Labia

What are your labia?

Your labia are two folds of skin around your vaginal opening. Many people call the labia the vagina lips. You have two sets — the labia majora (outer lips) and the labia minora (inner lips).

The outer lips are larger and fleshy. After puberty, they contain pubic hair. The inner lips are within your outer lips and closer to your vaginal opening. They’re typically smoother and smaller. The main job of the labia is to protect your vagina.

Labia come in many shapes, colors and sizes. Some labia are short; some are long. Some are wrinkled, while others are smooth. They can even look different as you get older. Your vagina lips are just as unique as you are.

What do your labia do?

The main job of your labia is to protect your vulva, which includes your vaginal and urethral openings (the hole you pee out of). These areas are delicate and can get infected.

Your labia also play a role in intercourse. Labia swell with blood when you experience arousal. Touching them can contribute to sexual pleasure.

Your labia minora contain glands that keep your vulva moist. This helps protect it from friction and dryness.

Where are your labia located?

Your labia are part of your vulva. They extend vertically from your pubic bone to your perineum.

What are the parts of your labia?

Your labia consist of two parts: labia majora and labia minora.

1. Labia majora or outer lips: These lips tend to be larger, thicker and more plump. Your outer lips usually look like the skin on the rest of your body. They also protect your labia minora (inner lips). Once you reach puberty, your outer lips are usually covered with hair.
2. Labia minora or inner lips: They’re inside the outer lips. Your inner lips are thinner and more delicate. The skin is soft, smooth and usually moist. They surround your vaginal and urethral openings. The inner lips are more sensitive and swell if you’re sexually aroused.

What do normal labia look like?

There isn’t a normal look of the labia. Everyone’s looks a little different. It’s normal to feel unsure about how your labia look compared to others. But they come in all shapes and sizes. Here are common variations:

• Size: They can be small or large, short or long.
• Shape and texture: The lips can be flat, curved, wrinkled or smooth. Most inner lips don’t contain hair. The amount of pubic hair on the outer lips can vary. Some outer lips appear short and close to your body, while others hang down lower.
• Symmetry: One lip may be longer, shorter, or shaped differently from the other side.
• Color: The labia can be pink, brown, purple or black. They can change color with age. Your outer lips can be a different color than your inner lips.
• Length: The inner lips may be short enough that they’re tucked inside the outer lips. On the other hand, the inner lips can be long and protrude outside of the outer lips.

What are health conditions that can affect the labia?

Several different health conditions can affect your labia — some are minor, and others can be more serious. Some of the most common include:

• Irritation and inflammation: Your labia may be prone to irritation, swelling or discoloration from activities that cause repeated rubbing. Some examples include wearing tight underwear, having sex and riding a bike. Your vagina lips may also become itchy if you switch laundry detergents or soaps.
• Infection: Common vaginal infections, like yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis, can make your labia itchy or irritated. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like genital herpes, can cause sores or blisters to develop on your labia.
• Cysts: Bartholin’s cysts, sebaceous gland cysts and other growths can show up on your labia.
• Skin conditions: Common skin issues, like ingrown hairs, eczema or psoriasis, can affect your outer lips. You can also have lichen planus or lichen sclerosus, which cause discolored patches or bumps on your labia.
• Labial hypertrophy: This is when one or both of your lips are larger than average. It can cause discomfort and pain.
• Cancer: Rarely, vulvar cancer can affect your labia.

The look of your labia may be something that bothers you or even affects your sex life. While it can be comforting to know that there isn’t one normal look, you may wish they looked different. You should talk to a healthcare provider about your feelings. There are cosmetic procedures, like labiaplasty, that can help.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

Contact a healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Constantly itchy, painful or swollen labia
• Lumps, growths or sores on your labia
• Burning or pain when you pee
• Irregular vaginal discharge

These can be signs that something is wrong. Your healthcare provider will recommend treatment for any disorders related to your labia. Treatment for health conditions that affect your labia can range from medications and surgery to changes in your daily habits.