When it comes to their vagina, women have always been concerned and curious about the way it works. Especially because as a society, we have never been taught to appreciate or look at our private parts lovingly. Therefore, many women have concerns about their vagina, which they are shy or embarrassed to ask openly.

In this article, we bring you some common concerns that are answered by Doctor.

1. Size

Thanks to the false beauty standards, women often wonder about the size of their vagina. For this concern, Dr. Nita Thakre says, “There is no standard shape of vagina or vulva. There are as many varieties as there are of facial features. The mons pubis will vary in size: larger women will store more fat there, while it may be completely flat in thinner women. Women should [only] be concerned if anything changes, apart from the expected changes at puberty. Any new lumps, bumps, discomfort, itch, change of colour, size or symmetry should be reported to a General Physician or gynaecologist.”

Dr. Nita supports this point and adds, “Women rarely see other women’s vulva aside from thoroughly and “surgically enhanced”, hairless pornographic images, which are intended to look more like pre-pubescent vulvas which is not realistic view of female anatomy.

2. Shape

For this concern, Dr. Nita says, “During puberty there is often more rapid growth of the labia minora (inner lips or folds of skin) in comparison with the labia majora (outer lips) and mons (hair-bearing skin). During this process, teenagers might find that their sensitive inner lips chafe against underwear during sports. We would advise wearing soft cotton undergarments or panty liners for comfort, and applying emulsifying cream or coconut oil before sports to improve comfort.”

3. Color

As such every Vagina has its own color and there is nothing to worry about. Still, Dr. Nita shares, “Pigmentation of the vulva varies, like skin on the rest of the body, but pigmentation or darkening of skin can be increased during pregnancy and with ageing. If this is a sudden increase, particularly in association with obesity, it may indicate acanthosis nigricans, which may be a marker for diabetes or metabolic syndrome, and you should seek medical advice.”

4. Ingrown Hairs/Scarring

“Folliculitis, infection around the hair follicle, is common with any hair removal. Simply trimming pubic hair or leaving it to grow will obviate the need for treatment. Most beauticians advocate exfoliation after waxing, but I’m not aware of evidence to support this. Rarely, persistent folliculitis can be associated with diabetes and should be seen by a doctor. Very rarely this may require antibiotic therapy,” says Dr. Nita.

5. Childbirth

Child birth is an important event in a woman’s life and for her body as well. Still, it can have its own cons. One of them being the changes in the size and shape of vagina. To this concern, Dr. Nita says “Changes in vagina from childbirth are common and mostly will get restored to its previous state within 18 months postpartum. Pelvic floor exercises (sometimes guided by a women’s health physio) can help to improve muscle tone and sexual pleasure for women.

Perineal (around the opening of the vagina and over any scar tissue) massage with coconut oil can also help with any postnatal discomfort.” If you experience sexual pain after childbirth (as common in the first six months of a vaginal delivery)  consult your doctor.

Estrogen cream can help to resolve symptoms. Absorption is extremely low so it will not affect milk production. Some women also find that menthol-based lubricants or desensitising lubricants can really help. Surgery to remove scars will often cause more scarring so is not advised as a first line therapy. Women’s health physiotherapists can really help with scarring.”

We hope these advices help you next time when you have concerns about your vagina.

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