Vagina lips up close

Maggie Kirkman is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. We may be less familiar with the idea that similar judgements are made about the vulva. The vulva includes the inner lips labia minora and outer lips labia majora , the clitoris, and the vaginal opening. Labia can be long or short, wrinkled or smooth, dark or light. One side is often longer than the other, consistent with the asymmetry of most body parts. The exterior of the clitoris can be pea-sized or as big as a thumb.

Labial hypertrophy is the medical term for when one or both of the vaginal lips or labia is larger than usual. Having enlarged labia is normal and not a cause for concern. Many people are born with large and often asymmetrical labia and experience no negative side effects. People can have surgery to safely change the shape of the labia, though this is not usually necessary. Labial hypertrophy describes the enlargement of the vaginal lips. The labia help cushion the inner vagina and clitoris from friction, impact, and damage. The vaginal lips, or labia, are often asymmetrical, and it is normal for each side to have its own shape.

The vulva is the outer part of the female genitals. The vulva includes the opening of the vagina sometimes called the vestibule , the labia majora outer lips , the labia minora inner lips , and the clitoris. Around the opening of the vagina, there are 2 sets of skin folds. The inner set, called the labia minora , are small and hairless.

Error: This is required. Error: Not a valid value. If you have a problem with your labia, you may — like many women — feel too embarrassed to visit a doctor.