Is My Labia Normal?
As women have become more empowered in taking control of their sexuality, this question arises frequently “behind closed doors” at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa in Birmingham, MI. If you have ever wondered if your labia (the “lips” of the vagina) look normal you’re definitely not alone.
The rise in curiosity about labia appearance has also been fueled by the number of women getting Brazilian waxes. So, when you remove the hair “down there” you and your partner become more aware of the appearance of an area previously hidden by hair.
But the question “is my labia normal?” is a complicated one to address, since there really is not a “standard” or “normal” labia. In fact – like snowflakes, fingerprints, and the irises in the eyes – no two labia are alike!
In this article the women’s sexual health experts at AMAE Plastic Surgery and Med Spa discuss the appearance of the labia – and explain the state-of-the-art treatments that are available for women who wish to enhance or adjust the size, shape or appearance “down there”.
“Abnormal” Labia Problems
For some women, concerns about their labia are purely cosmetic. They may have insecurities about the size of their labia – or dislike the appearance of a loose, distended or wrinkled labia. And this dissatisfaction can undermine their self-confidence in the bedroom.
For other women, labia concerns arise due to pain or discomfort that results from a large or distended labia. A labia that is “too long” can rub or get twisted in clothing, or chafes when riding a bike or exercising. A larger labia can also be visible in tight clothing such as leggings and even protrude from swimwear. In some cases a distended or even labia can also cause a woman to “pee sideways.”
There is No Such Thing as A Normal Labia
Whatever the cause of a women’s labia concerns, a new clinical study recently investigated the many variations of female genitalia and reached the scientific conclusion that there is no such thing as a “normal vulva”.
The study was conducted by researchers at Lucerne Cantonal Hospital in Switzerland, assessing 657 Caucasian women between the age of 15 and 84 years old over a two year period. Extensive measurements were taken of the women’s genitalia as part of the study, including the length and width of the labia majora (outer folds or “wings”) and the labia minora (inner folds or “hood” of the clitoris).
The results revealed that measurements of the labia differ quite drastically between individuals.
Some labia minors measured only 2/10s of an inch (5 millimeters), while some were as long as 3.9 inches (100 millimeters) in length. And while the average length of the outer labia was found to be approximately 3 inches (80 millimeters), with the smallest labias measured less than ½ an inch (12 millimeters) and the largest was 7 inches (180 millimeters).
Your Labia, Your Choice
If your labia is causing pain or discomfort, or interfering with your daily life, it is important to talk to your gynecologist or a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali to determine if labiaplasty surgery (or non-surgical Viveve labia remodeling) is a good alternative for you. Labiaplasty is a safe and routine in-office surgical procedure – so no woman has to go through life living with vulvar pain. And Viveve minimally-invasive labia rejuvenation is also an excellent alternative for shortening and tightening the labia without surgery.
And, as a woman in control of her own sexuality, it is also your choice whether you want to enhance the appearance of your labia. Some labia are short, some are longer, and no two are alike. But what is aesthetically pleasing to you is 100% your choice. Every woman should feel empowered and confident in the bedroom. And, just as women enhance their breasts or enlarge their lips, the decision to enhance or reduce your labia is a private and personal decision that is up to you.
If you are suffering from the pain or discomfort of a large, distended labia, or you are dissatisfied or self-conscious about the appearance of your labia, schedule a discreet and confidential consultation at AMAE in Birmingham, MI and see if either of these life-changing treatments are right for your needs.
