Getting to know your body – your vagina questions answered

Understanding normal variations in vaginal appearance

Typically, when we ask, “What does a vagina look like?” we’re thinking about the vulva, which is the word describing all the external genitalia associated with vaginas. Healthy normal vulva skin can range in color and texture since it’s made up of multiple parts, including:

• Mons pubis
• Labia majora
• Labia minora
• Clitoris
• Vaginal opening
• Urethral opening
• Bartholin’s glands
• Hymen

The vagina is a muscular tube lined with a mucous membrane that lies inside the body, so you can’t see without a gynecological speculum. A healthy vaginal opening is slightly raised in the center and either appears oval or elliptical. It can range in size and may look reddish or pinkish with areas of darker pigmentation.

What does the inside of a vagina look like? It starts with a vaginal opening on the vulva, and includes the vaginal walls and fornix. The uterine cervix is located on top of the vaginal canal.

The vaginal environment is a delicate ecosystem, primarily maintained by Lactobacillus bacteria. These bacteria produce lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic pH level between 3.8 and 4.5. This acidic environment is crucial for inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria and preventing infections, thus contributing to overall vaginal health.

What should a vagina look like: the vagina is a dynamic organ with a typical length of about 7.6-10 cm (3-4″). Total vaginal length is influenced by age, height, weight, and menopausal status. A 10-year increase in age is associated with a decrease of approximately 0.08 cm in total vaginal length. Interestingly, height increases of one meter are associated with approximately 0.09 cm increase in vaginal length and weight increases of 10 kg correlate with increases of approximately 0.02 cm.

Internal factors influencing vaginal appearance

Now that you can see how the answer to the question, “What does a healthy vagina look like?” can vary greatly from woman to woman, we can talk about the internal factors that influence its appearance.

Hormonal changes

As a woman, your hormones play a large role in numerous bodily functions, including the look of your vagina. Estrogen levels in particular impact vaginal appearance. When estrogen is low, your vaginal walls can lose elasticity and become pale and fragile. The clitoris and labia can also lose color, become thin and shrink. Overall, hormonal changes could lead to a loss of vaginal moisture, elasticity, and plumpness.

Health conditions

Different health conditions can impact how your vagina looks. For example, yeast infections and some sexually transmitted infections, like bacterial vaginosis, can cause the vagina to change color and impact the smell of vaginal discharge. Understanding the importance of sexual health and its connection to your overall health will help you recognize, address, and avoid potential issues down the road.

Age

As we age, it’s normal to see shortening of the vaginal length, as we’ve described earlier, loosening of the labia, paler coloration, and changes to pubic hair. These changes are due to numerous factors, like childbirth, hormone changes, and decreased blood flow.

While it can be worrisome to see changes in your vaginal appearance, in many cases the shifts are normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, there are times when you should seek medical attention, and it’s important to know the difference between normal vaginal variations and unusual symptoms.

Identifying health concerns: When to consult a professional

Not all vagina changes are normal, and knowing which ones to look for can help you know when to contact your doctor. Abnormal symptoms include:

• Unusual odor or discharge
• Itching or burning sensations
• Lumps or sores in the vagina or vulva
• Pain or throbbing

Common signs of a healthy vagina

What do vaginas look like when they’re healthy? Although the appearance varies by person, the following generally applies:

• Color is light pink, pink and could be even brown
• Mildly odored, with white or clear discharge
• Bumpy, wrinkly, or smooth texture
• No open sores or wounds

The role of hormones in vaginal health

Hormones directly impact women’s vaginal health and appearance. They support a balanced microbiome, which ensures the tissue remains moist and elastic with a normal pH level. That’s why understanding how your hormones work and their normal fluctuations is essential for women’s health. One easy way to do that is by using a hormone tracker like Hormona. Hormona allows you to track your menstrual cycle, input symptoms, and monitor your hormones. With these insights, you make informed decisions and better understand your body and overall hormonal health.

Exploring misconceptions and media portrayals

While we’ve made great strides in the last 100 years regarding women’s healthcare, the media has unfortunately created many unrealistic expectations regarding vulva, vagina and pubic appearance. No wonder so many women wonder, “What does a vagina look like in real life”? Let’s address some of the top misconceptions below.

Misconception #1 – All vaginas look the same

False, vagina’s vary in appearance from woman to woman, with no two looking exactly the same. This natural diversity is normal and should carry no embarrassment or shame. “What is a vagina supposed to look like?”

Misconception #2 – Relaxed labia skin is from having too much sex

False, labia skin comes in many shapes and sizes, including long and thin. As we age, the skin naturally begins to sag and lose elasticity due to hormonal changes, lost collagen, and decreased blood supply.

Misconception #3 – Changes in vaginal scent mean something is wrong

Changes to your vaginal odor throughout the month are normal, especially around menstruation. Slightly sweet, musky, and metallic scents are normal; however, if you notice a strong fishy or foul odor, you should see a healthcare professional.

FAQ

How to tell if something is wrong down there?

If you notice changes in your vaginal discharge, including a foul odor, yellow, green, or grayish color, itching, pain, sores, lumps, redness, or burning, it could be a sign of an infection, and you should contact your doctor.

What color is a healthy vagaina?

A healthy vagina can range in color, including light pink, pink and even brown. Factors, such as friction, inflammation and genetics can lead to darkening of the vaginal walls.

Should I be able to smell myself through my pants?

Smelling vaginal odor through your pants can be normal, especially when sweating or following your period. You may also notice a stronger odor when wearing synthetic materials, tight clothing, or if you use harsh soaps that can disrupt your vaginal pH.

How do I tell if something is wrong with my cervix?

You may experience no symptoms at all, which is why regular Pap smears are crucial. Depending on whether you have an HPV test along with your Pap smear, you should get screened every 3-5 years. In some cases, pelvic pain, unusual vaginal discharge, or abnormal bleeding can occur, but these could also indicate other problems.

What makes a woman’s private part wide?

Normal anatomical variations can cause a woman’s vagina to appear wider. Certain medical conditions, like swollen lymph nodes, vaginal prolapse can give the appearance of a wider vagina.

What does the inside of vagina look like?

The inside of a vagina is smooth and moist, with a pink or reddish coloration and cylindrical shape.