A woman's vaginal lips are bigger than normal, is it normal?

The physical form of the body is basically not always the same from one person to another. Without realizing it, this also happens to the labia or lips of a woman's vagina. In most women, the shape and size of the vaginal lips are generally asymmetrical. When the vaginal lips become larger, this is known as labia hypertrophy or enlarged labia. So, is this classified as normal or is it even dangerous to health? Find out the answer through the following reviews.

What is labia hypertrophy or enlarged labia?

The labia or vaginal lips are the folds of skin that form the vulva on the outside of the female genitals. The vaginal lips have two distinct parts, namely the labia majora (outer vaginal lips) which is thicker and slightly fatty in contents, and the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) which are thinner and smaller. The function of the labia is to protect the clitoris and other internal vaginal organs from small objects that can enter, such as insects or feces.

As with other parts of the body, the size and shape of the vaginal lips are generally asymmetrical. One side of the labia may be larger, thicker, or longer than the other. This is normal and nothing to be afraid of.

When the vaginal lips expand or grow larger than their original size, this is known as labial hypertrophy. Enlargement of the labia can occur in the labia majora and labia minora. An enlarged labia majora is called hypertrophy of the labia majora. Meanwhile, if the labia minora are enlarged or protruding from the labia majora, then this is called labia minora hypertrophy.

What causes enlargement of the labia?

Unfortunately, the cause of labia enlargement or labia hypertrophy is not known with certainty. 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, labia enlargement is not caused by frequent masturbation or a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.

Labia hypertrophy is more common in the labia minora. This is characterized by a layer of the labia minora extending outward from the layer of the labia majora. Under normal conditions, the labia minora will appear enlarged or swollen during sexual intercourse due to the influence of sexual stimulation. If your enlarged labia cannot return to normal size, consult your doctor immediately.

Signs and symptoms of enlarged vaginal lips

Most women generally don't feel any symptoms when they experience an enlarged labia. However, the labia minora are more sensitive than the labia majora. This is why, the enlarged labia minora can cause discomfort if left unchecked.

Signs and symptoms of labial hypertrophy include the following:

• Difficulty cleaning the labia. During menstruation, the enlarged labia make it difficult for you to clean your sex organs. If left untreated, this condition can develop into a chronic infection.
• Irritation. Enlarged labia generally cause discomfort when the surface of the labia is in contact with the underwear. Continuous friction can cause the skin of the intimate area to become rough and irritated.
• Pain. The enlarged labia generally will press the area of ​​the intimate organs, causing pain during activity. Some examples are when cycling, foreplay, or having sex.

Medication to treat enlarged labia

Enlarged vaginal lips don't need any treatment if they don't interfere with daily activities, including during sex. However, if the vagina becomes painful and bothersome, consult a doctor immediately.

Your doctor may recommend that you perform a labiaplasty or surgery on the labia. During surgery, the doctor will remove excess tissue on 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 allergy, infection, bleeding, and scarring.

After the surgery, you may experience swollen labia, bruising, and pain for several weeks. However, you don't need to worry. Keep the area of ​​your sex organs clean by wearing loose pants and avoiding activities that can cause friction in the genital area.

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