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Embracing Real Bodies: A dive into the 2024 Women’s Health Victoria report

We all know body positivity is gaining traction, with everyone cheering for natural beauty and saying goodbye to impossible beauty standards. But there’s one topic that remains tucked away and misunderstood: the diversity of women’s genital anatomy—yep, we’re talking about the labia.

You might not have thought much about this before, or maybe you have and felt insecure about how you look down there. That’s okay—you’re not alone. A recent report by Women’s Health Victoria, Real Bodies: Understanding and Celebrating Labia Diversity, aims to clear the air, bust some myths, and help all of us feel more confident and comfortable in our own skin.

Breaking the Taboo: Why Labia Diversity Matters

For many young women, anxiety about body image doesn’t stop at the surface; it extends to the most private parts of the body, often driven by unrealistic beauty standards set by mainstream media, adult content, and even health misinformation.

Let’s face it: we live in a world where unrealistic beauty standards are everywhere—from magazine covers to social media and even health myths. And while there’s more talk about body diversity these days, discussions about the appearance of our intimate parts still feel hush-hush.

Did you know that about 50% of women have felt self-conscious about their labia at some point? That’s half of us feeling unnecessary pressure to fit into some invisible “standard.”

Here’s the truth: just like every woman’s face is unique, so is her vulva. Labia come in all shapes, sizes, and colours—no “right” or “normal” look exists. In fact, the report shows that labial length can naturally range from 2 to 10 centimeters, and 40-50% of women have asymmetrical labia.

It’s time to stop comparing yourself to airbrushed images or what you’ve seen in adult content, which often don’t reflect reality. Embracing your natural self isn’t just about loving how you look—it’s about knowing that there’s nothing wrong with being different.

The Harm of Misrepresentation

The lack of open discussion about labia diversity has perpetuated myths that lead to body dissatisfaction and shame. Popular culture often depicts a singular version of what female genitalia “should” look like, creating a false standard.

When people don’t talk openly about labia diversity, myths and insecurities can thrive. Mainstream media often shows only one “version” of what female genitalia “should” look like, which leaves many of us feeling like we don’t measure up. Let’s get real—about 30% of young women have considered cosmetic surgery to change their labia’s appearance because they think there’s something “wrong” with them.

This is even more concerning when we see that 1 in 8 women have put off going to the GP for sexual and reproductive concerns because they’re embarrassed about how their labia looks.

Here’s a wake-up call: the number of labiaplasty surgeries has gone up by more than 50% over the last decade. That’s a lot of women who are opting for surgery without understanding that there’s a wide range of what’s normal and beautiful. It’s perfectly fine to want to make changes to your body, but it’s important that those choices are based on accurate information and self-love, not pressure to conform to someone else’s idea of beauty.

These are the Key Findings from the Women’s Health report.

Changing the Conversation

The truth is, our bodies are so much more than just something to look at—they’re meant to be lived in. The Women’s Health Victoria report encourages us to focus less on what our bodies look like and more on how they feel and function. A healthy body isn’t defined by appearance, and the same goes for our private parts.

Let’s start having conversations that prioritise health and comfort over aesthetics. If you’re worried or curious about your body, talk to a trusted healthcare professional who can give you real answers. Your body is amazing for all the things it allows you to experience—remember that!

How to Love Yourself a Little More Every Day

Here are some things your big sister would want you to know:

  1. Learn the Facts: Educating yourself is empowering. Knowing that labia diversity is normal can help quiet those anxieties. The report from Women’s Health Victoria is a great resource for getting real info about what’s healthy and what’s just part of being human. Big Kids Table also has plenty of resources to help you on this journey.
  2. Stop the Comparisons: Trust me, your labia are as unique as your fingerprints. Comparing yourself to what you see in media will only make you feel worse because most images are edited and unrealistic. Embrace your uniqueness! Check out the Labia Library for evidence.
  3. Open Up: Don’t be afraid to talk about your concerns. Whether it’s with a friend, a partner, or a healthcare professional, discussing your thoughts can help clear up myths and make you feel heard.
  4. Practice Self-Love Daily: The best way to start loving your body is by appreciating all the things it lets you do.

We’re Moving Towards a More Inclusive Future—And You’re Part of It

Every time we embrace our natural selves, we’re helping to shift beauty standards in a more inclusive direction. Reports like Real Bodies: Understanding and Celebrating Labia Diversity are paving the way for women to feel comfortable in their own skin—without shame. When we talk openly about these things, we’re not just challenging beauty myths; we’re creating a world where all women can feel confident, valued, and truly seen.


This blog post aims to educate and empower young women to accept their bodies, promote inclusivity, and challenge societal norms. The original report can be found here.

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