Teton Obgyn Idaho Falls
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Physicians
    • What Our Patients Say
  • Contact
  • Our Services & Treatments
    • Obstetrics
    • Office Gynecology
    • Advanced Gyn Surgery
  • FAQs
    • Pregnancy FAQ
    • Gynecology FAQ
    • Surgery FAQ
  • Blog
  • Patient Resources
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Physicians
    • What Our Patients Say
  • Contact
  • Our Services & Treatments
    • Obstetrics
    • Office Gynecology
    • Advanced Gyn Surgery
  • FAQs
    • Pregnancy FAQ
    • Gynecology FAQ
    • Surgery FAQ
  • Blog
  • Patient Resources

A Rose by any Other Name: Are my Lady Bits Too Big?

8/16/2016

0 Comments

 
Especially with Doctor 90210 and other plastic surgeons offering labia shortening procedures, not to mention the option to mention spas offering the change to “bling out” your lady parts (Google vajazzle!), I get this question from patients all the time.  The labia are the part of the vulva that look like lips.  There are two sets of them.  The outer labia- aka the labia majora is larger (length can vary from 7 to 12 cm) and covered in pubic hair; the labia minora is smoother, smaller (length can vary from 2 to 10cm) and protects the vagina.  Just like your breasts, there may be some asymmetry- meaning if you look down there with a mirror, one labia may be larger or smaller than the other.  Remember all labia look a little different and this is normal.

Why are my labia bigger?
Just like any other part of the body (breasts, etc), some women have larger labia than others.  This is just normal variance in anatomy.  Contrary to popular belief, it is not caused by masturbation, intercourse or sexually transmitted diseases, although childbirth can sometimes change them.  For some women their “enlarged” labia can get in the way of certain clothing, cause irritation, discomfort pain or prevent them from engaging in certain activities such as gymnastics, horseback riding, cycling or even having sexual intercourse.   Weight gain can contribute to enlargement of the labia especially if followed by rapid weight loss resulting in sagging and an elongated appearance.  Labial piercings can also contribute to a longer labium because of the weight of the piercings.

Can surgery fix it?
The answer is first talk to your gynecologist.  First and foremost, you want to ensure that there isn’t a congenital abnormality, infection, abnormality from previous trauma or disease process which may require different treatment.  When patients come in wanting to surgically trim their labia, I usually try to talk them out of it because it is often not needed.  I also try to show them pictures of vulvas because they all look a little different, but that does not mean that they are not normal.  Unless there is a serious functional problem with your labia- inability to perform certain activities, surgical intervention is not the answer.   While the perception is that labiaplasty is a minor procedure, serious complications such as pain with intercourse, scarring, hematoma (severe bruising), and infection can and does occur.  Also, the recovery process is no cake walk.  Multiple sitz baths are required daily and great care has to be placed in order to minimize the risk of infection.  Special tight garments have to be used to decrease chafing in the area.  Lastly, if the purpose of the surgery is just cosmetic, it likely will not be covered by insurance and can cost anywhere from $3000 to $8000, and even if you elect to undergo surgery, the results you seek can’t be guaranteed. 
 
Ladies, labia come in all shapes and sizes, so unless your labia cause significant symptoms, learn to love yours J

Pam
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Call Us

    Teton Women's 

    We address the topics you need to know about regarding pregnancy and women's health issues.

    Categories

    All
    Babies
    Breast Feeding
    Contraception
    Cord Blood Banking
    Delayed Cord Clamping
    Diet And Exercise
    Diet And Exercise In Pregnancy
    First Trimester
    Genetic Screening
    Guest Blogs
    Gynecologic Surgery
    Health And Fitness
    Hormones
    Induction Of Labor
    Infertility
    Just For Fun
    Menopause
    Overview Of Pregnancy
    Ovulation Prediction
    Pain Management In Labor
    Pap Smear
    Postpartum Depression
    Pregnancy Planning
    Second Trimester
    Sexual Health
    Sleep
    Vaginal Discharge
    Women's Health
    Zika Virus

    Archives

    May 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    February 2023
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016

    RSS Feed

Location

GET DIRECTIONS!
Teton Women's Health Center

2001 S Woodruff Ave #10
Idaho Falls, ID 83404









​Sitemap

Contact Us

Tel: 208-523-2060
​Fax: 208-523-9874

Office Hours

Mon - Thurs: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Fri - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates at Teton Women's Health Center!

**While we are excited to answer your questions, please be aware that the links below are not intended to provide urgent or emergent medical advice.  Thank you!