Skin flinch
Question
On my vagina there is a little piece of skin that hangs down, but I can move it back. It's about half an inch long and sticks just out of my vagina, but is still attached to the inner part. Is it supposed to be there?
Answer
It's very common to have worries about our genitals and to be unsure if our anatomy is normal, especially when the body is changing and developing. So it's important to be aware of where things are and how they work.
It's difficult to know exactly what you are speaking about when you mention 'a piece of skin that you can move back', but it sounds like it could be your labia.
The term vagina is most commonly used when talking about female genitals. In fact, the vagina is actually the inside of your genitals. The vulva is the area which is most visible to you: where the vaginal lips - also called the labia - and clitoris are situated. You can get a better idea about this by looking at a diagram of women and girl's sex organs.
Many people have doubts about their body. The female genitals, like other parts of the body will vary from person to person. Vaginas are all different shapes and sizes, so there is no real set appearance, as everybody is different. A woman's sex organs are protected by two thick folds of skin or "lips" called labia. Inside these is another set of lips known as the inner labia. These are thinner than the outer labia and are usually slightly different lengths. It is not unusual at all for a woman to find that the inner labia sticks out below the outer labia.
If you don't think that it is your labia that you are talking about, and you are still concerned, then you may find it helpful to speak to your doctor (GP), or a nurse, to put your mind at rest.
You can also visit your local Brook Centre and have a chat with a doctor, nurse or counsellor there. The centres offer free, confidential advice and counselling so you'll be able to talk to someone, in confidence, about anything to do with sex and relationships. Family Planning Clinics may also offer a vaginal examination by a female doctor or nurse, as well as counselling.
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Question answered by YouthNet in association with Brook
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