Female Body Concerns / Question
Published: May 7, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have a couple questions about my vaginal area. Firstly, I'm not sexually active, but I have messed around with a couple guys - ie. gone beyond kissing to touching of areas below the belt. I went to a gynecologist, but I got really shy and when she asked me if I had any concerns, I said no; however, I am kind of worried about the appearance of my vagina, like if it looks normal, and about vaginal secretions. She did not even look at me because I am not sexually active - granted I know that sexually active may encompass fooling around, I think of actual sex when asked this question. My vagina, when i pull back the inner lips has a striated/speckled look to it, like the muscles are being pulled almost or something, and if i rub it, its rough and bumpy, is this normal? Also, my vagina sometimes secretes a very thick white mucous-like goop - this concerns me. I've read a few things on vaginal warts, and it doesn't really look like I have them, but I read a statistic that 1/3 females have them. I was curious as to if i might? You're probably going to tell me to go back to the gyn and have her check it out, which I am doing in a few months, but I was wondering if I could maybe get some answers before I go, just to calm my nerves because it is impossible for me to make an appointment any sooner than 2 months because I am away at college. Lastly, I am concerned about vaginal color, I know that colors of the vagina can range from pinks to dark browns, but mine is multi colored, with almost black pigmented skin in some areas and really red/pink in others - I am Caucasian - is this normal? Thank you for your time.
Signed: Vaginally Concerned
Dear Vaginally Concerned,
Wow, now that's a lot of questions, but they are all good and worthwhile. FX can see why you are concerned and although most of this sounds pretty normal, you are right - FX does advise you to see a doctor about your questions (you may not have to wait until you come home, your school may have health services available to you on campus or you may wish to visit a local health center or Planned Parenthood). If you live or go to school in northern NJ, contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 971-6475 to make an appointment.
You were also correct about vaginal pigment colors ranging from pinks to browns. The striated look that you are seeing when you pull the labia (lips) is probably just a normal action from the skin stretching. Since the vagina must be able to accommodate the birth of a baby, you will find this part of the body to be flexible and stretchable. The bumps that you are feeling may just be the normal anatomy or could be a sign of sexually transmitted disease. A healthcare provider should examine any secretions that have an odor, are thick, green, yellow, or seem unusual to you. Whether this is normal for you or may be a sign of infection (such as yeast) should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Please do not wait two months to get this symptom checked out.
It is very important to be open and honest with your healthcare provider. Letting him/her know your concerns is a very important part of the appointment. This information can help them to conduct an appropriate examination or testing so that your concerns can be properly addressed. Even if you think your questions may be weird, the healthcare provider can give you the reassurances you need and is trained to answer questions honestly without mocking or making patients feel bad about their inquires.
And of course, our answer could not be complete without a reminder that even if you are not engaging in vaginal intercourse, you should insist on the use of protection such as latex gloves, condoms, or dental dams during foreplay.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives.
