Can your labia grow

During a labioplasty, a surgeon removes excess tissue. They can reduce the size of the labia and reshape it. This surgery usually requires general anesthesia, although it can sometimes be done with sedation and a local anesthetic. After the surgery, you may have swelling, bruising, and tenderness for a few weeks. You should also wear loose clothing and avoid activities that cause friction in the genital area.

The number of labioplasties performed in the United States is growing. In , over 5, were performed, a 44 percent increase over the year before.

The surgery can provide relief for women who experience pain and discomfort from labial hypertrophy. Some women choose the surgery for purely cosmetic reasons. When considering labioplasty as a cosmetic procedure, discuss your expectations with your doctor.

Some teenagers may worry about their bodies changing and wonder if those changes are normal. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that doctors educate and reassure teens about normal variation in anatomy.

Labioplasty can be performed on teenagers, but doctors generally advise waiting until after puberty. This is to ensure the labia are no longer growing. Those wishing to have the surgery should also be assessed for maturity and emotional readiness. You should be fully healed within a month or two following labioplasty.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions about when you can resume normal activities, such as intercourse and vigorous exercise.

The scars usually fade over time, and results are generally positive. So far, this is the only treatment known to eliminate the symptoms of hypertrophy. Labiaplasty is an outpatient procedure usually performed by plastic surgeons. They may remove the tissues with surgical cutting tools or use a heat-based technique called radiofrequency RF treatment. Several surgical techniques are in use:. Labiaplasty typically takes less than an hour and may be performed with either local or general anesthesia.

Recovery is generally expected to take about six weeks. No, it is a myth that frequent sexual intercourse causes labial hypertrophy. Labia size varies greatly, but one study of women not seeking labiaplasty noted that the average size of labia averaged 19 mm wide and If you're worried about the appearance of your labia, rest assured that each person's are unique and yours probably aren't outside of the average range.

If you're having symptoms, though, don't hesitate to bring them up with your healthcare provider. Getting to the bottom of what's causing them is the first step toward feeling better, both physically and emotionally. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor University. Labial hypertrophy. Committee opinion no. Obstet Gynecol. Premenarchal labia minora hypertrophy. Indian J Plast Surg.

Nationwide Children's Hospital. What is labial hypertrophy? Indications, techniques and complications of labiaplasty. Published Aug The cyclist's vulva. Body dysmorphic disorder. Updated March 18, Updated April 13, Clinical pathology of Bartholin's glands: A review of the literature. Curr Urol. Radiofrequency treatment of labia minora and majora: A minimally invasive approach to vulva restoration.

Doctors will give specific instructions to people about when they can resume physical and sexual activity. Surgeons may also perform a labioplasty on teenagers going through puberty who may be developing enlarged labia.

However, because the labia may still be growing, doctors usually advise people to wait until after puberty before having surgery. Doctors will talk through labial hypertrophy with teens to help them understand that it is a normal change in the body. They will also talk about the emotional and mental health factors involved in cosmetic surgery.

Labial hypertrophy is usual in individuals and, in many cases, causes no adverse side effects. Surgery is an option in severe cases or cases that cause emotional discomfort. The outlook for surgery is generally good and has a very high satisfaction rate. Doctors may have additional tips about soothing irritation or managing effects of hypertrophy, and many people find they can relieve any discomfort by making a few lifestyle changes.

When a person has chronic pain, itching, or discomfort in the vulva or area that protects the internal genitals, it may be one of two conditions known…. A look at douches, devices used to wash the inside of the body — primarily the vagina. Included is detail on whether it is necessary and alternatives. The vagina and the female orgasm are a mystery to many. Find out how the female sex organs work together to cause sexual arousal and satisfaction.

Bacterial vaginosis is the most common vaginal infection, having affected as many as 1 in 4 women in the U. While antibiotics are usually effective…. What is labial hypertrophy and is it normal?

Is it normal? Side effects Causes Diagnosis Treatment Outlook Labial hypertrophy is the medical term for when one or both of the vaginal lips or labia is larger than usual. Is labial hypertrophy normal? Your sexual partner will clearly notice this change for the better. Some websites claimed cosmetic surgery had nothing to do with fashion or social pressure and everything to do with individual choice:.

Labiaplasty is an individual consideration. It is not merely the domain of strippers or porn stars. It can improve the physical and psychological quality of life for women who [are] affected by genital irregularities. Three websites did recommend that women seek a second opinion and another required a recommendation from an independent doctor. Of course, doctors may practise ethically without giving details on their websites.

However, it could be considered poor ethical practice to persuade women they need surgery on genitals showing no evidence of abnormality. The college has also raised concern that such surgery may exploit vulnerable women.