Is it normal to have two "finger" like flaps hang down about an inch outside my vagina?

[smudge9999]

I have two "finger" like flaps that hang down outside of my vagina and I feel very insecure when i wear a swimsuit because I have to constantly check to make sure they aren't sticking out.  I feel very self conscious because i always have to make sure they are pushed in.  They can be uncomfortable especially when I am active.  It wouldn't be a problem if they stayed inside my vagina but they hang out about one to two inches.  I could really use some advice on this matter.

[grpas]

I have the same exact thing, and some days it really bothers me so I'll wear a liner or something to keep it in. I totally get the whole swimsuit and exercising difficulties that come with it, but it really isn't that noticeable. If It becomes more of a problem you could see a doctor about it and determine what you want to do.

[Rose000]

Yep, it's totally normal. A vulva (the outside parts of female genitals) have four 'lips', more properly called labia. The two outer lips are called labia majora, the inner lips are called labia minora. It's very common to have labia minora that hang past the labia majora They can be different colors, textures and shapes as well. Some are longer in certain areas; some are very even. Some are wrinkly, some are not. They can even be different lengths than each other. You get the picture.

Although it is nothing to be ashamed of, if it cause you great discomfort you could consider reducing their size. It is possible to have your labia surgically reconstructed, but the procedure can be costly and often times you must meet age requirements. Many women have had this done for the same reasons. I even know a woman who got her labia caught in her pants zipper. Ouch! Make sure you have a chat with your doctor about this.

If you worried about them falling out of your swimsuit or creating a bulge, you have a few options. 1) The easiest is to wear shorts. I myself have a pair of board shorts for the very same reason (there's lots of really cute ones, too!). You can also try those little boy shorts. 2) Wear bottoms with a skirt, be it attached or not. 3)You could also wear very snug bottoms under another pair of bottoms. There's less chance of it slipping that way.

The bottomline is this: You're not a freak! It breaks my heart to see so many women fuss over this matter. If it hurts, you should definitely talk to your doc, but you should never ever feel bad about it! Good luck, hon'!

[flick88]

Hi, all woman have 4 vaginal lips- 2 inner lips and 2 outer lips- often the inner lips (the ones you are describing) come past the outer lips and therefore cause the appearance you are describing- it is completely normal and alot of woman have this- however in some woman it is more extreme than others- some woman have a small operation to simply trim the inner lips which are prodruding- if it is something bothering you emotionally and causing physical discomfort then go to your docs- you may get referred for this op on the NHS.