How do we know if our vulva is beautiful or ugly?
During my adolescence, I learned to discover myself. I saw my body change, my hair grow, my breasts grow, but what disturbed me most was the development of my sexual organ, particularly my vulva. To tell you the truth, I had a complex about it. I thought it was ugly. The only means of comparison I had with regard to the female organ were either the single diagram presented to us in 4th grade sex education classes, or porn videos (where, from my point of view, all female genitalia look alike).
My complex made me wonder: Why do my labia protrude? Is it an anomaly? Is my vulva ugly? Is there any way to change it? Can I have sexual relations? Am I normal?
What does a "normal" vulva look like?
After reading several testimonials about the female sex, I discovered that there isn't just one model of vulva, but that our sex is unique to each of us and that it's totally normal to be different!
I discovered that having small lips that protrude wouldn't prevent me from having sex, that I don't have to complex about it, but above all that just because we don't talk about it doesn't mean that differences don't exist! It's a taboo subject that can make many of us feel self-conscious, especially young people.
So it was my turn to discover and, above all, to LOVE my body as it is. With mirror in hand, I set out to discover and accept myself.
If you have complexes, you can also talk to health professionals, who can help you deconstruct them.
I've drawn some vulvas for you. My suggestions are not exhaustive; there are as many different ones as there are people on earth.
Vulva /= of the vagina
The vulva represents the outside of the genital apparatus, and is made up of the clitoris and its hood, the labia minora, the labia majora, the urethra and the vaginal orifice.
The vagina, on the other hand, is internal; here's a diagram to help you locate it.
How can I rejuvenate my vulva?
A recent testimonial from a reality TV girl struck me. She explained that she had undergone radiofrequency treatment, as well as mesotherapy, during a session with her gynecologist. But when she starts talking about her vagina (which is actually her vulva) she explains that hers is "beautiful" and that her labia don't protrude.
Apart from the fact that she compares her sex to that of a 12-year-old child, this celebrity reinforces the injunctions surrounding the female body.
If I were 15 and heard that kind of talk, I think my complex would have been reinforced and harder to deconstruct.
Is surgery the answer?
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Radiofrequency involves emitting electromagnetic waves that deliver heat to the vaginal tissues. The only purpose of this treatment is to regenerate the mucous membrane in cases of dryness. However, some gynecologists, including Nasrine Callet, gynecologist at the Institut Curie-Hôpital René Huguenin, explain that the vagina is naturally supple until the menopause, thanks to hormones. Except in exceptional cases, there's no need to have this operation at the age of 24.
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Mesotherapy involves micro-injections to stimulate the cells of the vaginal mucosa.
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Nymphoplasty consists in reducing hypertrophy (the labia minora protruding beyond the labia majora). I found out about this operation when I was a teenager, and let me tell you, it's not without risks. Afterwards, orgasms may be harder to achieve or less intense.
Generally, these operations are performed following a tear during childbirth or a deformity that could cause discomfort. Some doctors refuse to perform these operations for aesthetic reasons only.
Do you have to be beardless and have a teenage vulva to be attractive?
Before trying to please others, you have to please yourself. Do you prefer to keep your hair? Do they make you feel better? Then keep it! On the other hand, do you prefer yourself hairless? Then take it off! You alone decide how you treat your body!
And a hairless vulva isn't dirty or ugly, and a hairless vulva isn't to be compared with teenage sex!
What's my message to all teenagers?
To you, who are discovering your body and seeing it change, know that you are normal and beautiful just as you are. Getting to know your body is important if you're to feel comfortable with it later on (yes, it'll be with you for the rest of your life!) So thank you, body, for allowing me to move, eat, dance, jump, run, play?
And what do you thank your body for?
- A testimonial from Romy
How can I take care of my vulva?
The best way to care for your vulva is to wear organic cotton underwear. Discover our menstrual panties in organic cotton, respectful of your body and your vulva.
