Uneven labia... is there a problem?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2005
Uneven labia... is there a problem?
4
Wed, 08-31-2005 - 2:19am
I'm not sure whether or not I should be worried or concerned about the difference in my labias (labium?)... The right inner and outer labia are completely normal, where the left side is quite a bit larger/longer, and the skin is more wrinkly and slightly darker. It's also weird because the skin inbetween the outer and inner labia wrinkles up and sort of sticks out slightly further than my outer labia. Also, the inner labia has less feeling in it than the right inner labia, like it's slightly dead or something. It has feeling, but just not as much. And it's not as firm as the right labia. Only recently, after having shaved for the first time down there, have I realized that it hurts as well, because it's sticking out further than my outer labia and rubbing on the clothing material as I walk around and such...
Is this normal or is there something up??
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Wed, 08-31-2005 - 7:51am

yes, it would be quite normal for your labia to rub on your clothes and hurt if it protrudes. One of the purposes of pubic hair is as a lubricant - it stops chafing on clothes and sticking together from sweat. While it obviously doesn't bother some women, I find the rubbing and sticking so uncomfortable that I choose to keep my hair.

As far as the labia not being mirror-image...quite normal. Have a look in the mirror at your whole body - nothing is mirror image. One breast will be slightly different to the other. One thigh may be larger than the other. One shoulder may have a different angle to the other.....etc etc.

Dress Up Games, Doll Makers and Cartoon Dolls @ The Doll Palace
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2005
Wed, 08-31-2005 - 10:33am

I so agree with Aisha on the reason NOT to shave. It's very uncomfortable, and there is a reason that hair is there! If we didn't need it, it would have disappeared long ago!

Also, as she says.....our whole body is asymetrical.....you know how movie stars have a "good side" and a "bad side"? It's true. Particularly with genitals and breasts....it is "normal" (there is really no such thing as normal when it comes to human bodies!) for breasts to be different sizes.....as well as your labia. If you want to see the variety of sizes, colors and shapes, check out www.the-clitoris.com The description you give of different colors sounds like nothing unusual.

If this is something NEW, particularly the "hurting", maybe you should have it looked at. It's not supposed to hurt but it's also possible that you nicked it while shaving!

Avatar for katmandoo2001
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-31-2005 - 11:37am
Do you get annual gynological exams? If so, have you ever brought this concern up with your dr.? Differences in one's labia are totally normal but if the wrinkling, color and sensitivity differences, from one side to the other, concern you, then make an appt. with your gyno. Could be a circulation issue or nothing at all. More than likely, everything's fine but if it will ease your mind, it's worth it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-18-2001
Wed, 08-31-2005 - 10:46pm
It's really normal. My partner's labia sound a lot like yours. She doesn't have any problems with rubbing though.