While most people are familiar with the idea of innie and outie belly buttons, few know that these terms can also apply to vaginas. In fact, discovering that they have one type or the other without understanding that vaginas come in different “styles” has caused many women to wonder if their vaginas are normal. There are a number of things that every woman needs to know about the innie vs outie vagina topic.
Innie vs Outie Vagina Differences
No two vaginas are the same. There are thousands of “micro” differences between vaginas that help to make each one unique. However, women will either have an innie or an outie vagina based on the configuration of the vulva. The term vulva refers to the visible portion of the vagina consisting of the outer lips (labia majora) and inner lips (labia minora). There’s no “right” or “better” type of vagina to have. In fact, a study published in 2017 found that around 56% of vaginas could be classified as “outies” based on the fact that they have visible labia. That means that it’s essentially just as common to have one or the other.
Innie Vagina
An innie vagina is characterized by inner lips that are shorter than the outer lips. The labia minora are essentially “tucked” away out of sight. In general, innie vaginas don’t pose risks for discomfort or infection. However, some women with innie vaginas still seek treatments for asymmetry and volume loss stemming from childbirth, aging, or genetics.
Outtie Vagina
As shared above, an outie vagina refers to a vagina with inner lips that are visible from the outside. Typically, this means that the inner lips are longer than the outer lips. As a result, the inner lips can actually be felt or seen from the outer labia. Outtie vaginas can vary drastically in shape. Despite the fact that an outie vagina is considered perfectly normal and healthy, some women feel self-conscious about their visible inner lips. They may feel uncomfortable wearing bathing suits or tight-fitting pants because they fear that their inner vaginal lips will be visible through clothing.
In addition to making a woman feel self-conscious, lips that protrude can potentially cause discomfort or pose health risks. In cases where the inner lips are disproportionately longer and larger compared to the inner lips, women may experience decreased quality of life and sexual health. Risks include pain during sports or physical activity, irritation and chafing, increased likelihood of infection, and difficulty with keeping the labia properly cleaned.
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Innie and Outtie Vagina Treatments
While no woman should feel self-conscious about her own vagina when comparing innie vs outie vagina, the truth is that there’s also no need to feel like you’re stuck with a vagina style that makes you feel embarrassed or self-conscious. There are many surgical and non invasive treatments that can improve the shape and appearance of your vagina to help you step into a more comfortable way of being. One of the most popular outie vagina treatments is labiaplasty. During this surgical procedure, the size of the labia can be increased or decreased. Unwanted tissue can be removed via laser or scalpel in order to create more “hidden” inner lips. Labiaplasty is commonly chosen by women who struggle with difficulty with exercise and hygiene due to having outie vaginas. It can also help if you are struggling with sexual health or urinary tract infections.
A popular innie vagina treatment is labia puffing. The goal of labia puffing is to enhance the outer folds of skin surrounding the vaginal opening. “Plumping” can be achieved through filler or fat transfer. If you have an innie vagina that appears thin, lax, or asymmetrical, this procedure can help to add volume and rejuvenation.
While you’re feeling self-conscious about your vagina because it looks different from what you assumed was a “normal” vagina, you may simply be like most women who have unrealistic standards for what a vagina should look because the differences between an innie vagina and outie vagina simply aren’t shared with women enough. In reality, there should never be a beauty standard for vaginas. However, there are many surgical and laser vaginal rejuvenation treatments available that can help you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Dr. Michael Tahery is an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) and urogynecologist in Los Angeles and Glendale specializing in labiaplasty and vaginal rejuvenation. He has spent the last 20 years helping women discover treatments for enhancing sexual health. Contact Dr. Tahery today to discuss any of your concerns regarding an innie or outie vagina.