Holmes explains that when young girls notice bumps or irritation around the vulva, they assume they have a yeast infection. “If they change in color or the borders change, just like with any mole, we would consider removing.” Are bumps normal?īumps can be a normal reaction to shaving. “We don’t remove them, but we do keep an eye on them,” she says. Most of the time, moles are nothing to worry about, according to Dr. But if there’s a mole on the vulva, you should have your doctor take a look and monitor it over time. It can vary from pink to various shades of brown.
#Type of vagina shapes skin
The color inside the labia majora and the rest of the inner vulva can take on any skin tone. “There is no color that ever worries me, unless there’s a mole, where there’s a small area of discoloration,” Dr. Holmes, you should schedule an appointment with your OB/GYN “if your labia minora protrude a long way from your vulva, and get chafed, swollen, red, or irritated.” Is the color of my vagina normal? The only reason you should be worried? According to Dr. Going through these physical changes is natural and expected, and just because your vagina may look different than it used to, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with it. That’s when the labia minora grow, so they can get longer, darker in color, and wrinkly.” “From birth until puberty, the labia minora are tiny and barely even there, but at puberty, a girl starts releasing hormones. “When you’re born, you have labia majora, clitoris, and labia minora (the smaller lips on the inside),” she says. Holmes, unease about your vulva’s appearance usually comes about right after puberty, because that's when they grow and change in appearance. Holmes recommends that you ask your doctor mostly for reassurance.Īccording to Dr.
Vulvas come in a tremendous variety of shapes, sizes, and physical features. Are the size and shape of my labia normal? “We have a ton of sweat glands in our groin and wherever our pubic hair should be growing, so it’s natural,” she says. Holmes reassures us that “everybody has a bit of an odor around their vulva that’s musty and sweat-like.” So don’t feel worried or self-conscious if you have a natural odor. This could be a sign of an infection like bacterial vaginosis, which is a condition caused by a build-up of bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And while brown discharge before or after your period is normal, if it’s happening frequently, you should get it checked.Īs for vaginal odor, a strong, fishy smell is a reason for concern. If your discharge is green or dark yellow, you should probably see your healthcare provider or call up your OB/GYN. Normal vaginal discharge is white to yellow, and can be more yellow when it’s dry. Holmes explains that while vaginal discharge is almost always normal, what’s not normal is if the color or odor has changed, or if you’re itching or burning. However, there are some types of vaginal discharge that might signal that there’s something wrong down there.ĭr. Yes! Vaginal discharge is completely normal - it’s how your vagina maintains its healthy, clean, and balanced environment. Holmes about some fascinating features of the vagina, including vaginal discharge, bumps, and all the different shapes, sizes, and colors vaginas can be. But if you still have questions (and we totally understand why you would), we’re here to help. Melisa Holmes, a pediatric and adolescent gynecologist at Greenville Health System and the co-founder of non-profit teen sex ed organization Girlology, the vagina is simply the canal that connects your uterus and cervix to the “outside world.” That means that everything you see from the outside - inner and outer labia (lips), clitoris, vaginal opening, and urethra - is the vulva.Īgain, all variations of vulvas are considered normal, so chances are, your vulva is totally fine.
Second, it’s a very common misconception that everything “down there” is called your vagina, but what you’re calling your vagina is actually your vulva.Īccording to Dr. First, vaginas come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors, and these are all considered normal. But before we begin, let’s clear some things up. The changes you experience, or the discussions you have with your friends, may lead you to wonder, is my vagina normal? Well the short answer is, yes, your vagina is most likely normal. As you go through puberty, it’s normal to have questions about perhaps some of the lesser-known areas of your body, such as your vagina.
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