What Does A Normal Vulva Look Like?
Hey there! If you’re a regular here, you know we pull our blog post ideas from all over—Trustpilot reviews, social media comments, and sometimes even emails like the one below that sparked a bit of perimenopausal rage!
Cosmetic gynecological surgery. Seriously, why are we trying to "fix" what's naturally diverse and beautiful?
There’s absolutely no standard of beauty every vulva needs to meet—unless we’re talking about cases of injury or correcting female genital mutilation.
The images in magazines, online, and elsewhere can warp our perception of what our bodies, especially our most intimate parts, "should" look like. Here’s a loud reminder: your vulva and vagina are unique, and that's perfectly normal and absolutely wonderful!
Let’s Break Down Some Anatomy
Before we go any further deeper, let’s clarify a few terms because there’s a lot of confusion out there. The mons pubis is the area of fatty tissue which protects your pelvis and grows pubic hair as a teenager. This leads into the labia majora or outer lips which form part of the vulva which is the external part you can see, including the labia, clitoris, urethra opening.
The vagina on the other hand is the internal canal of vaginal walls which lead to the cervix and all you can see from the exterior is the vaginal opening.
Every variation in shape, size and colour of the labia or the style of the clitoral hood is totally normal. From bushy to bald, and everything in between, variations in pubic hair are also all good. Curious about how diverse labia can look? Check out Healthline’s guide to vulva anatomy—it’s likely there’s one that looks just like yours!
How Many Holes Does the Vulva Have?
Spoiler alert: women have three openings. The front one is the urethra, for urine. The middle one is the vagina, for menstrual blood and sex. And yes, the last one is the anus. That’s why it’s important to wipe from front to back to keep infections at bay.
(Drawing copyright of the.vulva.gallery on Instagram. If you're unsure whether your vulva is 'normal' or not, pop over there to see drawings of all shapes and sizes of real vulvas.)
What and Where Is the Clitoris?
Nestled at the top of the vulva and often peeking from under the clitoral hood, the clitoris is a powerhouse of pleasure, often dubbed the female penis for its similarity in function and form to the male counterpart.
We *really* recommend that you grab a mirror, check out your vulva, and share your findings with your partner. It’s all about maximising pleasure!
Changes Over Time
Our bodies evolve with age, and the vagina and vulva are no exceptions. Childbirth, aging, and menopause can bring changes like larger or textured labia. Most of these changes are completely normal and only a concern if they bring discomfort.
Non Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation
While we’re discussing natural beauty, let’s talk about alternatives to labiaplasty, which often suggests a need to "fix" perfectly normal vulvas for cosmetic reasons.
What's quite different is rejuvenating the pelvic floor which has PROVEN benefits to day to day life. Instead of costly surgeries, vaginal rejuvenation through non-invasive methods like our Pelvic Floor Toner for Women is worth exploring.
These Kegel weights are a fantastic and affordable way to maintain not only the aesthetic but the health of your pelvic area. It’s about empowerment, strength, and embracing natural beauty—without stepping into a surgery room.
"Starting to see the effects now. Not got up in the night for a 3am wee for a few days now. Also going less frequently throughout the day, but bigger wees.
Sorry if that's TMI but gotta celebrate the small victories!" Review of our 30 Day Pelvic Floor Challenge Which Starts SOON!
How To Wash The Vulva
Keep your intimate care simple: water is usually enough for vaginal health, to avoid vaginal odour and preotect good bacteria. If needed, a gentle, unscented soap will do, but remember, the vaginal area is self-cleaning!
Steer clear of products like douches, feminine hygiene products or scented wipes to clean the vulva that could upset your pH balance and potentially cause yeast infections or vaginal infections.
For a gentle and eco-friendly option, we love reusable intimate wipes from Cheeky Wipes—perfect for staying clean and green.
Closing Thoughts
Every vulva and vagina is unique, and that’s worth celebrating! We hope this guide helps you feel more confident and knowledgeable about female genitalia.
Looking for more tips on intimate health? Keep an eye on our blog! And if you have any questions about our range of products—from reusable menstrual solutions to Kegel weights—don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here to help you embrace and care for your body, naturally and sustainably.
➡️ You can also join our fabulous womens only private Facebook Group
➡️ Fancy a FREEBIE? Download our FREE guide The easy way to get a stronger pelvic floor
Any questions? Just email us at support@secretwhispers.co.uk and we will get straight back to you.
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About the Author: Secret Whispers was founded by Julie Colan, a passionate mum and health advocate who saw the need for effective pelvic floor solutions. Now, Helen Rankin, the founder of Cheeky Wipes and Cheeky Pants—known for her award-winning work in sustainable product development—has taken the helm at Secret Whispers. Helen is committed to advancing the company’s mission, believing that women shouldn’t have to accept incontinence as a given. With the innovative Secret Whispers Kegel weights, she aims to offer every woman an effective, reusable solution for pelvic floor health. Try them and take control of your wellness journey today!
