What's this sticking out of my vagina? And what's wrong with the "beef flaps"? (Photo)

Question

What is this stuff sticking out of my vagina? I've been to a gynecologist several times and they never mention it being weird, but it looks awfully abnormal to me. Also my "beef lips" have become all dry and reallyyy cracked. How do I fix this? Please help.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Those "weird" looking things are called hymenal tags. When your hymen breaks for the first time, it leaves these hymenal tags. Sometimes, they're short and not visible. Other times, like yours, they're visible. They're harmless, but they can be removed if they bother you. See your gynecologist regarding your dryness and cracking issues as they are most likely signs of a mild yeast infection. These issues are unrelated to your hymenal tags and they certainly don't require lasers or prp or anything else intended for conditions that, from your photo, you clearly don't have.

Michelle Jones Singer, MD · Answer

The tissue fragments that emerge from the vagina are hymen remnants. A small surgical operation can remove it if it troubles you visually. Contact your gynecologist to help treat the dry and cracked areas you are concerned with.

Burcak Tok, MD · Answer

Hello, the pieces of tissue that protrude from the vagina are generally remnants of the hymen. If it bothers you visually, it can be removed with a minor surgical procedure. PRP or laser applications are generally useful for drying and cracking on the outer lips. Why is treatment necessary?

Magnus Murphy, MD · Answer

I have good news for you. What you are looking at in the photo looks like very healthy tissue. These protrusions are epithelial protruberances - heaped up or somewhat prominent areas of the healthy lining of the vagina called ‘epithelium’. Sometimes these can be the remnants of the hymen, or perhaps from some tearing and subsequent healing after childbirth or surgery leading to some more prominent folds. Either way, it is nothing to be concerned about. However, should you want to get rid of it, it should be a rather easy fix. Options might include vaporization or resection. I would suggest that using a laser, like a CO2 or Erbium laser would be the best option, but using a more traditional surgical approach with a scalpel and suturing would also get the job done. As for the cracked lips, again, they look completely normal to me.

Michael P. Goodman, MD, FACOG · Answer

The "weird stuff" you note is your hymenal ring. You happen to have an "outie"-- where the ring has a "sea anemone" polyp- like appearance. It is not abnormal, but could be excised if you wish by an experienced female genital plastic surgeon, but I'd advise against it unless it really bugs you. Regarding your labia, while they are not particularly large, they do have a classic "reticulated" appearance. Happens sometime. Again, unless it bugs you, leave it be. BUT--if you do decide to have it reconstructed, PLEASE go to an experienced P.S. or Cosmetic Gynecologist who can carefully reconstruct using a combination of "skimming" and "airbrushing." It should cost you around $5000-7000 out-the-door. Don't try to cheap it, as this is where all of the "botches come from... With your anatomy it would be very east to "...amputate."

Please see RealSelf's Web reference & videos below...

Best ,

Michael P Goodman, MD, FACOG, IF, AAACS
Sacramento, CA, USA

Please see RealSelf's Web reference & videos below...

Best ,

Michael P Goodman, MD, FACOG, IF, AAACS
Sacramento, CA, USA

What's this sticking out of my vagina? And what's wrong with the "beef flaps"? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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