What is an outing vagina? Guide 101 of the first obstacle of trust

Have you ever looked in the mirror and wondered if your vulva looks “normal”? You are not the only one. On Tiktok, it seems that many of us have asked for the same thing, wonder what “normal” means, and if certain shapes, sizes or colors are to be feared.

A term that often appears in this context is the “outing vagina”. Although this term is in fact anatomically incorrect – and it is important to clarify and unlearn this, because the vulva and the vagina are not interchangeable and we should not undoubtedly erase important parts of our anatomy – it is the lips which are the visible part of the vulva, not the vagina.

That said, having a so-called “charity vagina” is completely normal. In fact, it is one of the most common variations in vulva anatomy.

So, let’s deepen a little more in what it means, as well as a quick visit to the real anatomy of the vulva, and let’s talk about when (if ever) it is worth talking to a doctor.

What is an outing vagina?

The term “outing vagina” resembles a term playground, isn’t it? It is just a slang or an informal way of describing a vulva where the inner lips (minia lips) extend beyond the external lips (lips Majora). This creates a visible fold or projection, especially when you look at the vulva.

A quick refreshment before going ahead – as we mentioned, despite the name, it is not really the vagina that is “out”. These are the lips. The vagina itself is internal. What most people refer to when they say “charity vagina” is the external genital zone, especially lips and vulva.

This appearance is incredibly common. Actually, A 2017 study suggests that around half of all women could have interior lips that go beyond. Who knew?

What is the anatomy of the vulva?

Understanding what makes an “excess” requires a quick visit to the anatomy of the vulva.

Here is a ventilation of key parts:

• Labia Majora: These are the external lips of the vulva. They tend to be more fleshy and often have pubic hair.
• Labia Minora: These are the interior lips. They vary considerably in size, shape and color and can be carefully hidden inside the major lips, or can extend beyond.
• Clitoris: A sensitive set of nerve endings located at the top of the vulva, just above where the interior lips meet.
• Urethra: The small opening just below the clitoris where the urine comes out of the body.
• Vaginal opening: The internal passage which connects to the uterus, located under the urethra.

We have already said it, but it is repeated. The word “vulva” covers all external genitals, while the “vagina” refers to the internal channel. So when we talk about “innie” or “exulted” vagins, we really talk about the vulva and lips within it.

Innie or output vagina – What is the difference?

The idea “innie vs. Outtie ”is only a visual means of describing the variation in the vulva.

• Vagina innie: A vulva where the inner lips are hidden inside the external lips.
• Output vagina: A vulva where the inner lips extend beyond the external lips. This can cause folds, texture or even asymmetry (which is also super common, by the way).

Neither is better, healthier or more “normal” than the other. Despite what society seems to expect from us as women, the diversity of the vulva is completely natural.

Outtie Labia – What’s in question?

There seem to be some derogatory myths floating around large lips or “in outi”. Let’s clean them right away.

The appearance of your lips is largely determined by:

• Genetic: Just like the color or the height of the eyes.
  Hormonal changes: Puberty, pregnancy and menopause can all influence the appearance of a vulva – look at Dr. Samantha Pfeifer, the obstetrician / certified gynecologist of the Board of Directors and the Reproductive Endocrinologist, talk about Vulva swelling during pregnancy here.
• Aging: Over time, the skin and tissue of the vulva can stretch or change slightly.

Thus, Eurty’s lips are absolutely not a sign of poor hygiene, health problems or the frequency you have sex. It’s just how your (incredible) body was made.

When to talk to a doctor about vulva changes

Although most of the variations in the appearance of a vulva are completely normal, it is worth checking with a health care provider if you notice:

• Sudden swelling or pain in the lips
• A bump or a bump it does not disappear
• Itching, burning or unusual discharge
• Color or texture changes who feels out of the ordinary for you
• Discomfort during exercise, sex or wearing certain clothes

In rare cases, very wide lips can cause physical discomfort, such as friction or pinching. If that’s something you live, your doctor may be able to talk about certain management options.

Side note – While we are all for the choice and body autonomy, cosmetic labiaplasty, which modifies the shape of the lips for the good of appearance, is almost never medically necessary. And that’s it on this.

Body confidence begins by knowing you

The main thing? We think that familiarizing yourself with your own body is one of the best forms of personal care. And let’s be real, many of us do not very often look at our vulva!

But just like the rest of our body, our vulva present themselves in endless forms and sizes. Some are symmetrical, others are not. Some lips are “inie”, others are “outings”. They are all normal.

So, let us relearn the unique design of our body and start talking about our quirks using correct and stimulating terminology – this could well help to increase self -esteem and strengthen confidence in the room, as well as to help us defend our health.

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