What Are the Labia Minora?

The labia minora is the folds or “lips” of skin found within the inner portion of the vulva. They are surrounded by two larger outer folds called the labia majora, and they are sometimes not visible unless these folds are separated. Labia minora are found just below the female clitoris and they extend in a longitudinal line toward the perineum. Inside the folds is the vulval vestibule, which contains the openings to the urethra and vagina.

In healthy women, these folds are light to dark pink and sometimes brown or purple in color. A woman’s overall skin tone does not always match the color of her vulva, as some women who have dark brown complexions have light pink labia while some women with very fair complexions have labia that are dark brown or purple. Any of these colors is considered normal, but if the area becomes splotchy or begins changing colors, this could indicate a skin disorder or a rare skin cancer.

Labia minora are often asymmetrical, meaning that each fold is of a different size or length. This does not indicate any problem and is actually considered normal for most women. The only time when different sized folds may indicate a problem is when one side becomes swollen suddenly, primarily if it is accompanied by burning, itching, or redness. This may indicate an infection or sexually transmitted disease, both of which should be treated by a medical professional.

Many times, the initial symptoms of infections begin with irritation in these folds of skin and progress to the rest of the vulva and vagina. Other symptoms of infections and sexually transmitted diseases include lower abdominal pain, burning upon urination, and increased vaginal discharge that is thick, white, gray, yellow, green, or chunky in nature. The most common causes for vulval-vaginal discomfort are yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. Both can be successfully treated with prescription medications.

Most times, the size and shape of the labia minora is of no consequence to a woman. They can be almost nonexistent or long enough to hang below the labia majora. Some women become self-conscious of their appearance, however, and opt to have surgery to make the folds smaller. Others may wish to elongate them by pulling them manually or using small weights to pull them downward. In some very rare cases, the folds may be especially large and require surgery to prevent pain or discomfort during sex.