Many women are worried that their vulva isn’t “normal.” But, in reality, genitalia comes in all shapes, sizes and colors.
Similarly, fat can accumulate in different areas of the body depending on overall body weight and type. The mons pubis, inner and outer labia, clitoris and the upper pubic area (also called a FUPA) all have dozens of natural variations, which are pretty normal!
Causes
Men often love the idea of a fat pussy because it means more surface area for them to touch, lick and rub. But the vagina doesn’t have to be huge in order for you and your partner to have a good experience during intercourse. It simply has to be healthy and a good size for you.
The vagina is actually a muscular tube that attaches the cervix to your vulva (the external part of the genitalia). Your vulva — also known as your penis or labia majora and minora — come in all shapes, sizes and colors, but many women feel uncomfortable when their vulva doesn’t look “normal.”
In addition, it can be hard to know what’s normal when it comes to your body because the shape of the pubic area changes over time. This can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, illness and even aging.
The fatty area around your mons pubis is called the fat pad of the vulva, or adipose tissue. This is a natural feature of the human body and helps protect your inner labia from friction when you wear clothing. Women who gain weight tend to have a bigger fat pad, while thin women may not have a fatty pubic area at all. This is because the adipose tissue in thicker women is concentrated in different areas of their body than that of thinner women.
Symptoms
Just like other parts of the body, the vagina comes in a range of shapes and sizes. A fat vagina or vulva (vulva = external genitalia) can distort the way the genital area looks to others. If the muscles become lax, this can lead to a sagging appearance and incontinence, which can have a negative impact on a woman’s self-esteem and quality of life.
The vulva includes two sets of skin folds, the large outer ones called the labia majora and the smaller inner “lips”, the clitoris and the urethra. The labia are designed to protect a woman’s vulva and clitoris from trauma, but they’re not symmetrical, so it’s normal for one to be longer or thicker than the other.
Certain life events, such as pregnancy and childbirth, can take a toll on the vulva and labia, as can aging. This can cause them to become deflated and saggy, which can result in pain with intercourse, urinary tract infections and pelvic pressure. If you notice these symptoms, talk to your gynecologist who may be able to prescribe pelvic floor-strengthening exercises and/or a removable device to support the prolapsed labia.
Treatment
While the vulva is a sensitive topic, a woman’s self-image and quality of life can be negatively affected by a fat vagina. Women who are concerned with the appearance of their vulva can turn to board-certified gynecologists and cosmetic surgeons for treatment options.
The effects of pregnancy and childbirth and aging often take their toll on the labia majora, the outer lips of the vagina. When this area becomes saggy or misshapen, it can affect a woman’s feeling of feminine beauty, confidence and comfort during intercourse and when wearing tight-fitting clothing.
Loose vaginal walls may also cause pelvic organs to shift and drop down into the vagina, a condition called pelvic organ prolapse (POP). POP can lead to pain during sexual activity, urinary incontinence and bladder problems. It can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as a C-section, because the baby’s head will have to push through a narrower birth canal.
To help women who are experiencing sagging or drooping in this area, board-certified gynecologists can perform a procedure known as a monoplasty to reduce the bulge of fat and skin in the upper part of their vulva. This is an effective solution for women who are embarrassed about the way their genitalia looks. This procedure is performed using the same technique as liposuction, but a minimally invasive method called VASER liposuction uses sound waves to break up and remove unwanted fat while leaving healthy tissue intact.
Prevention
Women’s bodies change with age, but despite what you may see on the covers of p*rn magazines and glamour models, your vulva (including the labia majora and minora — the outer and inner “lips”) don’t actually get bigger. Instead, it’s usually subcutaneous fat in the rest of the body that decreases with age, which can make the lips of the vagina look thinner and smaller. This is especially true if you exercise regularly, which burns up excess calories and can even increase the thickness of your vaginal walls.
Fat in the genital area can also increase your risk of complications during childbirth, including a uterine prolapse, a condition where the uterus slips back into the vagina because of weakened muscles and ligaments in the pelvic floor. The condition is most common in overweight women and can be caused by pregnancy, childbirth, hormonal changes after menopause, severe coughing or straining on the toilet.
To help prevent a fatty vagina, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and choose a diet low in carbohydrates and sugars. Eat a balance of proteins, healthy fats and vegetables and fruits. You should also practice regular self-examination of your vulva, which includes inspecting the anus opening, vaginal opening and clitoris and urethra.
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