Definition – What are the inner labia?
The labia minora consist of two folds of skin and connective tissue that border the vaginal vestibule and are located between the labia majora (also known as labia majora). The labia minora are part of the woman’s external genitals (vulva). They serve to close the vaginal entrance and thus protect against infections. They are also sensitive to touch and swell when sexually aroused.
Anatomy of the labia minora
The inner labia is in pairs, which means that there are two of them on opposite sides. These are folds of skin and connective tissue that are free of fat and therefore quite thin. They are usually hairless.
On their outside, the inner labia are more strongly colored (pigmented) than on their inside. They are richly supplied with nerves and blood vessels, which is why they are very sensitive and can swell during sexual arousal. The inner labia lie between the outer labia.
Often, but not always, they are covered by them. The size of the labia minora is very variable and it is quite normal that larger labia minora peek out between the labia majora. Learn what you can do if you have a larger inner labia.
The labia minora diverge on their upper or front side, forming two small folds. The middle fold forms the clitoral bridle, the lateral one forms the clitoral hood. Between the inner labia lies the vaginal vestibule, where the entrance to the vagina is located.
Function of the labia minora
The labia minora serve mainly to close and protect the vaginal vestibule and thus also the vagina. This protection is mainly necessary to prevent infections and dehydration. The inner labia are very sensitive and can contribute to sexual arousal when touched. They also contain glands that serve to moisturize the vagina. In addition, they swell during sexual arousal, which can lead to the opening of the vaginal entrance.
Inner labia are larger than outer labia
The size of the inner labia is very variable. In some women they can also be larger than the outer labia. The size of the inner labia is mainly genetically determined.
In newborns they are comparatively small and usually covered by the outer labia. In the course of puberty, hormonal influences (especially estrogen) lead to the growth of secondary sexual characteristics, thus also to the growth of the inner labia. This is a completely natural process which does not represent a disease.
The inner labia can also increase in size with age. In rare cases, inner labia that protrude beyond the outer labia can cause problems. In this case a reduction of the labia minora can be performed by surgery.
The problems are due to the fact that the sensitive inner labia are less protected against pressure, which can have an effect during sports or sex. In rare cases, urination may also be impaired. In addition, women and girls who find the size of their labia unaesthetic may be afraid of showing their genital area. However, these women also usually have labia that are completely average. Larger inner labia are normal and can be found in many women.
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