Are There Different Types of Vaginas?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsShapesSizeColorHairDischargeBleedingSmellWhen to Call a Provider

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Shapes

Size

Color

Hair

Discharge

Bleeding

Smell

When to Call a Provider

While they may perform the same functions, no two vaginas are alike. Together, your vagina and vulva have unique traits that define their shape, color, and size. Factors such ashormones, childbirth, and age can cause these traits to change during your lifetime.Infectionsand other health conditions can also trigger changes.

Is My Vagina “Normal?“There is a wide range of genitalia, and all of them are considered normal. Appearances vary from woman to woman. While there are normal ranges of the way a vagina looks and smells, individual characteristics make your vagina unique.

Is My Vagina “Normal?”

There is a wide range of genitalia, and all of them are considered normal. Appearances vary from woman to woman. While there are normal ranges of the way a vagina looks and smells, individual characteristics make your vagina unique.

The vaginal shape is often described based on the appearance of the labia, or vaginal lips. There are two sets of labia:

The labia, along with theurethraandclitoris, are part of the vulva, the external portion of the female genitalia. The vulva acts as a protective gateway between your body’s internal and external environments.

Based on the results of these studies, there are nine general categories of vulva and labia shape. They include:

Outer Lips

The outer lips are the outermost folds of skin on your vulva. They are located on either side of thevaginal introitus(vaginal opening). They are usually fleshy and covered withpubic hair. They can vary in color from pink to brownish-black. Their color can change as you age. The appearance of normal outer lips can be long or short, or smooth or wrinkled.

Depending on your vaginal shape, your outer lips may or may not hide the inner lips. It is also possible for the outer lips to be so large that they interfere with your comfort, even though their structure may be considered normal.

Inner Lips

The inner lips are the two inner folds of skin that surround your vagina. The inner lips are located under the outer lips. The space that exists between the two inner lips is known as the vestibule, which consists of the vaginal opening). The inner lips protect the vaginal opening and urethra.

It is common for the inner lips to be visible. They begin at your clitoris and end under the opening of your vagina. They can vary in size and shape and may not both be the same size. Like the outer lips, your inner lips can be smooth or wrinkled, long or short, and considered normal.

Inside the Vagina

The inside of your vagina is configured like a tube with a slight dilation at the cervix. The vagina occurs in a “V” or funnel shape, though the width at the widest point can vary. The configuration may help make childbirth easier.

The inside of your vagina is lined with folds, ridges, and bumps, known as vaginal rugae. These bumps are more prominent during your fertile years. They help your vaginal canal expand and make the lining likely to tear during sex or childbirth. The vaginal canal is usually smooth in texture before puberty and after menopause.

The Hymen

Regardless of how it appears, the hymen must be open to allow menstrual blood and normal secretions to flow out of the vagina. When this does not occur, a hymen variant is typically treated with ahymenectomy(a procedure in which excess tissue is removed, leaving a more typical-sized hymen).

The different types of hymen variations include:

Imperforate Hyman

The imperforate hymen does not open up. Instead, it completely covers the opening to the vagina. In this position, it blocks menstrual blood and other secretions from exiting the vagina.

It is usually diagnosed during puberty when an adolescent girl presents with abdominal or pelvic pain and difficulty urinating but has no menstrual period. This occurs because the vagina becomes filled with menstrual blood that is unable to exit the body via the vagina.

Microperforate Hymen

The microperforate hymen is a condition in which the hymen has a very small opening. While the opening is large enough to allow menstrual blood and vaginal secretions to exit the vagina, it is too small for tampons or vaginal intercourse. If a tampon can fit, it may be difficult to remove after expanding with menstrual blood.

Cribform Hymen

A cribform hymen has several very small openings. While menstrual blood and vaginal secretions can flow out of the vagina, this type of hymen cannot accommodate a tampon or sexual intercourse.

Septate Hymen

A septate hymen has a band of extra tissue in the middle that results in two small vaginal openings instead of one. Menstrual blood and vaginal secretions can flow out of the vagina, but it may not be possible to use a tampon or have vaginal intercourse.

Female Anatomy and Function

According to a study that measured the length, width, and angles of vaginas, the average length of a vagina is just under 4 inches. Vaginal length can measure up to 7 to 7.5 inches in some people.

Variations in vaginal color can align with the color of the skin on the rest of your body. However, it is normal for vaginal skin to be a different color.

The color of the labia is used to describe vaginal color. Typical labial color can range from pink to purple to brown or black. Color changes can reflect shifts in hormone levels and variations in blood flow to the area. Normal labial color can appear darker when you’re aroused or paler as you age.

While it may be normal for your skin, a chronic red vulva could indicate ayeast infection. A red-purple vulva could indicatelichen simplex chronicus, a chronic vulva irritation that occurs for weeks or months.

Pubic hair protects your genitals from dirt and bacterial illnesses. In most people, it covers the labia majora to the inner thighs and forms a triangular shape up to the pubic bone. Pubic hair can vary in thickness. It can also grow a different color from the hair on your head depending on wheremelanin(a substance that gives hair, skin, and the eyes their color) is concentrated throughout the body.

Certain medical conditions can trigger the overgrowth or undergrowth of pubic hair.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition linked with higher testosterone levels in women, can trigger the growth of excess pubic hair. Aging and issues such asalopecia(condition causing hair loss) or adrenal disease can cause the loss or thinning of pubic hair.

All vaginas produce fluids for lubrication.Vaginal dischargealso helps maintain the balance among healthy bacteria, cells, and yeast to maintain vaginal health. While the amount and consistency of vaginal discharge can vary among individuals, it can also help you determine your vaginal health. Normal discharge has the following characteristics:

Premenopausal people secrete about one-half to 1 teaspoon (2 to 5 milliliters) of vaginal discharge daily. This can vary at different points during themenstrual cycle. Factors such as pregnancy and the use of birth control pills, patches, or rings can also affect the amount and type of discharge produced.

Changes from the typical color, amount, and odor of your discharge may indicate a vaginal infection. Signs of a vaginal infection can include vaginal discharge with the following characteristics :

While there is a range of what’s considered normal menstrual bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding can involve:

Normal vaginal smells can vary and include the following:

Abnormal vaginal smells can occur due to an infection such as bacterial vaginosis.Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such astrichomoniasis, can also produce an abnormal vaginal odor. A vaginal smell that indicates a medical problem typically is strong and fishy, or otherwise foul-smelling.

When to Call a Healthcare Provider

While there is a wide range of normal vaginal behavior, having the following symptoms may indicate a potential problem. Call your primary care provider or gynecologist if you have any of the following symptoms:

Summary

Your vagina plays a key role in normal body functions that include menstrual flow, childbirth, and sexual satisfaction. Most healthy vaginas are considered “normal” no matter their shape, size, or color.

Like other personal features, your vagina is a unique part of you. It’s important to know and understand how your own vagina looks so you are aware when changes occur.

Like your physical build and facial features, your vagina is a unique part of you and should not be compared to other people’s. Contact your healthcare provider if you’re unsure about the vaginal features you have or changes that occur. A provider can offer support and determine if there is a cause for concern.

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25 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Vulvovaginal health.Luo J, Betschart C, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JO.Quantitative analyses of variability in normal vaginal shape and dimension on MR images.Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(7):1087-1095. doi:10.1007/s00192-016-2949-0Kreklau A, Vâz I, Oehme F, et al.Measurements of a ‘normal vulva’ in women aged 15-84: a cross-sectional prospective single-centre study.BJOG. 2018;125(13):1656-1661. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.15387Brodie K, Alaniz V, Buyers E, et al.A study of adolescent female genitalia: what is normal?.J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019;32(1):27-31. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2018.09.007Natural Cycle.Labia: 9 types of vagina shapes, colors, and sizes.Planned Parenthood.What are the parts of the female sexual anatomy?Osmosis.Labia minora.Appelbaum AH, Zuber JK, Levi-D’Ancona R, Cohen HL.Vaginal anatomy on MRI: new information obtained using distention.South Med J. 2018;111(11):691-697. doi:10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000889Columbia University.Why is the inside of my vagina bumpy?Moussaoui D, Abdulcadir J, Yaron M.Hymen and virginity: What every paediatrician should know.J Paediatr Child Health. 2022;58(3):382-387. doi:10.1111/jpc.15887Center for Young Women’s Health.Types of hymens.National Children’s.Hymen variants.Columbia Health.How deep is the average vagina and does it elongate when something’s in it?Planned Parenthood.I know a vagina can stretch in width, but can it stretch in depth?Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.Is my vagina normal?Columbia University.Is it a problem if my vagina is purple?Axia Women’s Health.What’s up, down there: everything you’ve wanted to know about pubic hair.Sim M, Logan S, Goh L.Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care.smedj. June 2020:297-301. doi:10.11622/smedj.2020088UpToDate.Patient education: vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics).Paladine HL, Desai UA.Vaginitis: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(5):321-329.American Academy of Family Physicians.Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.Bringham and Women’s Hospital.Abnormal uterine bleeding.Medicover Hospitals.What are the causes, symptoms and treatnemt for vaginal odor?Houston Methodist. 7 signs you should see a gynecologist.Mayo Clinic.Vagina: what’s typical, what’s not.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Vulvovaginal health.Luo J, Betschart C, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JO.Quantitative analyses of variability in normal vaginal shape and dimension on MR images.Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(7):1087-1095. doi:10.1007/s00192-016-2949-0Kreklau A, Vâz I, Oehme F, et al.Measurements of a ‘normal vulva’ in women aged 15-84: a cross-sectional prospective single-centre study.BJOG. 2018;125(13):1656-1661. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.15387Brodie K, Alaniz V, Buyers E, et al.A study of adolescent female genitalia: what is normal?.J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019;32(1):27-31. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2018.09.007Natural Cycle.Labia: 9 types of vagina shapes, colors, and sizes.Planned Parenthood.What are the parts of the female sexual anatomy?Osmosis.Labia minora.Appelbaum AH, Zuber JK, Levi-D’Ancona R, Cohen HL.Vaginal anatomy on MRI: new information obtained using distention.South Med J. 2018;111(11):691-697. doi:10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000889Columbia University.Why is the inside of my vagina bumpy?Moussaoui D, Abdulcadir J, Yaron M.Hymen and virginity: What every paediatrician should know.J Paediatr Child Health. 2022;58(3):382-387. doi:10.1111/jpc.15887Center for Young Women’s Health.Types of hymens.National Children’s.Hymen variants.Columbia Health.How deep is the average vagina and does it elongate when something’s in it?Planned Parenthood.I know a vagina can stretch in width, but can it stretch in depth?Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.Is my vagina normal?Columbia University.Is it a problem if my vagina is purple?Axia Women’s Health.What’s up, down there: everything you’ve wanted to know about pubic hair.Sim M, Logan S, Goh L.Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care.smedj. June 2020:297-301. doi:10.11622/smedj.2020088UpToDate.Patient education: vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics).Paladine HL, Desai UA.Vaginitis: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(5):321-329.American Academy of Family Physicians.Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.Bringham and Women’s Hospital.Abnormal uterine bleeding.Medicover Hospitals.What are the causes, symptoms and treatnemt for vaginal odor?Houston Methodist. 7 signs you should see a gynecologist.Mayo Clinic.Vagina: what’s typical, what’s not.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).Vulvovaginal health.

Luo J, Betschart C, Ashton-Miller JA, DeLancey JO.Quantitative analyses of variability in normal vaginal shape and dimension on MR images.Int Urogynecol J. 2016;27(7):1087-1095. doi:10.1007/s00192-016-2949-0

Kreklau A, Vâz I, Oehme F, et al.Measurements of a ‘normal vulva’ in women aged 15-84: a cross-sectional prospective single-centre study.BJOG. 2018;125(13):1656-1661. doi:10.1111/1471-0528.15387

Brodie K, Alaniz V, Buyers E, et al.A study of adolescent female genitalia: what is normal?.J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2019;32(1):27-31. doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2018.09.007

Natural Cycle.Labia: 9 types of vagina shapes, colors, and sizes.

Planned Parenthood.What are the parts of the female sexual anatomy?

Osmosis.Labia minora.

Appelbaum AH, Zuber JK, Levi-D’Ancona R, Cohen HL.Vaginal anatomy on MRI: new information obtained using distention.South Med J. 2018;111(11):691-697. doi:10.14423/SMJ.0000000000000889

Columbia University.Why is the inside of my vagina bumpy?

Moussaoui D, Abdulcadir J, Yaron M.Hymen and virginity: What every paediatrician should know.J Paediatr Child Health. 2022;58(3):382-387. doi:10.1111/jpc.15887

Center for Young Women’s Health.Types of hymens.

National Children’s.Hymen variants.

Columbia Health.How deep is the average vagina and does it elongate when something’s in it?

Planned Parenthood.I know a vagina can stretch in width, but can it stretch in depth?

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials.Is my vagina normal?

Columbia University.Is it a problem if my vagina is purple?

Axia Women’s Health.What’s up, down there: everything you’ve wanted to know about pubic hair.

Sim M, Logan S, Goh L.Vaginal discharge: evaluation and management in primary care.smedj. June 2020:297-301. doi:10.11622/smedj.2020088

UpToDate.Patient education: vaginal discharge in adult women (Beyond the Basics).

Paladine HL, Desai UA.Vaginitis: Diagnosis and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2018;97(5):321-329.

American Academy of Family Physicians.Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

Bringham and Women’s Hospital.Abnormal uterine bleeding.

Medicover Hospitals.What are the causes, symptoms and treatnemt for vaginal odor?

Houston Methodist. 7 signs you should see a gynecologist.

Mayo Clinic.Vagina: what’s typical, what’s not.

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