Contents:
- Medical Video: Labia stretching: Why some British girls are told to do it - BBC Stories
- What is labia hypertrophy or enlarged labia?
- What causes enlargement of the labia?
- Signs and symptoms of vaginal lips enlarge
- Treatment for overcoming enlarged labia
Medical Video: Labia stretching: Why some British girls are told to do it - BBC Stories
The physical form of the body is basically not always the same between one person and another. Without realizing it, this also occurs in the labia or female vaginal lips. In most women, the shape and size of the vaginal lips are generally asymmetrical. When the lips of the vagina become larger, this is called labia hypertrophy or enlarged labia. So, is this normal or is it endangering health? Find out the answer through the following review.
What is labia hypertrophy or enlarged labia?
Labia or vaginal lips are a fold of skin that forms the vulva on the outside of the female genitals. The vaginal lips have two different parts, the labia mayora (outer vaginal lips) which are thicker and somewhat fatty in contents, and the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) are thinner and smaller. The function of the labia is to protect the clitoris and other internal organs from small objects that can enter, such as insects or dirt.
Just like other body parts, the size and shape of the vaginal lips are generally asymmetrical. One side of the labia can be larger, thicker, or longer than the other side. This is a normal thing and need not be feared.
When the lips of the vagina expand or grow bigger than the original size, this condition is called labia hypertrophy. Enlarged labia can occur in the labia major and labia minora. Enlarged labia majora is called labia majora hypertrophy. Meanwhile, if the labia minora enlarges or protrudes out of the labia majora, this is referred to as labia minora hypertrophy.
What causes enlargement of the labia?
Unfortunately, the cause of labia enlargement or labia hypertrophy is not yet known. Because, there are some women who are naturally born with large labia or irregular shapes.
However, enlargement of the labia can be caused by changes in the hormone estrogen in the body which increases due to several conditions. Usually, this occurs during puberty, after childbirth, or as a result of aging. But you don't need to worry, enlargement of the labia is not caused by frequency of masturbation or a sign of sexually transmitted infections.
Labia hypertrophy is more common in the labia minora. This is characterized by a layer of labia minora which extends out of the layer of the labia majora. Under normal conditions, the labia minora will look enlarged or swollen during intercourse because of the influence of sexual stimulation. If the condition of your labia enlargement cannot return to normal size, immediately consult a doctor.
Signs and symptoms of vaginal lips enlarge
Most women generally do not feel any symptoms when experiencing enlarged labia. However, the labia minora is more sensitive than the labia majora. This is why, enlarged labia minora can cause discomfort if left unchecked.
Signs and symptoms of labia hypertrophy are as follows:
- It's hard to clean the labia. During menstruation, the enlarged labia makes it difficult for you to clean your intimate organs. If left unchecked, this condition can develop into a chronic infection.
- Irritation. Enlargement of the labia generally causes discomfort when the surface of the labia comes into contact with the underwear. Continuous friction can cause the skin area of the sex organs to become rough and irritated.
- Pain. The enlarged size of the labia will generally suppress the area of the intimate organ causing pain during activity. Some examples are when cycling, foreplay, or sexual intercourse.
Treatment for overcoming enlarged labia
Enlarged vaginal lips do not need any treatment if they do not interfere with daily activities, including during sex. However, if the vagina becomes painful and irritating, immediately consult a doctor.
Your doctor may advise you to do a labiaplasty procedure or surgery on the part of the labia. During surgery, the doctor will remove excess tissue in the labia and return the labia to its original size. Just like other types of surgery, labioalasty also has several side effects such as anesthetic allergies, infections, bleeding, and the onset of scarring.
After the surgery is done, you may experience labia swelling, bruising, and pain for several weeks. However, you don't need to worry. Keep your intimate area clean by wearing loose pants and avoiding activities that can cause friction in the genital area.
