labia reduction on the NHS

[Lmagl1]

hello,
Im 19 (without children) and have two large labias. i started puberty very young so have had these for as long as i remember. My two large labias cause me so much discomfort; i constantly am forced to 'rearrange', i cant wear certain underwear and i find wearing shorts or tight trousers a) uncomfortable, and b) noticeable.
It is so awfully painful when it gets trapped, or i find it so unclean during my period which is always incredibly heavy.
I have been to the doctors so many times to attempt to discuss it, but end up finding another issue to talk about instead.
Also, despite being in a relationship now, during my school years i was called a fridge because i wouldnt want to show anybody my body. I still hate showing my boyfriend and i feel it has created a barrier during the relationship which especially became prevalent during our recent holiday.

I want to get them removed, but know my student loan will not cover it / wont be able to make enough money whilst studying my degree, so has anybody actually been successful with the NHS? and is there some sort of guideline to get it seen to? I am registered with the student practise but am concerned they will take it less seriously.
This issue is lowering my confidence and actually recently making me quite sad as my boyfriend said 'do you think you are different, is that why you dont like it?' i am already undergoing counselling privately, so if they suggest more, i would prefer not to.

Please, please, please help, im so very desperate.

[bilbodog]

Theres another thread on here about this issue if you can find it. I believe it can be done if its causing problems. Good luck.

[StewardsEnquiry]

I think you will find it incredibly hard to get this on NHS. My friend went to ask about it with same kind if problems as you describe. She is definitely not a push over but the GP explained that it is a flat no in most areas of the country - the NHS just will not fund it. Even if you persuade your GP to refer you the surgeon won't agree to do the operation because they will not get paid for it. Labia reduction is specifically listed as an operation that will not be funded. So you might live in a part of the country that's is more relaxed about it, but if not you are very unlikely to have much luck.

[Lmagl1]

okay thank you!
i think its worth trying if that is the case with the different allocations of funding. i guess i may have to save up and starve for the next few months!

[StewardsEnquiry]

Also if you want to go to the GP about it you had best go to the one where you live most of the time. No point getting the GP near your mum's to refer you if you can't make the gynaecological appointment because you have gone back to uni (seeing your other thread).

[Lmagl1]

oh right, can they only refer you in your area? i am prepared to come back to my home town as much as i need to have appointment's etc if they actually will do it. or perhaps in my uni city they will have greater funding

[EstellaHavisham]

I wonder why labia reduction is refused and not funded for reasons such as the OP gave when surgeons are perfectly happy to remove or operate on foreskins that are too tight/small or causing discomfort

Does this seem right to anyone?

[GodImbored]

Also I know three people who had breast implants on the nhs for cosmetic reasons.

[Lmagl1]

it should be funded, or even given a small amount of funding which the patient has to pay the difference. i don't really know where i can get the funding as i am only a student, do you know of anyone i could contact? ( not any loan companies)

I may bring up the foreskin thing! thanks

[EstellaHavisham]

Surely there should be some sort of campaign.

You're right God I also know a couple of women who have had breast enlargement and reduction on the NHS. This should certainly be no different.

I don't have this problem that OP has but I can imagine it must impact a lot in your day to day life and be very sore and uncomfortable.

I would google like crazy and see if you can find names of surgeons who specialise in this that operate on the NHS. I don't know about funding I'm sorry

[GodImbored]

Can you get a loan when you qualify and start working?

[Lmagl1]

I know it sounds dramatic but I am so unhappy because of it. I want to be able to wear what I want, feel comfortable both physically and mentally as I don't want to constantly be checking that it comes out. Because it is so large (over an inch) hanging down, surely they would be more keen to do something? Because when I've looked they're so much smaller.

I guess I could get a loan, but I've only finished my first year, and am doing a 4 year course

[HermioneWeasley]

Could you say you're non binary so need the surgery for that reason (but just want a tidy up not a full on cock)

only half joking

[EstellaHavisham]

OP have a look at this:

www.hda-online.org.uk/cosmetic-surgery/labiaplasty/labiaplasty-on-the-nhs.html

[EstellaHavisham]

So you can get one on the NHS if they are causing pain, discomfort and affecting your life overall (ie causing depression, affecting your relationship etc)

[EstellaHavisham]

Looking online the op is on the rise for cosmetic reasons (due to porn?) but the NHS have put their foot down on this being done for cosmetic reasons because 'women should realise that vaginas come in all shapes and sizes'
So men can get foreskins removed due to discomfort but women can't get labiaplasties on the NHS because a lot of porn features women who have been surgically enhanced. It's bullshit isn't it?

Maybe Hermiones suggestion is the right way to go. If you claim you're tg or whatever you're sure to get one

[retainertrainer]

I don't have any specific advice about labia reduction but just wanted to say well done for making the first steps to sorting it out. I know it's difficult financially but try to get it sorted ASAP. It sounds like it's really knocking your confidence and getting you down. Many private cosmetic surgery practices have 0% payment plans. Good luck and remember that your gp will have seen and heard it all before and it'll be a huge weight lifted once you get the ball rolling.

[ShutUpSirius]

I had this surgery done when 10 years ago for similar reasons. Extremely uncomfortable, the need to rearrange often etc.

I had a bad reaction to the surgery and ended up on a ward for 10 days as my entire foof swelled to gargantuan proportions. Had to have a catheter fitted as I couldn't pee.

Yes now I am a lot older and I would likely have it again if I had to go back in time. But just be aware that there can be some serious problems with the surgery.