When a woman reaches a certain level of sexual excitement, her labia minora change color. The color change is called the sex skin change and indicates that orgasm can occur if proper stimulation continues.

At the same time as the color change happens, the labia minora become larger because of the increased blood flow that results from her arousal. When sexual stimulation stops, both the larger outer lips and the smaller inner lips return to their usual size and shape within a short period of time.

Women's external genitals may vary greatly in appearance. There are differences in the size, shape and color of the labia, in the color, texture amount, and distribution of pubic hair, and in the appearance of the clitoris, vaginal opening, and hymen. All of the various shapes, sizes and colors are normal.

Vulva — Image Problems
Many women think that their genitals are ugly or disgusting because they appear to them, for whatever reason, to be abnormal. Perhaps they compare themselves to some sexually explicit pictures they have seen and conclude that because they are different, they must be abnormal.

Sexual anatomy varies as much as facial features differ from one person to another. While we cannot imagine a person unable to identify eyes, nose, mouth and chin, many women and men grow up without learning the locations and names of either gender's sexual structures.

Taking a direct look at your own genitals (it's easier with a mirror) and perhaps inviting your partner to observe your anatomy along with you, is an excellent way to familiarize yourself with your body.

Copyright 2002 Sinclair Intimacy Institute