I have definitely seen an increase in women’s interest in having the conversation on how their vagina’s compare to other women and if surgery is actually necessary. Porn and its accessibility has made it easy for women (and men) to compare their vagina’s to others with a quick search on Google.  Social media and porn has given women vagina insecurity.

A recent statistic found that 70 percent of children ages eight to 18 report having unintentionally stumbled across pornography online. The average age for a child to be exposed to pornography is now 11 years old. This means that our children are often “learning” about “normal” sexual behavior and physical appearance from the likes of Jenna Jameson and John Holmes. Many women (and men) now expect, even want, all vaginas to look like Jenna’s does. Girls and guys alike visit porn and other sexually graphic web sites, and not just to get off, but also to see what the perfect vagina and the ideal penis look like.

I try and reduce my patients anxiety about their vagina’s and reassure them that different is normal. I frequently pull out the mirror during a pelvic exam and go over my patient’s vagina and all its glory and let me know their vagina is completely normal.  While a wide range of variety is the norm when it comes to vaginas, there are women out there who do have abnormal labia. The most common symptom is the need to fold up their labia and push them into their vaginas in order to reduce the appearance of excess tissue or a bulge in their underwear or bathing suits. Other symptoms include labial pain, swelling, irritation, poor hygiene, and interference with athletics or sexual activity. Oversized or enlarged labia can impact athletics, such as running, bicycling, horseback riding, and swimming. Surgical procedures such as labial-plasty are available to improve these symptoms, as well as the appearance of the vagina if warranted.

I feel as though the woman’s gynecologist has to advise responsibility when a woman asked about having labial-plasty. Women hear about their friends getting labia-plasty probably more often than it’s truly indicated.  As with any surgery, however, complications can occur. The most commonly seen side-effect of this procedure is painful scarring that can lead to discomfort during sex.  Second or third opinions are always helpful if you find yourself unsure or confused about your doctor’s recommendation. The conversation of how women “size up” to others happens a lot more often than actually needing the surgery to change the appearance of the vagina.  In truth, I perform very few labial-plasty of the vagina each year. Education provides comfort and confidence!