Synonyms
VulvaThe labia belong to the outer female sexual organs and are double, i.e. paired. A distinction is made between the outer, large labia and the inner, small labia (Labia majora pudendi and Labia minora pudendi). They are very variable in shape, length and expression and differ from woman to woman.
The large (outer) labia
The large, outer labia majora pudendi run from the mons veneris to the perineum, they cover the clitoris (clitoris) and the opening of the urethra as well as the entrance to the vagina and thus have a certain protective function. The labia majora consist of a relatively thick cushion of fatty tissue which is covered by skin and form the so-called pubic cleft (Rima pudendi).
The small (inner) labia
The small labia minora pudendi border the sides of the vaginal vestibule and unite at the clitoris (clitoris). They diverge at the front in two folds, of which the anterior fold in each case unites to form the clitoral foreskin (prepuce clitoridis). In contrast to the large, outer labia, they are much thinner and free of fatty tissue, but on the inside they are slightly pigmented and rich in sebaceous glands.
According to the textbook, in most women the small labia are covered by the large labia, but in reality the size ratio between outer and inner labia is very variable and the shape also varies greatly. In many women, the small labia protrude well below the outer labia, they are overly prominent. This has no reason whatsoever to be ill, but it causes many of those affected to feel fear or shame. The reasons for such a “hypertrophy” of the labia minora are usually genetic, but it is also normal that they increase in length as we age. If these enlarged labia are perceived as disturbing, there is the possibility of labia reduction.
Different sized labia
The labia are part of the outer female sexual organs and occur in double pairs. There are two outer and two inner labia. The outer labia are also called the labia majora and the inner labia are called labia minora.
However, this is often not the correct anatomical representation, since the inner labia may also be larger than the outer labia. However, the appearance of larger inner labia is by no means dangerous or abnormal. The proportions of inner and outer labia vary from woman to woman and it is quite normal for the inner labia to be larger than the outer.
The labia can vary in shape, color and size from woman to woman. This is completely normal. The right and left labia of a vagina can also vary in size. If it bothers women that their inner labia is larger than the outer one, this can be treated surgically. These operations are usually performed by plastic and aesthetic surgeons.
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