An enlarged labia minora (inner vaginal lips) is perfectly normal and has many common causes. Still, women who feel discouraged by their long labia minora want to know why this occurs. This blog discusses what physical, hormonal, and biological changes cause the labia minora to stretch and how labiaplasty can help no matter the cause.
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Why Is My Labia Suddenly Bigger?
An enlarged labia minora, the inner lips of the vagina, is relatively common among women of all ages. Still, despite its prevalence, those with an enlarged labia often feel discomfort and shame. This is why labiaplasty is becoming such a popular cosmetic procedure, as with a smaller, neater labial appearance, women can feel confident and physically comfortable again.
But what causes labia enlargement to begin with? If you’ve suddenly noticed that your labia looks longer or different than it has before, it can certainly be alarming. Understanding the cause of your labia enlargement can bring you peace of mind while you decide if cosmetic surgery is right for you. The causes are different for everyone, but we’ll discuss the most common ones below.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
The body goes through some amazing changes during pregnancy, but the influx of hormones, weight fluctuations, and other changes can take its toll in more ways than one. In some women, the increase of estrogen and progesterone can cause the labia minora to enlarge.
During childbirth, the labial tissue can become stretched, which can become permanent. This additional length to the labia minora is a very common cause of women seeking labiaplasty.
Weight Fluctuations
Your labia majora (the outer lips) are subject to weight fluctuations like the rest of your body. Women who have more fat on their bodies and their labia majora may not notice the length of their labia minora—but if the labia majora shrinks after weight loss, it can become obvious. So, while the labia minora doesn’t lengthen with weight fluctuations, its visibility can become increased.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause the above conditions (weight and hormone fluctuations) to become more prevalent. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) commonly affects both a woman’s hormones and weight, and it can also cause abnormal labial growth. If you suspect you have PCOS, it’s best to seek care from a physician to help moderate the symptoms before seeking cosmetic surgery for your enlarged labia minora.
Lifestyle Factors
While less common, certain lifestyle factors can cause the labia to change. Repetitive injury or stretching from activities such as bicycling can traumatize the labia, reducing fat in the labia majora and affecting the optics of the labia minora. Even more rare, women who use wheelchairs have a chance of experiencing labial growth due to pressure.
Aging
As you age, your body loses collagen and elastin in the soft tissues, including your labia. Many women experience a loss of fat in the labia majora, which causes the labia minora to be more exposed. Additionally, the labia minora itself can lose elasticity, causing the tissue to appear longer and thinner.
Genetics
Of course, many women are simply born with long labia minora. Everyone is different, and your labia may not even be even with one another. Most women who seek labiaplasty have always had longer labia minora than they are comfortable with and, therefore, want a change.
What To Do About Enlarged Labia Minora?
If your enlarged labia are not a sign of some other medical condition, you don’t have to do anything about them! However, many women want to have smaller, less obtrusive labia and, therefore, look to labiaplasty for a remedy. Large labia can also cause physical discomfort during everyday activities such as exercise or sex, or they can cause issues with hygiene or using tampons. But the ultimate reason women choose labiaplasty is because they feel insecure about their labial appearance.
When performed by an experienced labiaplasty expert, the procedure results in smaller, more uniform labia minora. Your surgeon can create a natural-looking labial edge through the use of the wedge method, which preserves the natural color and contour of the labia minora. Those with asymmetrical labia can see even, neat labia for the first time.
Many women are ecstatic with their labiaplasty results as they gain more confidence in intimacy, the ability to wear a broader range of clothing and bathing suit options, and greater physical comfort during daily activities.
So, no matter the cause of your enlarged labia minora—pregnancy and childbirth, hormone fluctuations, or aging—labiaplasty is a transformational procedure that can help you feel comfortable and confident in your body.
Ready to Learn More About Labiaplasty in Beverly Hills, CA?
Your enlarged labia don’t have to be a source of discomfort anymore. Learn what our world-renowned labiaplasty and labiaplasty revision expert, Dr. Gary Alter, can do for you. Call Dr. Alter today at (310) 275-5566 or fill out our online contact form to request an in-person or virtual consultation.