Like faces, bodies come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But the vulva—aka the outer bits of your genitals—is one body part that many women may feel self-conscious about, particularly the shape of their labia minora.
This is especially true for those who have what is commonly known as an “innie” or an “outie.” But it’s important to know that your vulva appearance is normal and nothing to worry about.
Inner Lips
Just like belly buttons, genitalia come in all shapes and sizes. However, unlike belly buttons, genitalia are usually not visible to others unless a person is naked or has the vulva pressed against a garment. As a result, many people may have misconceptions about what their vulva should look like. If a person’s vulva appearance causes them distress or interferes with daily functioning, a doctor should be consulted.
The vulva is made up of the labia minora (inner lips/skin) and the labia majora (outer lips/skin). When someone has an “outie” vagina, their inner lips are longer than and stick out farther than the outer lips. This can fluctuate with weight gain or loss, hormone changes, and pregnancy.
Innie and outie are terms often used to refer to the outer parts of the vulva, called the mons pubis, labia minora, and clitoris. It is important for women to understand that their vulva can appear different from other people’s, but that it’s normal and does not need to be altered for health reasons. It’s also a good idea for women to familiarize themselves with the various shapes and sizes of their vulva so they can have open conversations about their bodies with their partners if they choose.
Outer Lips
As for the outer lips, which are also called vulva, they can have a variety of shapes and sizes. An “innie” vulva means the outer labia majora cover the inner labia minora and clitoral hood, according to the National Vulvodynia Association.
On the other hand, an “outie” vulva is when the inner labia minora are longer and stick out from the outer lip, allowing them to be seen. It’s important to remember that your vulva is completely normal, and the appearance of it should not make you self-conscious, says Marsha Granese, MD, an OB-GYN at Providence Mission Hospital.
However, if your vulva’s outer lips are a different shape or size than the rest of them, it’s considered asymmetrical, which is a common condition. You should visit your doctor if you have any concerns or pain.
Length
The outer lips of the vulva are called labia majora and the inner ones are known as labia minora. According to a 2017 study, 56% of vulvas have visible labia minora.
Women with an outie vagina have a set of inner labia that are longer and stick out from the outer lips. This means the outer labia don’t fully cover the inner labia, which can lead to people with an outie feeling self-conscious about their genitals or assuming that men are judging them.
Despite the stigma that comes with being an outie, it’s totally normal. Your vulva is unique to you and it’s a part of what makes you who you are. It’s not something that should be judged or a reason to feel bad about yourself, Granese says.
However, it’s important to note that the terms innie and outie are actually anatomical mistakes. The vulva is actually the outer bits of the female genitals, including the pubic mouth, inner and outer labia, and the love-to-be-rubbed clitoral hood. A true outie would be the entire vagina hanging out of the body like a bloody horseshoe, which isn’t a good thing and isn’t healthy.
Shape
When we talk about outie vaginas, we’re actually talking about the outer parts of the vulva (labia majora and labia minora), rather than the actual vagina. That said, vulvas come in all shapes and sizes and no two look the same. And while innie and outie are common nicknames, it’s important to remember that the shape of your vulva doesn’t impact your health or well-being.
Regardless of how your vulva looks, it’s essential to keep it clean and dry so that yeast doesn’t grow and cause irritation or infection. And while the size of your vulva does play a role in sexual sensation, it’s unlikely to change your experience. However, if you’re uncomfortable with the way your vulva looks, plastic surgeons offer cosmetic labiaplasty that can reduce and reshape the labia minora. And while this may be a solution for some, it’s always worth discussing the pros and cons with your doctor before making any decisions. Ultimately, your vulva is beautiful no matter what it looks like! It’s a part of you that you should be proud of.
Discomfort
Many people with innie or outie vaginas often feel self-conscious about their vulva appearance. However, it’s important to remember that genitals are all unique to each person’s DNA. “Vulvas are like faces and hands in that no two look the same,” explains Dr. McDevitt. “And the vulva is also a part of the body that can be shaped and formed in a variety of ways.”
The external parts of the vulva are called the labia majora and minora. People can have a “innie” or “outie” vagina depending on whether their labia minora are longer than their labia majora.
If the larger labia minora bother a person or cause pain during physical activity, they can ask their doctor about surgical options, such as labiaplasty. But a doctor will also be able to help the person understand that their vulva’s appearance is perfectly normal. “Understanding that genitals come in a range of shapes and sizes is key to accepting them,” says Ross. “It can make it easier for people to have honest conversations about their vulva.” This can include having open and honest discussions with partners.
See Also:
