The vulva and the area around it come in all shapes and sizes. It’s natural for this area to have a certain level of fat in it.
However, excess fat in the upper pubic area (FUPA) can be difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise alone. Moreover, it can cause discomfort and affect your confidence.
Mons pubis
The mons pubis is a rounded mass of fatty tissue that sits over the pubic bone. The shape of the area varies from person to person, and it is often more pronounced in females than in men. It is usually covered in pubic hair and functions as a source of cushioning during sexual activity. It is also home to sebaceous glands that secrete pheromones, which are believed to play a role in sexual attraction.
The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia and includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and urethra. It is shaped like an upside down triangle and is covered in hair. It is supplied with blood from the external pudendal artery and the deep perineal nerve.
If the vulva is fat, it may cause pain or bumps on the pubic area. This is called vulvodynia and can be caused by trauma, pregnancy, sensitivity to yeast, or pelvic floor muscle spasms. The pain is typically described as burning or throbbing.
The only way to lose the fat on your vulva is to reduce your overall body weight. The best way to do this is through diet and exercise. Avoid consuming too much sugar and refined foods, and make sure to do plenty of cardio. Also, be careful when you shave your pubic hair. This can lead to ingrown hairs, which are red, itchy bumps that are caused by the tip of a follicle folding back into the skin.
Vulva
Your vulva, or external genitalia, is shaped uniquely to fit your body and it can change throughout the course of life. This is due to hormonal changes, and especially during the reproductive years before and after menarche. The mons pubis can get fatter or less fleshy, but overall the shape of your vulva (or vulvae) is determined by your body type and weight, and also by the shape of the outer labia minora and majora.
These changes are completely normal and you should be proud of your vulvae! They are what make you a unique woman. Some women are uncomfortable with the shape of their vulva and may be embarrassed to share photos of it with their partner, or even with their doctor. But it’s important to remember that your vulva is an intimate area and the most comfortable when it is clean and healthy.
The vulva is host to a delicate ecosystem of bacteria and fungi that keep it healthy. If this flora is disrupted by overuse of antibacterial soaps or douches, or by using perfumed talcum powder, the vulva can become inflamed and itchy.
A swollen, irritated or itchy vulva can be a symptom of bacterial vaginosis, which is usually treated with antibiotics. It can also be a sign of pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis.
Labia
If you’re feeling self-conscious about the shape of your vulva, it may be helpful to know that vaginas come in all shapes and sizes. However, it’s important to note that if your vulva becomes too enlarged or asymmetrical it can cause physical discomfort and lead to problems such as incontinence.
If your vulva is large, this may be due to the shape of your labia majora (outer lips) or labia minora (inner lips). Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of your labia. It can be done to improve the appearance of your vulva, relieve physical discomfort or as part of gender-affirming surgery.
There is no one normal vulva, as the shape of your vulva depends on your body type and weight. Nevertheless, it’s important to be aware of how your vulva is developing and if it is getting too fatty.
In some cases, your vulva can lose its natural lubrication and develop dryness, causing a loss of sensation during sexual intercourse. A laser treatment like ThermiVa can tighten the skin on a cellular level and help restore the elasticity of your vulva, reducing or eliminating this problem.
Upper pubic area
Fatty upper pubic area – also known as FUPA – is an extremely common condition that many women face. It is a result of high body fat accumulation that leads to fat redistribution and can affect your confidence, make you shy away from swimwear and sexy underwear and can interfere with intimate relationships. Fat in this area is very hard to lose through diet and exercise, because it is a genetically determined fat storage pattern. However, you can try panniculectomy, a surgical treatment that removes the excess pubic mound and leaves you with an attractive, toned pubis. Click here to read more about the procedure.
