
Minor surgery is used to create a larger opening. A microperforate hymen is a very thin membrane that almost completely covers the vaginal opening. It needs to be repaired with minor surgery. An imperforate hymen completely covers the opening to the vagina, blocking menstrual flow. This can also happen during vigorous exercise.Ĭertain hymen shapes and types can interfere with menstrual flow, wearing tampons, or having intercourse. When someone first has intercourse or inserts something into the vagina, the hymen may tear. This shape allows menstrual blood to leave the vagina. Though hymens can range in shape and size, most are shaped like a half-moon. The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the opening to the vagina. The glycogen is broken down by bacteria and helps maintain a pH level to protect the vagina against potentially harmful bacteria and fungi. The cells in the outer layer of the tissue stores glycogen. The tissues of the vaginal wall undergo hormone-related changes during the menstrual cycle. The surface of the wall also contains rugae, which are pleats of extra tissue that allow the vagina to expand during sex or childbirth. The wall contains layers of tissue with many elastic fibers. The vaginal wall is made of muscle covered in a mucus membrane, similar to the tissue in your mouth. It’s also used to birth a baby and for sexual intercourse. The opening is where menstrual blood leaves the body. It’s located between the urethra and the anus. If this is happening suddenly, it's best to consult with an OB/GYN.The vaginal opening, also called the vaginal vestibule or introitus, is the opening into the vagina. Others might see growth beyond the bikini line, either onto the thighs, beyond the mons pubis toward the belly button, and toward or surrounding the anus, Gilberg-Lenz says. "None of this is necessarily abnormal, but sudden changes in an otherwise healthy adult could signal a need for medical attention."įor example, hair loss could occur due to a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance, she explains. Some people will only experience hair growth on the mons pubis and the outer lips, stopping at a natural bikini line. With age, Durrett says the pubic hair may begin to thin and become gray. The variations here are a combination of grooming, genetics, developmental stages, and response to medical conditions, Gilberg-Lenz says.Īround puberty, pubic hair will begin to grow due to hormonal changes 1.

Just like everything else down there, pubic hair will vary from person to person in terms of thickness, growth patterns, and pubic hair color (which does not always match the hair on your head). If it's a vibrant, bright red, that's typically a sign of inflammation, she adds. "The vagina itself is usually a medium to dark pinkish-red," Durrett says. If that occurs, stop using products with fragrance, including scented body wash, scented tampons, and even scented laundry detergent, and consult with a gynecologist. However, irritation from fragrances may also lead to a redness or darkening of the labia, Irobunda tells mbg. That's perfectly normal and shouldn't be cause for concern.


"Some people may notice that the labia may become a little redder or larger in appearance when aroused because of the increase in blood supply," Irobunda explains. The labia could undergo slight variations in color for different reasons. "If someone has vitiligo and it affects the vagina, that would cause the person not to have any pigmentation on their labia, and it would be white," Trubow adds. The inner labia might be pink, while others might be reddish, brown, or purple in color.
#PICTURES OF VAGINA SHAPES SKIN#
The outer labia are generally the same color as the skin or slightly darker, functional OB/GYN Wendie Trubow, M.D., says.
