Do I have a normal vagina? The seven common vulva types

Concerningly, a YouGov study recently found that 45% of women couldn’t correctly identify the placement of the vagina on a diagram. Granted, there is much variation amongst women, and we aren’t prone to exposing ourselves, so it’s understandable that you might find yourself questioning, "Is my vagina normal?”

Here at VavaViolet Magazine, we are all about body positivity. Read on to discover the seven common types of vulva.

Asymmetrical inner lips

A vulva with asymmetrical inner lips has one side of the labia minora that is longer than the other and may extend slightly beyond the labia majora.

Although it can appear uneven, this is a very common and normal variation.

Prominent inner lips

Though many women have traditionally felt self-conscious about it, this is the most common vulva type.

It is categorised by the labia minora being longer than the labia majora, meaning the inner lips extend beyond the outer lips.

Curved outer lips

If you have this type of vulva, the labia majora curve around to reveal the labia minora from the front, then come together evenly at the bottom in an upside-down horseshoe shape.

In this case, the labia minora usually do not extend beyond the outer lips.

Small closed lips

Although it is the most frequently desired as it tends to be portrayed as the ‘ideal’ in pornography, in reality, this vulval shape is the least common.

With this type, the labia minora are not visible outside of the labia majora.

Prominent outer lips

For some women, the labia majora may be more prominent than the labia minora, resulting in outer lips that may be fuller or more rounded in appearance.

Alternatively, they could also be thinner and looser. It really depends on the individual.

Small open lips

This is similar to the vulva described above; however, the key difference is that the labia majora are positioned farther apart, giving a more open appearance that reveals the labia minora.

Visible inner lips

Described by a leading gynaecological surgeon at MYA as having the appearance of a “flower bud about to bloom.”

In this type, the labia minora are typically visible along the full length of the labia majora, which curve outward to either side.

We are here to reassure you that there is nothing scary about getting up close and personal with your vagina. No one should know her better than you, and yes, she absolutely is normal!

Written by Leah Marie Cox