When I mentioned to my mom that I was writing this article, she quickly expressed her embarrassment and urged me not to use my real name. Funny enough, this is coming from the same woman I once caught, as a child, using my craft scissors to trim her pubic hair while sprawled out on a Sunday morning. We both burst into laughter and shared a moment of utter humiliation that day. So, I think it’s safe to say that my mom can’t hold over my head any embarrassing stories from now on.
Despite her hesitations, let’s dive into the topic of vulvas, clits, and vaginas. I’m here to share my experience of having what I affectionately call a “chubina” — or chubby vulva, if we’re being anatomically correct. No matter what you call it, having a little extra cushioning is perfectly normal for me, and for countless others as well.
It’s important to know that the appearance of your vulva or vagina is just as normal as any other part of your body. I’ve never shied away from discussing my body, and I owe that to my adventurous, scissor-wielding mother. Over the years, I’ve seen the vulvas of many of my friends, and they’ve seen mine too. One friend, who happens to be a nurse, even checked my cervix at home towards the end of my pregnancy to spare me an unnecessary trip to the hospital.
In our younger years, we often found ourselves pulling down our pants and asking each other, “Does this look normal?!” — as if we were harboring some exotic, clitoris-devouring creature. Looking back, I wish I could tell my younger self and friends to stop stressing about how our vulvas looked.
The Science Behind Vulva Variations
Dr. Lisa Carter, an assistant professor at a renowned medical institute, conducted a study examining the variations in vulva, vagina, and labia sizes. The study, which included 168 women, revealed that the left labia minora (the inner lips nearest to the vaginal opening) ranged from an impressive 1.2 to 7.5 cm, while the right labia minora varied from 0.8 to 8.0 cm. That’s a huge range!
So, if your labia hangs low, or if it’s particularly plush, there’s absolutely no reason for concern. As Emily Rivera, a licensed doula and founder of a parenting blog, points out, “Just like our fingerprints and hair color, our vulvas will vary.” Some labia may appear droopy, puffy, or even hardly noticeable. Others might have inner labia that protrudes beyond the outer labia, while some have that extra padding that keeps everything neatly tucked away.
Vaginal openings also come in various sizes, and it’s crucial to understand that this is not influenced by how much sexual activity a person engages in. Remember, the vagina is a muscle that returns to its normal size. The clitoris, too, can vary; some women have a clitoris that peeks out prominently. Ultimately, every vulva is unique in its own right.
It’s also entirely common for one side of the labia to look different from the other, often leading to concerns about symmetry. According to Rivera, “If you’re not in pain, you are 100% normal.”
Understanding Vulva Appearance
So why do some vulvas appear slender while others are fuller? Surprisingly, BMI isn’t usually a determining factor. “Your mons pubis may relate to your overall weight, but it doesn’t dictate the health of your vulva, vagina, or internal reproductive organs,” explains Rivera.
The bottom line? Unless you’re experiencing pain during intercourse or while using tampons, it’s likely that your vulva falls within the broad spectrum of what’s considered normal. And if you still have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor for reassurance. There’s no need to feel self-conscious about your own body. This is yours, and it’s time to stop comparing it to others. As Rivera encourages, “It’s time we embrace the wide range of normal!”
Resources for Family Planning
For those exploring family planning, consider checking out this article, which offers helpful insights and tools for home insemination. For a comprehensive guide on fertility, visit this resource that dives deeper into the journey of conception.
In summary, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the diversity of vulva shapes and sizes. Embrace your body with confidence, and remember that normal is what feels right for you.
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