First: terminology. The vagina is actually the name for the internal canal where the menstrual blood or babies might come out. The exterior structure surrounding the vaginal opening is called the vulva, and it's what most people think of when wondering about what their "vagina" looks like. The labia majora (outer lips), the labia minora (inner lips), and the mons pubis (the area of fatty tissue covering the pubic bone) are all part of the vulva.

"Vulva are as unique and individual in their appearance as a fingerprint," OB/GYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, M.D., tells mbg. "And that uniqueness is part of their beauty."

The outer labia are generally the same color as the skin or slightly darker, functional OB/GYN Wendie Trubow, M.D., says. The inner labia might be pink, while others might be reddish, brown, or purple in color. "If someone has vitiligo and it affects the vagina, that would cause the person not to have any pigmentation on their labia, and it would be white," Trubow adds.

The labia could undergo slight variations in color for different reasons. "Some people may notice that the labia may become a little redder or larger in appearance when aroused because of the increase in blood supply," Irobunda explains. That's perfectly normal and shouldn't be cause for concern.

However, irritation from fragrances may also lead to a redness or darkening of the labia, Irobunda tells mbg. If that occurs, stop using products with fragrance, including scented body wash, scented tampons, and even scented laundry detergent, and consult with a gynecologist.

Just like everything else down there, pubic hair will vary from person to person in terms of thickness, growth patterns, and pubic hair color (which does not always match the hair on your head). The variations here are a combination of grooming, genetics, developmental stages, and response to medical conditions, Gilberg-Lenz says. 

Around puberty, pubic hair will begin to grow due to hormonal changes1. With age, Durrett says the pubic hair may begin to thin and become gray. 

Some people will only experience hair growth on the mons pubis and the outer lips, stopping at a natural bikini line. Others might see growth beyond the bikini line, either onto the thighs, beyond the mons pubis toward the belly button, and toward or surrounding the anus, Gilberg-Lenz says. "None of this is necessarily abnormal, but sudden changes in an otherwise healthy adult could signal a need for medical attention."

All vaginas will have their own unique odor. Sweat and menstruation can change the smell of the vagina, but it should return to normal after a shower. According to Irobunda, odor can also be altered slightly due to changes in diet, soaps you're using, and even different sexual partners.

"Healthy discharge can come in a variety of colors," Irobunda says, including clear or white, and it may even have a slight brown tinge following a period. It can vary in viscosity throughout the month, Durrett adds. It's thicker when you ovulate and becomes thinner during the other parts of your menstrual cycle.

The vulva, like any other areas of the skin, can have moles, varicose veins, warts, ingrown hairs, and sebaceous cysts that look like acne, Durrett says. "Melanoma is the second most common kind of cancer of the vulva or vagina," she adds, so it's always recommended to have your OB/GYN check moles, just as you would at the dermatologist.

Genital warts are a symptom of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The warts can be visible on the vulva but may also be inside of the cervix or the anus. If you're not able to see these warts but are experiencing pain or bleeding during sex, that could be a sign of an undiagnosed STI. Always consult with a doctor if you have visible warts or experience these symptoms.

The best way to clean your vagina is, well, to not clean your vagina. "It's a beautiful microcosm and cleans itself," Trubow says. The external-most part of the vulva, however, can be cleaned.

"If you want to use something other than water (which is definitely an acceptable way to clean the area), you can use a gentle, unscented soap," Irobunda says. "Vulvar skin is very sensitive, so you should try to use something that will not irritate it."

"Labias are like people," Trubow says. "They literally come in all different varieties (and that's normal!). Some are narrow, some are thicker, some are longer, some are shorter." If you've never taken the time to get to know yours, grab a handheld mirror and take a look.