The vulva is the name for the outer female genitalia, including the labia majora (outermost folds of skin), labia minora (inner folds of skin), clitoris, and vaginal opening.

People with vulvas may wonder what is “normal” down there. The truth is, there is no such thing as “normal” when it comes to the vulva. Like many aspects of the human body, the vulva can vary widely from person to person.

Nevertheless, the following are some popular questions that vulva owners may have about their genitalia.

Is it normal to have dangly, puffy, very big, or very small labia?

The size and shape of the labia majora and labia minora can vary significantly among individuals. Some people have larger or more prominent labia, while others have smaller or less noticeable labia. Some may find that their labia minora hang down further than their labia majora, and some may find just the opposite. Furthermore, the labia minora may not be perfectly symmetrical, and this is entirely normal and should not be a cause for concern unless it is causing physical or emotional discomfort.

What is the normal color of the vulva?

The color of the vulva can also vary. It may be pink, brown, reddish, or other shades. It is normal for the color of the vulva to differ among different people.

What is the clitoral hood, and how can I tell if mine is normal?

The clitoral hood is the fold of skin that covers and protects the clitoris and, like the other aspects of the vulva, it can vary in size and appearance. Some individuals may have a more noticeable clitoral hood, while others may have a less evident one.

What should my hair look like down there?

The presence and amount of pubic hair will be different for every person. Some may find that they have sparse or no pubic hair, while others may have a thicker growth. Hair color and texture can also vary.

It's crucial to understand that there is no one “normal” appearance for the vulva. What is most important is that the vulva is healthy, free from discomfort or pain, and functions as it should. If you have concerns about the appearance or health of your vulva, or if you experience any unusual symptoms such as itching, pain, or unusual discharge, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional who specializes in women’s sexual health or gynecology. They can provide guidance, perform examinations if necessary, and address any concerns you may have.

References:

• Planned Parenthood. (2023). What are the parts of the female sexual anatomy? https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/health-and-wellness/sexual-and-reproductive-anatomy/what-are-parts-female-sexual-anatomy
  
  
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Vulvovaginal Health. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/vulvovaginal-health

Varicocele is an enlargement of veins in the scrotum, which is the bag of skin that holds the testicles. This condition is similar to varicose veins that usually occur in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Penile size restoration may be possible, but is typically reserved for a specific subset of patients. In this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, an expert in the field of sexual medicine answers: is there any safe treatment to increase penis size?

Ovulation is the phase of the menstrual cycle in which one of the ovaries releases a mature egg (or ovum) into the fallopian tube so that it is available to be fertilized by sperm. It usually occurs around day 14 of the menstrual cycle, or two weeks before the start of the menstrual period, assuming a 28-day menstrual cycle.

Anxiety, low self-esteem, negative thoughts, and stress can all interfere with a person’s sex life. Fortunately, mindfulness can help.

What are some common misunderstandings regarding persons with gender incongruence? Find out in the latest #AskISSM video. 

The testicles (testes) are two small, egg-shaped organs that produce sperm and testosterone and are located in the thin pouch of skin called the scrotum behind the penis. Testicular pain can have a number of different causes. Sometimes, the pain originates in the testicles themselves, but other times it comes from the abdomen, groin, or another part of the pelvic region. The following are some of the most common causes of testicular pain:

Contraception, also known as birth control, is the use of medications, devices, or surgery to prevent pregnancy. Some examples of contraception are condoms, birth control pills, diaphragms, hormonal vaginal rings, intrauterine devices (IUDs), contraceptive implants, birth control patches, spermicide products, contraceptive injections, and surgical sterilization (i.e., vasectomies for people with penises or tubal ligations for people with vulvas).

Vasectomy is considered the most effective form of male birth control. Men may wonder if a vasectomy surgery will affect the low volume of ejaculation. In this video from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, experts in the field of sexual health answer this question.

If you occasionally worry about the look and size of your penis, you are not alone. Nevertheless, the fact is that penises, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. While there is truly no “normal” when it comes to the penis, there are a few things people may want more information on with regards to this specific organ.

The longest phase of the menstrual cycle is known as the follicular phase, and it can last between 14 to 21 days. During this phase, your ovaries support the growth and development of an egg that will be released later during ovulation. As the follicular phase draws to a close, a woman is at her most fertile and is more likely to become pregnant during sex.

Sexual health is important and any concerns can be openly shared with a healthcare provider. Check out the newest #AskISSM video to hear experts in the field of sexual medicine explain some common misunderstandings regarding female sexual health that patients may have.