[Warrior79]

I have searched everywhere and cannot find any information about this. I like to stay healthy and keep an eye on things “down there” but it concerns me that inside, the tissue looks white instead of pink or red, and there are big bulging veiny looking things. I have not seen any pictures that look like this. I have no odor, no unusual discharge, no pain. It just looks weird to me.

[Alison H.]

When you say “inside,” do you mean inside your vaginal canal, or inside/along your vulva or inner labia?

Part of what you’re describing, particularly with the veiny-looking things and bulging… that almost sounds like something similar to hemorrhoids… but it might depend on where this actually happening (if it’s closer to your anus/perineum, or closer to your vagina/clitoris).

Have you been straining at all — either while going to the bathroom or in general, as in lifting heavy things or doing other physical activity that is outside the norm for you? Any abnormally rough sex recently?

Additionally, are you pregnant (or given birth recently)? Varicose veins are something that we think of as only happening in our legs or feet but they can actually occur on the vulva during pregnancy. That said, they can sometimes occur in women who are not pregnant (they are known as “vulvar varicosities” if that helps you google symptoms to see if they’re like what you’re experiencing).

You said there’s no pain, which is good — but is there pressure at all? Swelling?

It might be worth seeing your doctor, just to rule out any circulatory issues and to find out what the underlying cause is.

[Warrior79]

Ok, so apparently I’m seeing the rugae. It’s more pink than white, I guess. Am I supposed to be able to see the rugae when I pull back the lips?

[atskitty2]

Hi Warrior79 ! Welcome to WHI.

Are you currently sexually active?
I see in another post that you've had 4 kids, so I don't want to make assumptions. What are you currently doing in attempt to tighten up your muscles?

It's best to schedule an appointment with your gynecologist and discuss your questions and concerns. Our reproductive area is quite vascular, so for you to describe any part of it as "white" is a little concerning. Your questions about rugae make me think you're seeing folds of skin, when you pull back the "lips", which I'm guessing are your labia majora? So, if that's the case, you could be seeing the labia minora, or the folds of skin that generally cover the clitoris. Everyone's anatomy is a little different, even tho' we all have generally the same parts, so yours may look different than pictures you see online, or in a book.

Regardless, a check-up with your doc is recommended, and asking them to place a mirror for you to observe during their exam, to include a little anatomy lesson would be a great thing for you. I think most docs or nurses would be happy to provide this education for you. Good luck!

[ForeverMermaid]

I am thinking that you are seeing the texture of your vagina canal, you can check with your doctor to be sure. I can see mine when I pull my lips back. This is where my g-spot is located (right at the mouth of my vagina), it becomes engorged when really turned on and will cause orgasm if stimulated. Looks like you just need to spend some quiet time with a mirror and lube and really explore yourself, become very acquainted.