When I shared with my mom that I was going to write about this topic, she blushed and urged me to keep my real name under wraps. She insisted that discussing my personal experiences was too embarrassing; yet, here I am, diving right in.
I was once told that discussing my fluffy vulva would be mortifying. This, coming from the same woman I once caught in a rather compromising position, trimming her pubic hair with my craft scissors on a lazy Sunday morning. We both ended up in fits of giggles, mortified yet amused. That day, she learned she could never use the embarrassment card against me again.
Let’s Dive into the World of Vulvas
So, let’s dive into the world of vulvas, clitorises, and vaginas. I proudly admit that I have what I like to call a “plush vulva” — or, to be more anatomically precise, a “chubby vulva.” And let’s be clear: having a little extra cushion is perfectly normal, not just for me but for anyone else out there as well. Your vulva’s appearance? Totally normal too.
I’ve never been one to shy away from open conversation (thanks to my craft-savvy mother). I’ve seen most of my friends’ vulvas, and they’ve seen mine. In fact, one friend, who happens to be a nurse, even checked my cervix while I was lounging on my own bed as my pregnancy neared its end, saving me a trip to the hospital if it wasn’t necessary.
Much of this candid sharing happened back in our younger days, when we would pull down our pants in concern and yell, “Hey, does this look normal to you?!” As if we were all hiding some rare condition. Looking back, I wish I could tell us to stop fixating on how our vulvas differ from one another.
Understanding Vulva Variations
Dr. Mia Thompson, an assistant professor in female pelvic medicine at a prestigious university, conducted a study examining the variations in vulva, vagina, and labia sizes among women. In her research involving 168 participants, she identified a considerable range: the left labia minora varied from 1.2 to 7.5 cm, while the right side ranged from 0.8 to 8.0 cm. That’s a huge spectrum!
So, if your labia happens to hang low, sway like a pendulum, or even tie itself into a bow, don’t sweat it. According to licensed doula Jenny Harmon, “Why do we have different fingerprints, noses, and hair colors? Our appearances vary everywhere else; our vulvas are no exception.”
Everyone’s labia can be puffy, dangly, or barely visible. Some may have an inner labia that extends beyond the outer labia, while others may have extra fluff keeping everything neatly tucked in. Vaginal openings can also differ in size, but rest assured, they are not influenced by sexual activity. The vagina, being a muscle, contracts back to its usual size regardless.
The clitoris can range from petite to prominent, with some women even having a clitoris that peeks out like a turtle head (no shame, mine does too, depending on the angle). Every vulva is unique in size, shape, and texture.
It’s also common for one side of the labia to appear different from the other, which some might describe as “lopsided.” Harmon reassures us, “If you’re not experiencing pain, you are 100% normal.”
The Impact of Body Type
So why do some vaginas appear slender like Virginia Slims while others resemble a Black and Mild? Surprisingly, BMI doesn’t play a significant role. “Your mons pubis (the fatty area above your vulva) can correlate with your overall weight, but it doesn’t determine the health of your vulva, vagina, or internal reproductive organs,” Harmon explains.
The key takeaway is that unless you feel discomfort during intercourse or while using a tampon, you are likely within the healthy range of what is considered normal for vulvas and vaginas (plush or otherwise). If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor.
Embracing Your Unique Anatomy
There’s no reason to feel self-conscious about your unique anatomy. This is your body, and it’s not going to change, so stop comparing it to others. As Harmon says, “It’s time we embrace the diverse range of normal!”
If you’re interested in home insemination, check out our post about Cryobaby Home Intracervical Insemination Syringe Kit Combo for more insights. You may also want to visit Make a Mom for a comprehensive guide on your fertility journey. Additionally, for reliable information on pregnancy, the NICHD is an excellent resource.
In Summary
Embracing the uniqueness of our bodies is essential. All vulvas are different, and that’s what makes us special. Remember, unless there’s pain involved, you are entirely normal.
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