As a gynaecologist, patients occasionally ask me questions about their labia, often prefaced by “This might be a silly question, but… “. But their questions aren’t silly at all! They’re asking about their labia: whether they’re normal, if something is wrong with one (or both) of them, whether they ‘should’ look different.
In a world saturated with filtered, edited, and highly curated images of women’s bodies (including labia), there is often silence in sex education and mainstream media about normal (hairy!) female anatomy. This can create a perfect storm of confusion, shame, and unnecessary worry.
So let’s talk about labia. What they are, how they vary, why they matter: and why yours are perfect, just the way they are.
A Quick Refresher: vulval and labial anatomy
As noted in a recent blog post about vulval care, the external female genitalia is called the vulva. There are several distinct parts that make up the vulva, including the:
- Labia majora: are the ‘outer lips’ around the vagina. They are two folds of hair-bearing skin (with fat pads underneath), which extend from the pubic area at the front, to the perineum at the back
- Labia minora: are the ‘inner lips’ around the vagina. They are two folds of hair-free skin, which join at the front at the clitoral hood, and at the back in the perineum
- Clitoral gland: the hairless, visible tip of the much larger clitoris organ, which is made up of erectile tissue and nerves
- Hymen: a ring of soft stretchy tissue just inside the vagina (a bit like a scrunchie!)
- Perineum: the area between the vaginal opening and the anus
More often than not, it’s the labia minora that are the focus of a patient’s concern or curiosity. The labia minora can range dramatically in length, thickness, colour, and (a)symmetry.
Normal Variations: what’s typical? Everything.
Here’s a liberating truth: there is no “normal” when it comes to labia. Just as faces, noses, and ears vary widely, so do labia. Most people don’t get a chance to see thousands of vulvas, so they don’t realise how much they vary from person to person!
The majority of people have labia minora that extend beyond the labia majora: that is common, healthy, and natural. The minority of people have labia minora that are tucked inside the labia majora.
As with any body part, the important thing is that the labia minora does its job. The labia’s job is to protect the sensitive tissues of the clitoris and vagina and to provide pleasure during sexual activity.
If the labia function well, there is no need to ‘fix’ them. If there is pain, itch, discharge, or some other issue, it is best to see doctor with an interest in vulval and sexual health (such as Maven Centre’s Dr Amy Sinclair-Thomson) to find out what might be causing the problem.
Labia can be smooth or frilled; pink, brown, greyish, or purple. Asymmetry? Also completely normal: just like most people have one foot slightly larger than the other.
In fact, a 2005 study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that labial length ranged from 2 mm to over 10 cm. That’s a huge range: and it’s all normal!
Below are some photos from Women’s Health Victoria’s fabulous ‘Labia Library’, which I hope will put things into perspective:
Source: the Labia Library, produced by Women’s Health Victoria.
Common Concerns
“Is it supposed to look like this?”
Yes. Whether your labia are large or small, symmetrical or not, visible or hidden: this is all within the range of normal.
“I think my labia are too long.”
This concern often comes from comparison, usually with pornography or airbrushed images. In reality, most adult women have some degree of labial protrusion. It’s not a flaw; it’s human anatomy!
“My labia rub or chafe sometimes.”
Some people with larger labia do experience friction during activities like cycling or wearing tight clothing. This isn’t abnormal, but it can be managed with supportive garments, gentle hygiene, and (in rare cases) medical evaluation if persistent.
“I’m embarrassed during sex.”
This is incredibly common, and it breaks my heart. Shame around our bodies, especially vulvas, is culturally ingrained. But your partner (if they’re the right one) isn’t scrutinising your labia. And if they are, perhaps reconsider the partner, not your body!
The Rise of Labiaplasty
Cosmetic labiaplasty, a surgical procedure to alter the labia minora, has increased significantly in the last two decades. While some patients undergo labiaplasty for physical discomfort, many cite appearance as their primary motivation.
It’s your body, and you have every right to make choices about it: but those choices should be informed, not rooted in shame or unrealistic ideals.
Labiaplasty carries risks: infection, scarring, loss of sensitivity, and psychological impact. If you’re considering it, ask yourself:
- Am I doing this for myself, or to meet a standard that was never meant to include me?
- Have I explored my feelings with a trusted clinician or sex therapist?
- Am I aware of what’s normal and of how much variation exists?
Cultural Pressures and the “Ideal” Vulva
Unfortunately, people often feel self-conscious about their vulva and labia. Sometimes an unsupportive partner makes a cruel throw-away comment. Sometimes people compare themselves to friends or relatives and decide they look different. How people feel about their vulva may relate to other worries about their body shape, face, weight, or attractiveness.
But let’s call it for what it is: much of the discomfort around labial appearance stems from patriarchal beauty norms and hypersexualised media. The so-called “Barbie doll” look (hairless, minimal, symmetrical, and barely visible labia minora) is not a natural benchmark. It’s an artificially constructed aesthetic, promoted through porn, plastic surgery marketing, and digitally altered imagery.
Many girls and women grow up never seeing realistic representations of vulvas: not in textbooks, not in sex education, not in overheard conversations. Without a frame of reference, it’s easy to internalise the idea that your particular anatomy is abnormal. This can lead to deep psychological distress, body dysmorphia, and even avoidance of intimacy or healthcare.
We need to talk more. We need to see more. We need to normalise the fact that vulvas (like all parts of the human body) come in beautiful, messy, and diverse forms.
There are multiple resources available to help people discover the range of ‘normal’ when it comes to labia, including:
The Great Wall of Vulva (or in person at the MONA in Hobart!)
FAQs
Will my labia change over time?
The vulva changes as people get older, have babies, and take hormonal medications. After vaginal birth, the vaginal opening may be larger or have a different shape. The hymen may look different, especially if there was a tear during birth. The labia may become darker during pregnancy or with hormonal changes.
After menopause, the labia may become smaller and lighter in colour, especially if there is no oestrogen therapy. However, menopause should not cause the labia to stick to the side and disappear completely, nor should it cause the clitoral hood to completely flatten and hide the clitoris. If this occurs, see your women’s health GP to check if you might have lichen sclerosus or lichen planus.
Conclusion: feminism, autonomy, and empowerment
As a gynaecologist, I can tell you: I’ve seen thousands of vulvas. Every single one is different. And every single one is normal. To embrace the full spectrum of vulval variation, and to love your own labia is a radical, and feminist, act. It’s a way of rejecting the constant policing of women’s bodies. It’s claiming ownership over your anatomy: not as something to be fixed, hidden, or corrected, but as something inherently worthy.
Let’s start talking about our bodies without shame. Let’s raise daughters who know their anatomy, not just how to cover it up. Let’s reject the idea that there is only one way to be beautiful.
Let’s reclaim the labia, and own it, in all its variations.