Understanding “Innie” and “Outie” Vulvas

Hey there! Lately, you've probably heard the question, "Do you have an innie or an outie?" But what on earth does that mean? Well, it's all about the vulva, specifically the labia. It's about being open and honest about whether the outer or inner labia are longer. So, let's dig into why it's crucial to talk about this and what exactly an innie vulva and an outie vulva are!

The innie-outie comparison centers around the female genital area. For a long time, there were no proper words to describe the diversity of the vulva. "Innie" and "outie" are important new terms that help us precisely describe what's down there and show what's considered normal.

Now, you might have seen terms like "innie vagina" and "outie vagina" floating around on the internet. But from an anatomical perspective, that's not quite right. The vagina is the internal canal that leads to the uterus. The external part of the female genitalia is called the vulva, and it's the vulva we're discussing here. The labia, which are key in classifying an innie or outie, are part of the vulva. The confusion between "innie vagina" and "outie vagina" usually stems from a lack of anatomical knowledge or incorrect translations from English.

When it comes to an innie vulva, the outer labia are larger than the inner labia. When you look at it from the outside, the inner labia aren't visible. The term "innie" refers to the inner labia because of their anatomical shape that keeps them hidden from view.

Before puberty, many vulvas have this innie appearance. But during puberty, the body goes through changes, including in the intimate area. The labia can grow, and this growth can be asymmetric. However, this variety of vulvas isn't often depicted in porn and other media. Porn actors often have a so-called "clean slit," where the inner labia aren't visible. What a lot of people don't realize is that actors often have surgical modifications to their intimate areas. So, what you see in erotic films doesn't always match real bodies!

With an outie vulva, the inner labia protrude from the outer labia. And guess what? That's completely normal. Having long inner labia is nothing to be concerned about. In fact, a study has shown that almost 60% of women have an outie vulva.

If you've ever wondered if your labia are too large, the answer is likely no. As long as you don't experience pain during daily activities, exercise, or sex, your intimate area is just fine.

The vulva is as unique as a fingerprint, coming in countless shapes, colors, and sizes. Whether it's an innie or an outie, every vulva is normal and perfect in its own way. Still, many women question whether their vulva looks "normal." The truth is, there's no such thing as a standard vulva. Here are some examples of the variety:

• Asymmetrical Labia : One inner labia is larger than the other. Just like other body parts that can be asymmetrical, like the breasts, this is completely normal.
• Small Inner Labia : When the inner labia are shorter than the outer ones, they're often hidden and only visible when the outer labia are separated. This is what we call an innie vulva.
• Protruding Inner Labia : In this case, the inner labia are longer than the outer ones. Again, this is normal and nothing to worry about. This is an outie vulva.
• Variations in Clitoris Size : The size of the clitoris can vary, just like other body parts. It can be as small as a pencil eraser or a bit larger than a penny, and both are perfectly normal.
• Color Variations : Vulvas aren't always pink. They can range from light to dark, brown, reddish, or even purple. As long as the skin and mucous membranes aren't irritated or painful, any color is within the normal spectrum.

You might be asking why we even need terms like "innie" and "outie" for vulvas. Well, language plays a crucial role. It helps us be more specific and reduces the shame associated with talking about our bodies. When we have these terms, it makes the topic more normal and less taboo.

Think about belly buttons. No one is ashamed to say whether they have an innie or an outie. Belly buttons can also come in different shapes. Similarly, terms for vulvas can help us be more open about our bodies, showcase the diversity, and fight against the stigma of vulva shaming. The more we talk about it, the clearer it becomes that there's no "normal" or "right" way for a vulva to look. Your vulva is unique and amazing just the way it is!