Labial Hypoplasia
Also known as: Small or absent labia.
What is labial hypoplasia?
The labia are the two inner and outer protective lips/folds of the vagina. Labial hypoplasia is the harmless condition where one or both sides of the labia either are missing or don't grow normally during puberty.
How common is labial hypoplasia?
Labial hypoplasia is a rare disorder, but some estimates say that between 1 out of every 5,000 to 7,000 women are born with the defect that leads to this disorder.
What causes labial hypoplasia?
The cause of labial hypoplasia is not known.
How is labial hypoplasia diagnosed?
Since labial hypoplasia is characterized by one or both sides of the vaginal labia being missing or different sizes, it’s easy to diagnose with a physical examination. A Nicklaus Children’s Hospital physician should be able to diagnose the condition during a routine appointment.
What are the labial hypoplasia symptoms?
There are no symptoms of labial hypoplasia and it doesn't affect sexual function.
What are labial hypoplasia care options?
No treatment is typically necessary; cosmetic surgery can be performed to make the labia match in size if desired. This cosmetic procedure is available in cases of labial hypoplasia where the two sides of the labia are different sizes. A surgery can be performed to make the larger side of the labia match the smaller or non-existent side
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will this condition affect the patient’s sex life? No, sexual function is not negatively affected by labial hypoplasia.
- Can labial hypoplasia occur in intersex patients? Yes, labial hypoplasia can occur in intersex patients, but it can also occur in female patients without any long-term medical implications.
- Is labial hypoplasia painful? No, it is not painful to the patient with the condition.
- Is any special care and cleaning needed for labial hypoplasia? The advice is no different from standard vaginal care and cleaning, which involves gentle washing with mild soap and warm water and avoiding unnecessary perfumes or harsh chemicals.
- Should I be concerned if my child has labial hypoplasia? Though parents understandably are concerned about any physical anomaly, the reality is that children with labial hypoplasia can live healthy, normal lives without any adverse health effects related to the condition.
Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP
This page was last updated on: June 05, 2025 01:08 PM