7 Most Common Types of Vaginas, According to Actual Doctors

Due to their intimate nature, we don't usually tend to see (and size up) the different types of vaginas our friends have, so it's hard to know whether or not yours is normal, right? Wrong—they are all normal! But because they're not often talked about, it's easy for people with vaginas to have insecurities about their own.

These insecurities aren't helped by the fact that, aside from not knowing whether your bestie has an "innie" or an "outie," many of us aren't even clued up on what the different parts of our genitals are called. Seriously, hands up if you thought the vulva was the vagina, or the vagina was just the collective name for all your parts combined?

Ultimately, if we lack knowledge about our own anatomy, how can we even tell what's "normal," and what's "not"? Spoiler: No matter the shape, size, or color of your labia, know that it's completely normal and natural. Unless it, you know, physically hurts or has changed recently—in which case, a chat with your doc might be beneficial.

So, to debunk any vagina myths, we spoke to Dr. Mofid Ibraheim MB BCh, MRCOG, an expert surgeon in gynecological procedures at MYA. Thanks to his day job—in which he's seen his fair share of vulvas—it means he was able to pinpoint seven key "types" of labia for us, which have been drawn below.

When Dr. Ibraheim refers to the "labia majora," he's talking about the fleshier outer lips of the vulva. Your "labia minora" on the other hand, are the thinner, inside lips which start below the clitoris and are either visible or not depending on the way your vulva looks.

We also spoke to Dr. Tiffany Pham, board-certified OB-GYN and medical advisor at Flo Health, for her expert take on everything you need to know about your very-normal vulva.

So, instead of wondering what a "normal" vagina is, we thought we'd give you the heads up on what's going on down under.

Vulva vs. Vagina

You're not alone when it comes to being unsure about the names of every part of your nether region. Though it's understandable to feel uncomfortable about getting to know your genital area (mainly because we've been conditioned to not talk about it), regularly looking in the mirror and studying your vagina can actually be a great way to learn more about it. Not only so you actually know what's what down there, but also so you can be aware of any changes and take relevant action.

"The vulva is a generalized term that refers to parts of the female genitalia that can be seen externally," says Dr. Pham. "The vulva is composed of several structures such as the mon pubis (the mound of tissue that is situated over the pubic bone, it is typically covered in pubic hair), labia majora (the outer lips), labia minora (the inner lips), clitoris, urethra (opening that allows for the evacuation of urine), and the vaginal opening."

The vagina, she says, is located internally, and it's a tube-like structure that connects the external vulvar structures to the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. "The vagina plays a role in childbirth and penetrative sexual intercourse, and allows for the passage of menstrual blood to flow from the uterus to the outside of the body," says Dr. Pham.

What Does a Normal Vagina Look Like?

"Normal is a difficult word to use as there is so much variation," says Dr. Rumbi Mutenga, a women's health specialist and former midwife. Why? Because there's not just one version of "normal," and the fact that yours might look different to your bestie's doesn't mean there's anything wrong with either of you.

However, Dr. Mutenga notes that "there are some rare conditions that can cause variations, including having two vaginas (known as uterine didelphys), or Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH), where the uterus (womb) and vagina may not develop properly. But ultimately, it's important to know what is normal for you."

As we've established, the vagina is internal, so unless you're looking up there with a camera, you won't be able to get a good enough glimpse. But, you can learn more about it by feeling the inside with a finger—what you'll find should be a textured tube of flexible tissue. Don't be alarmed if you feel ridges, or if it's not smooth, either. The vagina is full of raised parts, plus has walls that expand and contract when something is inserted. It should also feel wet, but not too wet—although moisture can change at different points in your cycle.

Are My Labia Normal?

According to Dr. Ibraheim, there are more or less seven ways a "normal" set of labia tends to look. There are asymmetrical, prominent inner lips, curved outer lips, closed lips, prominent outer lips, open lips, and visible inner lips. And they're all totally normal ways for your labia to look, which means yours is 100 percent normal, too. The phrase "one size fits all" definitely doesn't apply here.

The problem, says Dr. Mutenga, is that the average person might find the only way to see other vulvas is through porn. Working as a midwife previously and now as a doctor, she explains that she's seen the wide spectrum of normal that encompasses vulvas and vaginas. And, as we all know, what we see in porn isn't a "representative or even realistically attainable 'beauty' standard," she says.

Dr. Pham agrees, noting that there's "quite a range of diversity in size and shape of the labia." She says it's common for the labia to be asymmetrical between both sides, but that other people may have labia minora that protrude beyond the labia majora. On the other hand, she adds that some may have smaller labia minora altogether.

Additionally, pregnancy can affect the appearance of the vagina. Due to the increase in blood flow to the pelvic area, the labia may become more pigmented in color and varicose veins may also develop. After menopause, the size and shape of the labia can change, too. This is because there is a loss of fat tissue within these structures and the labia can become smaller in size.

"Given the diversity in the anatomy of the labia, we should avoid trying to normalize a specific size or shape so as to not cause further pressure for people to try and conform to a single perception of what the labia should look like," Dr. Pham concludes.

Coming at it from a health perspective, Dr. Mutenga also notes that discharge can be a great indicator of your vulva and vaginal health. "It changes in volume and consistency depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle, and some people even utilize these visible changes as part of natural family planning," she says.

"The color, consistency and smell of your discharge can also change to indicate infection," says Dr. Mutenga. "For example, thrush (yeast infection) is associated with cottage cheese-like discharge, bacterial vaginosis is associated with fishy smelling discharge, and green discharge may be an indicator of some sexually transmitted infections."

To ensure optimum vaginal health, Dr. Mutenga also recommends self-inspection with a mirror at least once a month. During these private investigations, you should look for any new moles, skin lesions, or changes on your vulva. If you spot any new changes that may be of concern, she says this should prompt a review with your healthcare provider.

"You can quickly assess your labia in the bath or shower when you are cleaning your genital area," says Dr. Pham. "While it is not necessary to perform a thorough inspection on a regular basis, becoming comfortable with your own anatomy can help to detect abnormalities that may need to be evaluated." Oftentimes "pain, redness, asymmetrical swelling of one side, or a raised bump/lesion/ulcer can indicate that there is an abnormality," she concludes.

Remember: Whether or not your vulva fits exactly into any of the below descriptions, or whether you have variations of a few, unless it's causing you physical discomfort then it really is absolutely normal. All bodies are meant to look different, after all.