The vagina and the external structures of the vulva naturally range in shape, color, and size. There are no specific types of vagina, but each person’s vagina will have its own characteristics.
Is my vagina normal?
There is no such thing as a normal vagina. Each person’s vagina, which is the internal female genitals, and the vulva, which is the external part, are different.
Overall, most people’s vaginas have a similar shape, but they can vary widelyTrusted Source in terms of:
- length and width
- shape of the labia, or lips
- amount of pubic hair
The vulva includes many structures, such as the labia majora and labia minora, or inner and outer lips. These are folds of skin that surround the vaginal and urethral openings.
Depending on the size and shape of the external structures, the appearance of the vulva can vary widely. This has been proven by researchTrusted Source showing a large variability in vulva shapes.
Outer lips
The outer lips of the vulva, or the labia majora, are longer in some people. The lips may hang low, and the skin may seem thin, or they may be thick and puffy.
The outer lips are usually relatively smooth and do not fold as much as the inner lips.
Inner lips
It is typical for the inner lips, or labia minora, to be visible. They may dangle below the outer lips or otherwise be prominent.
One inner lip may be longer than the other. Asymmetry in the labia is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Some people may have short inner lips that the outer lips hide. In others, the outer and inner lips are of similar length.