"Down there" not normal...

[embarrassed18381]

This is so embarrassing so I've name changed
Sorry it's TMI but it's getting me down so much

I've always thought that my labia aren't normal. They hang down a lot (I know this is grim sorry ) and I've never had children, late 20s. Both sides are equally bad, and I have to "rearrange" often due to the discomfort

I can't wear lace underwear or tight clothes as it nips, and I can't cycle or run as they chafe.
Boyfriends have commented on them in the past (but never in an insulting way, it's just really awkward - so much so that it puts me off DTD)

AIBU to consider surgery? And has anyone else had this problem and had surgery?

Surgery is indeed available for labial issues. Do ask your GP about the criteria locally.

If you google there are a lot of threads on this - google mumsnet labiaplasty.. I've posted a few times.. quite a few of us had it done for medical reasons but its not easy on NHS and expensive and probably risky elsewhere as you dont know what sort of aftercare you might get I guess. I would think very carefully. It's a very painful surgery compared to what they suggest on TV - although if hospital give decent analgesia that helps - and it can have lasting effects like pain, scarring etc.

*some

But don't be embarrassed at all , its all very normal and so so much stuff online for all opinions its unreal. Think even an entire documentary on YouTube!

Very common issue. Talk to you’re GP. And don’t be embarrassed, honestly.

It’s really common op, there have been many threads on the subject.

As an ex nurse who worked in a sexual health clinic , I can tell you that Labia come in all sizes, from virtually nothing , to 6 inches long.
There is surgical intervention, and there is accepting yourself as you are. Your decision to make.
Hope you get lots of info on this thread.

Thanks @changedname321 for your kind reassurance was yours NHS or private?

I'm at a point where I'd even consider saving up to go private. Glad to see it's not uncommon, I might go to the GP when I can get time off work and see what they say

I've seen some general anaesthetic and some local so I would have a lot to think about

Thank you @Ohyesiam @FlibbertyGiblets and @Justanotherzombie, I will face the embarrassment and just speak to the doctor. I'm sure they will have seen much worse

In my case it's affecting me physically as well as emotionally, I had to give up running :(

You can get it done on the NHS if its causing you serious discomfort as thats considered a medical not cosmetic issue.
As its impacting on your daily life (cant cycle or wear tight clothing, constantly sore) I really thing youd be eligible to have it done on the NHS.
I know they do do things like this as my friend had a breast reduction for similar reasons of discomfort. She had it on the NHS and did not have to pay.

Speak to your GP and dont be embarrassed they see things like that all the time!

Hi OP, I chose to have surgery for the same reason when I was 23. I elected to go privately as 1) I'd heard it can be a long and difficult wait trying to get it covered by the NHS, and 2) I worked in the NHS at the time and one of the secretaries I worked with was openly going onto health records to view her children's friend's mums' health records (another issue entirely but therefore felt I wouldn't be able to maintain privacy). I had to pay about £2300 for the surgery and although I wondered if it was the right thing to do 7 years on I have no regrets. Aside from the discomfort it was really upsetting for me psychologically and I wasn't pursuing sexual relationships because of it.

I'm not saying people should have this surgery, and I do agree that it's so sad that women feel that they need to alter themselves to fit in with what popular media/ the porn industry portrays as "normal" or desirable... but having said that it was the right decision for me. Please feel free to PM me if you wanted to know more about the procedure/recovery etc x

(And mine was done under general anaesthetic just for info). :)

Thank you so much @mummabubs that's so useful, I'm so glad it was worth it

Totally normal. They're like ears and noses, all shapes and sizes. But by all means have the procedure if it will be in YOUR best interests.

@embarrassed18381

Yep YANBU to want to sort this.

HOWEVER, do be careful, coz I have heard of women having the labia 'trimmed' to make it shorter - and too much has been taken off.

The labia area is there to 'funnel' your pee, and if too much is taken off, your pee will constantly spray everywhere. So just keep this in mind when you speak to a specialist about it.

Here is a couple of links to how it can go a bit wrong.

www.realself.com/question/san-luis-obispo-ca-labiaplasty-too-much#

www.realself.com/question/labia-minora-removed-labiaplasty-there-expand-stretch-the-remaining-tissue

www.realself.com/question/torrance-ca-i-labiaplasty-week-doctor-cut-completely-trimming

And apart from having too much trimmed off causing issues with spraying pee, infections occur more often too, as too much being trimmed off, means there is less protection, and you are more 'exposed' down there...

Sorry about this, but I just want you to be sure of what you are doing, coz you can't put it back once it's gone!!! (I mean, at least speak at length to the surgeon.)

Good luck, and I hope it goes well for ya!

Yes @snowagain that's a really good point, I need to be aware of the good and the bad - I'll check out those links!

Thanks again all :)

Good luck!

"The labia is there to funnel your pee"

Wtf ?!