Introduction:
The vagina is a vital part of both external and internal reproductive anatomy. It is often considered an important organ that is responsible for maintaining reproductive and sexual health. The vagina is a muscular passage that is lined with mucus membranes and nerves. The vagina is a significant part of the external genitalia or vulva which helps in experiencing sexual pleasure. Some people may refer vagina as “innie” while others as “outie” based on the external appearance. However, these are not medically accepted terms.
What Are Innie and Outie Vagina?
All external genitalia differ in their appearance. The vagina is located inside the body. When people use the terms “innie” and “outie” to refer vagina, they are describing the vulva which is the external portion of the genitalia. The vulva is the outer region of the female genitalia that protects the vagina, sexual organs, and urinary opening. Vulva consists of labia minora, labia majora, and clitoris. Labia majora are the outer or larger lips of the vulva and labia minora are the inner or smaller lips. When labia majora covers the clitoris and labia minora resulting in a hidden labia minora it is known as an “innie” vagina. When the labia minora is visible and larger than the labia majora, it is known as an “outie” vagina.
Are All Innie and Outie Vaginas the Same?
All innie vaginas differ from each other. They can vary in size, color, shape, and length of the labia. Hair Growth and odor can also vary from each other. Labia may be either close or away from the opening.
Outie vaginas also differ from each other like innie vaginas. They differ from one another in length, size, color, and shape of the labia. They may be symmetrical or asymmetrical in appearance. Some outer vaginas may be longer, while others may be wider.
What Is Vagina Composed Of?
The vagina consists of different types of cells and tissues that secrete fluids to maintain moisture content, elasticity, and health of the vaginal walls. High amounts of estrogen hormone are produced in the body during reproductive years than menopause. As vaginal cells are highly sensitive to estrogen, less estrogen production after menopause can lead to drying and thinning of the vaginal walls.
What Is the Structure of the Vagina?
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Vaginal Opening:
The vaginal opening, also known as the vaginal vestibule is the opening into the vagina and is situated between the urethra and the anus. The vaginal opening plays an important role in menstrual blood leaving the body, sexual intercourse, and baby birth.
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Vaginal Wall:
The vaginal wall is covered by a mucous membrane and contains tissue layers with elastic fibers. The surface change insists on extra folds of tissues that help in the expansion of the vagina during sex and childbirth. The tissues present in the vaginal wall undergo changes during the menstrual cycle. The outer layer of the tissues is made up of cells that store glycogen. Bacteria help in breaking down glycogen and maintaining a pH (potential of hydrogen) level to protect the vagina against harmful fungi and bacteria.
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Hymen:
The hymen is a thin membrane that surrounds the vaginal opening. Most hymens are half-moon shaped which provides a smooth pathway for the menstrual blood to leave the vagina. In most people, the hymen may tear during the first intercourse.
Does Having an Innie or Outie Vagina Affect Sexual Function?
Even though external genitalia plays an important role in sexual satisfaction, the size or shape of the labia does not affect sexual function. Generally, having both innie and outie vaginas are normal and does not interfere with sexual functions. However, in some people, having disproportionately larger labia minora may cause certain problems. They are as follows:
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Increased risk of infection.
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Difficulty in maintaining hygiene in the labial area.
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Pain during sports and other vigorous activities.
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Irritation.
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A feeling of self-consciousness due to the appearance of a bulge under clothing.
Does the Looks of Labia Matter?
Having an outie or innie vagina is completely normal. However, if a woman does not feel confident about the appearance of her genitalia, talking to a doctor who specializes in vaginal health would help her in feeling comfortable and accepting the body as it is. Even though the appearance of the vulva does not need medical attention, women with large labia minora experiencing discomfort or pain during sex or sports activities should undergo treatment.
How to Change the Appearance of Innie and Outie Vaginas?
Women who seek to improve the appearance and function of the labia with age can undergo a surgical procedure called labiaplasty. Labiaplasty or vaginal rejuvenation surgery is a cosmetic procedure that helps in restoring the shape of labia or vaginal lips. In case of minor defects, laser treatment is used for labial reduction.
What Is Labiaplasty?
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that involves reducing the labia minora or labia majora (tissue folds that surround the vagina) to improve the appearance of the female genitalia. The procedure is done under general anesthesia or sedation and may take up to two hours. During the procedure, a device called iris scissors is used to remodel the inner folds of the labia. The size of the vaginal lips is reduced by making a “V”-shaped wedge in the labia and removing it. The vaginal lips are then reshaped and reconstructed according to the patient’s esthetic goals followed by closing the incision using dissolvable sutures.
What Are the Indications of Labiaplasty?
Generally, women with the following physical and cosmetic conditions choose to undergo labiaplasty. They are as follows:
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Asymmetric labial folds.
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Pain or soreness during exercise or intercourse.
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Elongated labial tissue.
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Difficulty in washing the vagina due to stretched or delicate labial tissue.
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Discomfort for a period after the maladjustment of labial tissue.
What Are the Complications of Labiaplasty?
The potential complications of labiaplasty are as follows:
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Swelling for the first few days after the procedure.
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Bleeding.
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Infection.
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Delayed wound healing.
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Over or under-correction can occur if the surgeon removes too much tissue or does not remove enough tissue.
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Sometimes additional surgery may be required to rectify unresolved issues.
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Asymmetry of the vaginal lips.
Conclusion:
Both the terms "innie" and “outie” vaginas indicate the external look of the vulva. Women who are worried about the appearance of the vulva should familiarize themselves with the various shapes and sizes of the vulva. As the vagina plays an important role in sexual life, pregnancy, and childbirth, undergoing regular pelvic examinations by a healthcare provider is important to ensure vaginal health. Hence women should give priority to vaginal health rather than appearance and should learn to feel comfortable with their bodies.
