How many labia do women have

The labia minora literally, small lips can be very small or up to 2 inches wide. The labia minora lie just inside the labia majora and surround the openings to the vagina and urethra. A rich supply of blood vessels gives the labia minora a pink color. During sexual stimulation, these blood vessels become engorged with blood, causing the labia minora to swell and become more sensitive to stimulation. The area between the opening of the vagina and the anus, below the labia majora, is called the perineum.

It varies in length from almost 1 to more than 2 inches 2 to 5 centimeters. The labia majora and the perineum are covered with skin similar to that on the rest of the body. In contrast, the labia minora are lined with a mucous membrane, whose surface is kept moist by fluid secreted by specialized cells. The opening to the vagina is called the introitus. The vaginal opening is the entryway for the penis during sexual intercourse and the exit for blood during menstruation and for the baby during birth.

When stimulated, Bartholin glands located beside the vaginal opening secrete a thick fluid that supplies lubrication for intercourse.

The opening to the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to the outside, is located above and in front of the vaginal opening. The clitoris, located between the labia minora at their upper end, is a small protrusion that corresponds to the penis in the male. The clitoris, like the penis, is very sensitive to sexual stimulation and can become erect. Stimulating the clitoris can result in an orgasm. It is not merely the domain of strippers or porn stars. It can improve the physical and psychological quality of life for women who [are] affected by genital irregularities.

Three websites did recommend that women seek a second opinion and another required a recommendation from an independent doctor. Of course, doctors may practise ethically without giving details on their websites. However, it could be considered poor ethical practice to persuade women they need surgery on genitals showing no evidence of abnormality.

The college has also raised concern that such surgery may exploit vulnerable women. While supporting genital surgery for female anatomy following trauma, mutilation or congenital anomalies, the Australian Federation of Medical Women opposes the promotion of surgical techniques that make unproven claims about sexual satisfaction or attractiveness:.

The first principle of medicine is to do no harm. Encouraging women to cut off bits of their genitals to suit a fashion trend or social constructions of womanhood has at least the potential for harm. Read more: Vulvas, periods and leaks: women need the right words to seek help for conditions 'down there'. This research was conducted by Kimberley Chibnall during her honours year towards the degree of Bachelor of Health Science, under the supervision of Maggie Kirkman and Karalyn McDonald. Portsmouth Climate Festival — Portsmouth, Portsmouth.

Edition: Available editions United Kingdom. When this happens, it usually leaves the inner lips exposed. They may or may not protrude below your labia majora. More often than not, the inner lips are longer than and stick out from the outer lips.

This difference in length may be more subtle, with the inner lips just barely peeking out, or more pronounced. Prominent outer lips sit much lower on your vulva. The skin may be thick and puffy or thin and a bit loose — or somewhere in between. These are a form of prominent inner lips. They can dangle up to an inch or more! They may even hang outside of your underwear. You may notice a bit of extra skin or additional folds. These are a form of prominent outer lips.

This may give your inner lips a little more exposure. Your outer lips are flat and rest up against your pubic bone, but are separated slightly, showing your labia minora.

With this type, your inner and outer lips are usually the same size. They can usually be seen from the top to the bottom of your outer lips. What we do know stems from two small studies, one done in and one in For example, neither study:. But they do help establish that each labia may be longer or shorter, or thicker or thinner, than its counterpart.

Regardless of what the average size may be, if your labia minora or majora are especially sensitive or prone to pain and discomfort , you may be experiencing symptoms of labial hypertrophy. This is the medical term for enlarged labia. Labial hypertrophy can make cleansing difficult or uncomfortable, and may ultimately lead to infection. If this sounds familiar, see your doctor. They can assess your symptoms and advise you on next steps.

Some people may have pink or purplish labia, while others may have reddish or brown labia. This is because of increased blood flow to the area. See your doctor if:.