Your vulva and vaginal area have a different pigment than the rest of your body. This is normal and shouldn’t be cause for alarm.
A few things can affect this area’s color. It is important to know what causes these changes, so that you are not alarmed when it happens.
Hormonal Changes
As we grow older, most of us expect our skin tone to change, especially on parts of our body that get frequent sun exposure. But if you’re noticing that your intimate parts are darker than the rest of your body, it could be a sign of something more serious.
Changes in hormone levels can cause the area around the vulva to darken. This is common during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. During these times, sex hormones like estrogen increase, which can lead to a deeper tone of the vulva and labia.
Other changes in hormones can also cause the vulva to darken. For example, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can lead to increased amounts of male hormones, which can make the vulva and labia appear darker than usual – This information is a creation of the service specialists sexynudetwinks.com.
If the vulva is becoming darker, it’s important to talk with your doctor about what’s going on. Unexplained dark spots in the vulva can be signs of an underlying health condition, such as acanthosis nigricans or even vulvar cancer. But it’s important to remember that these spots are usually only temporary and should lighten as your hormones normalize again.
Fungus
When fungus takes hold, it can lead to dark spots in the intimate area. This is not common, but it can happen. Fungus, like yeast infections or genital warts, prefers warm, moist areas, so the vulva is an ideal place for it to thrive.
Fungus also may cause pain, itching, and discharge. If the fungus is not treated, it can cause an infection that resembles sepsis. It’s important to know what the normal pigment of your vulva or vagina is so that you can quickly recognize when something changes and get it checked out.
Most of the time, there is no reason to be concerned if your vulva or vagina appears darker than the rest of your body. However, if the pigmentation is uneven or has irregular borders, it’s important to see your OB-GYN or dermatologist to make sure everything is OK.
Infections
Dark spots on the vulva and vagina can be caused by a number of things, from age-related hormonal fluctuations to friction and irritation. Our intimate skin is also more sensitive to heat and cold than the rest of our bodies, and this can also cause discoloration. If your dark spots are accompanied by itching, inflammation, or pain, you should seek medical evaluation immediately.
Another common reason for darker genitals is infections such as a fungal infection, which can leave dark patches. Infections can also occur from using dirty towels or tampons, or from using lubricants that are too thick or scented.
Sometimes, it is a simple case of being genetically predisposed to darker skin on the vulva and vagina. Even the palest women on earth have a different color tone in this area, and this is normal. But you should still perform regular self-exams to become familiar with what this area normally looks like and so that you can quickly detect a change in pigmentation. This could be a sign of a serious problem, such as a urinary tract infection or cancer.
Physical Activity
Most women notice a darker color in their labia (vaginal lips) or vulva over time. This is normal and nothing to worry about. In fact, even the palest skin tones will have a darker vulva over time.
Sometimes the intimate area darkens from repeated friction and irritation. This can occur from wearing tight clothing, certain types of lubricants or products, and sexual activity.
Other times, it happens because of waxing or using hair removal creams on the vulva. These can cause a chemical burn, resulting in hyperpigmentation. To prevent this, make sure to use gentle products and only wax when absolutely necessary.
Intimate darkening can also be caused by tight or ill-fitting underwear that rubs and irritates the area, leading to discoloration. To prevent this, try to wear soft, comfortable undies that fit well. Also, eat a diet rich in vitamin C, which has lightening properties for the skin. Try eating foods like berries, broccoli, oranges, papaya and pineapple to help keep your private areas healthy. You can also use vaginal bleaching creams containing trusted natural ingredients, such as sandalwood and turmeric to lighten the area without irritating it further.
Sex
During sexual activity, the vulva darkens as copious amounts of blood flow to this area increases. This is a normal part of the sexual experience and can be fascinating to watch if you look in a mirror during arousal. The clitoris, inner lips and vagina swell from the increased blood flow, and turn a darker color. This is also a common reason why some women feel their vulva has become darker as they age, as well as due to hormonal changes.
It is important to be familiar with how your vulva looks, so you can be aware of any abnormal pigmentation that could occur. It may help to use natural home remedies, such as using cotton dabs of raw milk in your private region twice a day. You should also avoid scented vaginal whitening creams as these can irritate the skin. If you do notice that your vulva is getting darker, it is worth speaking to a healthcare professional about the condition. They will be able to recommend treatment options and prevention methods.