trying to do sex positive feminism w/o centering intersex ppl is how you get ppl who only know how to say "that's totally normal :)" or "your body must be broken!" in response to folks w congenital vulvovaginal variations who can't find any info on their bodies that aren't about corrective surgeries or child victims of sexual violence. it's intersex erasure. not bc everyone with XYZ will identify as intersex but bc this kinda behavior smothers any possibility of taking an intersex perspective & letting people explore that & learn more abt how intersexism affects people. a lottt of sex positive feminist resources are honestly kinda trash for intersex ppl bc perisex women don't want us to say we're intersex but also no one ever talks abt our variations or gives us any resources so. what are we supposed to do. ohhhh yeah get surgery or dilate or pelvic floor therapy that doesnt help + blame ourselves + shut up. not even getting into the crazy amnts of misgendering going on half the time. or more.
Vulvicryptic variations (VCVs) are congenital variations in vulvovaginal genitalia, outside of what is considered typical for a body with a vulva, which are profoundly under-researched, under-diagnosed, or entirely unknown / undescribed. The term is meant to help provide language and community to people with sex trait variations that have little to no resources, from perisex or intersex sources.
These variations are very hard to find information on, and what exists tends to be focused on young children and surgical procedures. Doctors may have never heard of these variations, and different doctors may see and approach these variations wildly differently because of the lack of consensus. This is often due to intermisogyny / intersexist medical misogyny (IMM). People with VCVs may have experienced CIMI (coerced intersex medical interventions) such as being pressured to have a hymenectomy, labioplasty, undergo vaginal dilation, or be put on birth control or other hormonal treatments with the goal of diminishing their sex variant traits.
All VCVs can fall under the intersex umbrella, because they are congenital variations in sex characteristics outside of what is seen as typical for a "female." But people with VCVs can choose personally whether or not they identify as intersex. Similarly, VCV is an optional label & people may or may not want to refer to their variations with this term; whether or not someone's variation counts as a VCV is a personal choice.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of examples of variations that fall under the vulvicryptic variation umbrella:
Vulvar hypospadias (including persistent urogenital sinus) and epispadias (the urethra being lower/higher than typical respectively; PUGS is also total hypospadias, when the urethra is within the vaginal canal)
Urethral duplication / triplication (multiple urethras; can be typically placed, hypospadiac, and/or epispadiac)
Hymenal hypertrophy (thick, protruding, possibly inflexible hymen) also called a sleeve or redundant hymen
Atypical hymen variations like imperforate, microperforate, cribiform, and septate
Labial fusion (either the minora or (less often) the majora are fused together; this can be anywhere from covering the bottom half of the vaginal opening, to covering up most or all of the vulva. the labia minora can also fuse with the labia majora)
Labial hypertrophy (larger than typical labia)
Labial hypoplasia (smaller than typical labia)
Clitoral hypoplasia / atresia / vulvar aphallia (smaller than typical clitoris or no clitoris)
Vulvar aposthia (lack of a clitoral hood/foreskin)
Vaginal hypoplasia (smaller than typical vaginal canal)
Vaginal septum (the vagina is separated into two canals)
Uterine variations like bicornate/didelphys (two uteri)
It isn't uncommon for people to have multiple VCVs. In particular, it has been noticed that many people with hypospadias also have a hypertrophic hymen, and frequently also labial fusion and other clitoral/labial variations. Right now, this particular constellation of traits is called H-VCV (hypospadiac vulvicryptic variation) but other names, like crypostreum, have been suggested!
The term "vulvicryptic variation" was coined by an anonymous community member. The entire conversation around naming our underdiscussed variations came from an anonymous person named Kallie who kicked the whole thing off! Thank you Kallie :) If you would like more information, start here (link)!
vulvicryptic variations genuinely don't seem to be that rare, people with vulvas are just told their anatomy is already "weird" and "difficult to understand" because of medical misogyny so they're less likely to find out their anatomy isn't peritypical (let alone have that detail acknowledged by a medical professional)!
anecdotal source: a minimum of 3 people in my discord server only just found out they're intersex after being told that yes, you are actually supposed to be able to find your urethra, and no it isn't peritypical to be directly next to (or inside) of your vagina! And several have mentioned having gyno visits, pap smears, etc and *never* having their atypical urethral location brought up.
Pride flags for intersex people on the Agenital spectrum, and those with, name pending, vulvicryptic variations, including but not limited t
Phone needs to be charged so I'll just share the link for now. Edit: phone is finally done charging so I can add the flags here.
@vh-again @intervex
The Vulvicryptic variations (name pending) flag:
[Image description start. The Vulvicryptic variations pride flag, with three horizontal stripes of grey, black, and dark red. In the center is a gold and back eclipse. Image description end.]
the agenital spectrum flag:
[Image description start. The Agenital spectrum pride flag, with five horizontal symmetric stripes of gold, grey, and black in the center, with a matching gold and black eclipse. Image description end.]
Versions for allies:
[image description start. The same flags as above, now with the addition of a single vertical teal stripe on the left side. Image description end.]
You can download HD versions along with the transparent version of the eclipse and the teal stripe from the internet archive link.
___
Copying and pasting from the archive description:
Pride flags for intersex people on the Agenital spectrum, and those with, name pending, vulvicryptic variations, including but not limited to:
-vulval hypospadias (when the urethra is placed atypically low on the vulva, including right above, next to, inside the vaginal canal, and more. This can cause chronic UTIs and pain during pelvic exams or penetrative sex).
-sleeve or "redundant" hymens
-vulval hypoplasia
-and more that go unrecognized and unstudied.
These intersex variations are extremely understudied, making personal research almost impossible unless another intersex person speaks up first. Even when you go to a doctor and they look at your genitals, and notice these things, you are not likely to be told about them, and if the pelvic exam causes you pain, you'll instead be told it's your fault or you're imagining it. This is intersexist medical misogyny.
Color meanings:
For the vulvicryptic variations (VCV for short) flag:
The dark red represents the pain and violence caused by intersexist medical misogyny (IMM for short), sexual shaming and corrective rape for not being able to have the "right" kind of sex, while it still being demanded of you nonetheless.
It is red for the literal blood we are forced or expected to shed as though it means nothing.
The grey represents the confusion, misinformation, and lies you experience, from confusion when being shown perisex-typixal diagrams in health class, to being ignored and spoken over and told "shut up, you're normal" when you try to point out that the diagrams do not match you at all. It also represents the hidden or "cryptic" nature of the vulva / vagina and its components, both to the naked eye, and the medical system at large, as well as individual doctor's unwillingness to look closer or reveal this information to their patient.
The black represents the lack of awareness, research, and compassion for those with VCV, due to the unchallenged IMM that is systemic throughout the world at the time this flag is being made. It also represents the violence done to people with VCV, especially children, whose unconsensual photos are spread by the medical community without any care.
The eclipse / crescent moon represents the sudden realization many people with VCV have that they have been lied to and misled about their own body, and what is actually perisex-typical, and that they really are intersex. It also represents the hope that in the future IMM will be dismantled and everyone will be given equal access to knowledge and compassion for their bodies and intersex variations.
For the Agenital spectrum flag:
Similar symbology to the VCV flag, with the gold stripes representing the intersex community at large, hope for better a better future, and the joy that can be found in intersex identity and finally understanding.
Simplified color meanings:
Vulvicryptic variations:
Grey: Confusion
Black: Lack of research
Red: Pain
Eclipse: Hope, knowledge, community
Agenital spectrum:
Gold: intersex community and hope
Grey: Confusion
Black: Lack of research
Eclipse: Hope, knowledge, community
Both of these flags are public domain, CC0, meaning you can do anything you want with them whatsoever without any permission or credit needed.
They are for intersex people, people who are questioning their intersex status.
Versions with vertical teal stripes are provided for allies to show their support. The teal represents solidarity and strength, like water coming together to erode anything in its path.
Simplified color meaning:
Teal: Solidarity
Flag image descriptions for copying and pasting:
[Image description start. The Vulvicryptic variations {ally} pride flag, with three horizontal stripes of grey, black, and dark red. In the center is a gold and back eclipse. {On the Left side is a vertical teal ally stripe.}Image description end.]
[Image description start. The Agenital spectrum {ally} pride flag, with five horizontal symmetric stripes of gold, grey, and black in the center, with a matching gold and black eclipse. {On the Left side is a vertical teal ally stripe.} Image description end.]
(at long last) the inaugural vulvar hypospadias study: results!
(sorry for taking so long to post this; college has been a lot!!! but happy to be back and intersex about it)
I got 116 responses to this & I'm very thankful for everyone who participated! I hope to do this survey again at some point this year, hopefully workshop the questions to improve it and collect more data. Its funny that vulvar hypospadias is so understudied, I think this is may be the largest study on it technically (<- joking, this was very informal, but seriously we need more research so bad!!)
Since the qualitative questions tended to involve much more personal information, I am just going to be summarizing the results for those to keep things private.
Here's the results:
Do you have vulvar hypospadias?
62.9% said "yes."
37.1% said "I'm questioning if I do."
2. What type of hypospadias do you have or suspect you have?
32.8% said "vestibular / partial."
32.8% said "vestovestibular / subtotal."
15.5% said "vaginal / total / persistent urogenital sinus."
19% said "I'm unsure."
"Prefer not to answer" was an option, but no respondents chose it.
3. Throughout your life, have you experienced chronic / frequent / reoccurring (with no other known cause)
Respondents could select multiple answers.
40.5% said "urinary tract infections."
41.4% said "incidents of incontinence or near-incontinence."
56% said "dribbling urine after urinating."
50.9% said "urinary retention."
33.6% said "pain while urinating in general."
37.1% said "pain while urinating after vaginal penetration."
57.8% said "discomfort or pain during vaginal penetration."
19% said "inability to do vaginal penetration at all."
54.3% said "discomfort or pain when inserting / removing menstrual products regardless of size or method of insertion"
16.4% said "menstrual products slipping down or falling out regardless of size or method of insertion."
45.7% said "constantly feeling the presence of an internal menstrual product regardless of size or method of insertion."
22.4% said "inability to urinate while using a tampon / cup / disc."
40.5% said "reduced or no erogenous (sexual) sensation where it is typically expected in the genital area."
17.2% said "reduced or no sensation in general in part or all of the urogenital region."
One respondent (0.9%) said "none."
When given the chance to elaborate, respondents reported:
a history of chronic UTIs, particularly during childhood or around their menstrual periods
overactive bladder with urinary retention, sometimes requiring catheterization, and difficulty fully emptying the bladder
an anteriorly deflected urinary stream that caused urine to contact the perineum/anus
dribbling and wetting oneself, often when young
pain or discomfort during penetration (sexual or attempted insertion of fingers/menstrual products) sometimes leading to avoidance or difficulty with insertion
reduced erogenous sensation, making masturbation difficult or impossible until late in life, or causing the clitoris to lose sensation easily
diagnoses including hypertonic pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, and scarring on the inside of the bladder
4. Do you have any of these other congenital variations in sex characteristics?
Respondents could select multiple answers.
35.3% said "sleeve hymen" (which can also be called "redundant" or a hypertrophic hymen)
19.8% said "other atypical hymen variation" (imperforate, microperforate, cribiform, septate)
28.4% said "vaginal hypoplasia or atresia"
29.3% said "labial fusion"
12.1% said "labial hypoplasia"
19% said "labial hypertrophy"
4.3% said "urethral duplication"
39.7% said "a ridge, line, seam, or set of bumps between the urethra and the clitoris"
10.3% said "a small tube-like structure that seems to extend from the urethra."
12.1% said "clitoral hypoplasia or atresia."
19% said "clitoromegaly."
4.3% said "other ambiguous genitalia."
6% said "other urogenital variation."
31% said "higher than expected amounts of a sex hormone (hyperandrogenism, hyperestrogenism)."
8.6% said "lower than expected amounts of a sex hormone (hypoandrogenism, hypoestrogenism)."
1.7% said "any gonadal variation (ovotestes, testes where ovaries were expected, etc.)"
9.5% said "any variation of the uterus."
5.2% said "any chromosomal variation."
56% said "i am questioning if I have one or more of these traits."
2.6% said "none."
When given the chance to elaborate, respondents reported:
hymen variations, particularly sleeve, microperforate, and septate, while others were uncertain they had a hymen at all
variations in the vaginal opening include the urethra sitting on the threshold or protruding tissue that obstructs the introitus, potentially related to the hymen or other excess tissue/flaps inside the vagina
mild labial fusion, labial hypertrophy (or suspected), labial hypoplasia, and the appearance of "labia inside labia."
clitoral variations including clitoromega, a forked clitoris, or difficulty locating the clitoris entirely.
suspecting or being diagnosed with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH or NCAH), formerly PCOS now PMOS
hormonal variations mentioned include having "mini puberties" with temporary testosterone spikes, mild hyperandrogenism or signs of it (pre-T in some cases)
cysts on ovaries, small ovaries, endometriosis, a septate uterus, vaginal hypoplasia/atresia
5. If you would like to share any non-sex characteristic bodily variations (such as an atypical number of kidneys, scoliosis, etc.), you can do so here.
Respondents reported:
many (roughly 20%) brought up generalized joint hypermobility, or being diagnosed with/suspecting hEDS / Ehlers-Danlos syndrome / Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, sometimes alongside POTS, and other symptoms related (fragile/stretchy skin, joint instability)
scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and other spinal differences, chest wall differences (pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum), and other congenital skeletal variations
joint pain
various autoimmune conditions
various neurological conditions
flat feet
many mentioned having limited access to healthcare, and so rely heavily on self-observation rather than diagnosis
6. How long have you known or suspected you have hypospadias?
For reference, this survey was active over the course of January 2026.
8.6% said "one day or less."
19% said "a few days / a week."
15.5% said "a few weeks / a month."
37.1% said "a few months."
9.5% said "a year."
6.9% said "a few years."
2.6% said "since childhood."
One respondent (0.9%) said "as long as I can remember."
7. How did you learn about the variation called "vulvar hypospadias"?
Respondents could select multiple answers.
"From my parents" was an option, but no respondents chose it.
2.6% said "from a doctor."
3.4% said "from a friend or partner."
12.9% said "from reading medical papers."
94% said "from seeing it discussed online."
(& many of you mentioned my blog specifically, which makes me happy!)
8. How did you realize, or begin suspecting, you had hypospadias?
Respondents could select multiple answers.
"My parents told me" was an option, but no respondents chose it.
1.7% said "a doctor told me."
2.6% said "a friend or partner told me."
20.7% said "reading medical papers."
76.7% said "reading / talking about it online."
89.7% said "examining my own body."
9. Do you know if you were exposed to either high androgens or high estrogen while in the womb?
4.3% said "yes; high androgens."
8.6% said "it's possible/likely; high androgens."
7.8% said "it's possible/likely but I'm not sure which."
77.6% said "I'm not sure / have no way of knowing."
1.7% said "I know I was not exposed to highandrogens or high estrogen in the womb."
"Yes; high estrogens," "yes but I'm not sure which," and "it's possible/likely; high estrogens" were all options, but no respondents chose them.
10. Do you consider yourself intersex?
52.6% said "yes, entirely or partially because of my hypospadias."
7.8% said "yes, but not because of my hypospadias."
26.7% said "questioning / unsure / ambivalent."
6% said "no."
6.8% selected "Other" and wrote in their response.
(The following two questions focus on medical abuse and intersexism)
11. Have you been subjected to CIMI (coercive intersex medical interventions)?
10.3% said "yes."
9.5% said "I suspect I may have, but I'm not certain."
18.1% said "I'm not sure if I have or not."
61.2% said "no / I have no reason to believe I have."
One respondent (0.9%) said "prefer not to answer.
When given the chance to elaborate, respondents reported:
scars in the genital area without clear explanation
having a fused labia operated on without justification, sometimes without anesthetic
being prescribed or coerced into taking hormonal medications, often disguised as birth control pills, even at a young age. Respondents experienced negative side effects and many were not informed of the true purpose of the medications or alternative options.
doctors not listening to reports of pain, lying about hormone levels to justify hormonal treatments, conducting genital examinations without explanation, and being forced to engage in vaginal dilation treatment.
12. Have you ever experienced other medical neglect, mistreatment, abuse, or general poor medical care as a result of / related to your hypospadias?
21.6% said "yes, many times."
10.3% said "yes, once or twice."
19.8% said "I have experienced something which may count, but I'm not sure."
12.9% said "I'm not sure if I have experienced anything that might count."
33.6% said "no."
1.7% said "prefer not to answer."
When given the chance to elaborate, respondents reported:
having issues such as chronic UTIs, yeast infections, inability to penetrate the vaginally comfortably, and visible genital differences dismissed and often attributed to personal failings
having multiple doctors, including gynecologists, urologists, and pediatricians, failed to notice or mention the unusual placement and appearance of the urethra during physical examinations, pap smears, and checkups, even in cases where it should have been blatantly obvious, or having a doctor make a vague comment on an abnormality but refuse to elaborate.
experiencing difficulty or pain during procedures like catheterization and not being listened to by providers, or being chastised for contaminating urine sample with menstrual blood due to hypospadias
actively avoided seeking medical care for genital-related issues due to fear or past negative experiences, resulting in low exposure to medical appointments where the condition could have been noted
receiving no sexual education relevant to their anatomy, leaving them unable to understand their experiences or apparent differences.
(End of medical abuse TW)
Thank you so much to everyone who participated. I am so glad to help provide a space for people with hypospadias to engage with each other and learn more about our variation together! As mentioned, I plan to do this survey again, workshop the questions further, and try to continue collecting data so we can have a little more information on common experiences 💛💜💛
Clitoral hypoplasia is often defined as having a clitoris that is smaller than 2mm in diameter; that’s difficult to picture for many people.
Here are some images of ~2mm objects compared to body parts and other common objects.
Many people don’t understand why this variation ‘counts’ as intersex. It’s not just about appearance- Clitoral hypoplasia can affect sexual function or self esteem, and may cause body dysphoria or feelings of isolation.
If you have or think you might have clitoral hypoplasia, know that you aren’t alone and you have a place in the intersex community.
so i just put together a little collection of photos of vulvas where they seem to have the same sort of urethral structure i do ( + two that just seemed atypical in a diff way, named v4-other and v5-other). its here (link) if anyone wants to check it out.
im mainly focused on this kind of.. almost tube-like thing that takes up the area of the vestibule thats usually between the urethra and the clitors, that ends with a V-shape, almost like a spout? but in all except v7 it seems like the urethra is beneath it, not where the spout itself is (on my own, there's another upside-down V on the bottom above the urethra as well). most of the photos are from gynodiversity & from looking on there its clearly not standard (i found 4 clear examples out of 216 vulvas).
i feel like a lot of intermisogyny directed at lesser known variations/VCVs comes from these two ideas
that the vulva/vagina/uterus is just so strange and mysterious (which definitely has nothing to do w the lack of research 🙄) that 90% of variations are just grouped under "normal" because well its all just so confusing down there!! unless something is clearly infected/broken/super intrusive, you can write off basically everything else as "The Mysteries Of The Vulva" and forget about it
that the only parts of the genitalia that really matter are any parts that are vital to childbirth, or anything that looks too blatantly androgynous. clitoris the size of a grain of rice? missing your labia minora entirely? who cares! i mean as long as nothings too big (unfeminine) right? all that other stuff is basically just decoration that you can take or leave as long as you can hypothetically take a penis inside you and give birth
