Some people may have pink or purplish labia, while others may have reddish or brown labia. This is because of increased blood flow to the area. See your doctor if:. These could be a sign of yeast infection or other irritation. Your vaginal area is distinct in more ways than just labia appearance. Most people develop pubic hair as a response to rising testosterone levels during puberty. You can have thick hair, thin hair, a lot of hair, a little hair, hair just on your pubic bone or all over your vulva, and, yes, the carpets may not match the drapes.
All of this is absolutely normal. Some vaginal discharge is normal. Sometimes, changes in color and texture are a sign of an underlying condition. See your doctor if your discharge:. These are typically signs of infection, such as yeast vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis , chlamydia , or gonorrhea. All vaginas have a slight odor. Your smell will depend on a variety of factors, including your diet and hormones. Bumps caused by ingrown hairs , pimples , swollen veins , or harmless cysts typically fade after a week or so.
See your doctor if the bump persists or is accompanied by itching, burning, or other unusual symptoms. It could be caused by a sexually transmitted infection or other underlying condition. Labia have dozens of natural variations. They can be small or large, visible or hidden, lopsided or symmetrical.
All are normal and are what make your vulva uniquely yours. A physical examination by a doctor or gynecologist is usually all that is required.
There is no standard of measurement for how large labia should be. In most cases, people do not need treatment. However, if labial hypertrophy causes physical or psychological discomfort, there are treatment options, as follows:. Some people with labial hypertrophy may notice that their discomfort goes away if they stop wearing tight clothing or underwear. Wearing loose-fitting underwear, shorts, and pants may help prevent unnecessary friction in the area.
Wearing natural materials, such as cotton or linen, may also help improve airflow around the vulva. Doctors may also be able to provide women with topical ointments to reduce irritation or manage symptoms.
Choose natural, unscented tampons or menstrual pads, avoiding any additional ingredients or chemicals. Wear a protective pad or use a cushioned seat when doing physical activities that may irritate the labia, such as cycling.
Practice good hygiene and wash with a hypoallergenic soap that is free from harsh chemicals or perfumes. Some people may choose to have surgery to reduce the size of their labia. This involves a procedure called a labioplasty. A labioplasty is typically done for cosmetic reasons and involves removing excess skin and reshaping the labia to be more symmetrical. The surgery usually requires general anesthesia. The surgery may cause bruising or swelling in the vulva, as it heals.
The vulva will also be very delicate during the healing process. People will need to take extra care to keep the area clean and dry to avoid infections or bleeding.
Doctors may also advise people to avoid friction and wear loose clothing while the labia recover. Our research team wanted to learn what was in popular websites advertising Australian clinics, and analysed 31 websites in The same or similar websites came up in our search this week. Although most websites acknowledged that vulvas were naturally diverse, they used language that pathologised any appearance other than a Barbie doll.
According to one doctor:. The primary goal of labiaplasty is to reduce the size of the labia by surgically removing excess skin and shaping it into a more youthful and attractive form. These doctors reinforced the idea of binary sex, in which women must look undeniably female, with no visible clitoris.
According to one website:. The truth is that relationships, exercise, even dressing can be negatively impacted by a large inner or outer labia. There is no evidence to suggest that labiaplasty surgery can reduce problems with recurrent thrush or address hygiene concerns or problems.
Some even vary in size and color from left to right and front to back! So, if your labia have always looked this way, then this is "normal" for you. During puberty and throughout life as bodies mature, your labia may change due to hormones, pregnancy and childbirth, or simply because of aging. Some women have explored their labia but, like the two of you, wonder if they are "normal. Looking at your vulva in a mirror allows you to become more familiar with your one-of-a-kind flower.
Knowing what your labia usually looks like and regularly performing this basic self-exam will help you detect any changes that may cause concern if you do notice changes, consider making an appointment with a health care provider. It may also be helpful to think about the source s of these labial insecurities. Are you simply curious about what is considered normal?
Has someone commented on the size or shape of your labia? American standards of beauty affect us in different ways — could the desire for symmetry be influenced by a perfection-obsessed media?
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