biopsy for further, more accurate diagnosis.

Flat

It is a type of inflammatory, autoimmune disease characterized by the appearance of lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. The following varieties may appear in the genital area:

• erosive,
• spinous-nodular,
• hypertrophic form of lichen planus.

The most common form is the erosive form. In its course, painful erosions are observed, appearing as shiny, white lumps and spots. Untreated erosive lichen planus can lead to extensive ulceration and deformity of the labia.

Fungal infection of the labia

It almost always occurs concurrently with vaginal thrush . It is caused by fungi of the Candida species . Symptoms of infection include:

• reddened labia,
• itching and burning,
• painful urination,
• white, lumpy vaginal discharge.

Vulvar cancer

It is one of the least frequently diagnosed cancers in women. It used to affect mainly people over 60, but it is increasingly being diagnosed at a younger age. The causes of vulvar cancer are mainly bacterial and viral infections (for example, infection with the human papillomavirus HPV). Cigarette smoking is also a risk factor.

Vulvar cancer can present as an ulcer or a single lump on the lips or clitoris. If the lumps are small, sometimes the doctor decides to remove them in their entirety, but full diagnosis and treatment depend on the results of a biopsy and other detailed tests.

Read our article about another intimate discomfort - vulvodynia .

Labia – how to care for them?

• Use gentle, fragrance-free intimate hygiene fluids (preferably those containing lactic acid, which helps maintain the balance of bacterial flora).
• When washing, the best tool is simply your hands – avoid using any type of sponge or washcloth to prevent infection and the transfer of bacteria to delicate intimate areas.
• Especially during your period, avoid long, hot baths – a lukewarm shower will be better.
• Wash your labia in a front-back direction, from the vagina towards the anus – this will prevent microorganisms from the anus area from transferring to the vulva.
• And an obvious but worth mentioning issue: do not use the same towel as the rest of your household. In addition, it is a good idea to use two towels - one for intimate areas, the other for the rest of the body.

And if you want to learn how to shave properly, we encourage you to read the articles: shaving intimate areas and how to get rid of pimples after shaving?

Action – observation (and acceptance!)

We know how difficult it is to find your way in the world of ubiquitous canons of beauty. Remember: as I mentioned earlier, beauty lies in diversity, but your interference in the appearance of your labia is no reason to be ashamed. Let's just do it so that it feels good to us!

Let's accept and love our bodies - although it is difficult, they do a titanic job every day :)