Embarrassed to bits-Labia advice needed (not a troll!)

[7MUM]

Ok I've changed my name for this because I am embarrassed, I need straight answers for this, I really don't want anyone to open their hearts etc (unless you don't mind) and I was really cautious because of "trolls". This is a genuine "YES/NO" scenario because I am worrying about my "bits".

Right, here goes...

Question No 1 (YES/NO) Does anyone else have inner labia that sort of stick out, or more specifically, one of the "sides?"

Qustion No 2 (YES/NO) Does it bother you, does it hurt and are you worried?

Question No 3 This is really embarrasing... my "bit" really hurts now and other than going to the doctors, sex is out of the question "cos I feel like a freak, what can I do? I have heard of operations, but to be honest, if I had enough cash to splash around, I would have a tummy tuck. I am really loathe to go to the doc's, they might laugh and say that it's just a part of life, but to be honest, it's getting sore, rubbing etc and I feel like a freak.
Help needed here, no names etc but am I alone? Maybe Mears or someone else might advise..?

Thankks for listening, I am a regular Mnetter but needing help and don't want to post under regular name.

oooh, oooh, I had this and did a thread (and used my own name because I have no shame).... let me find it, hang on

i watched a prog on C4 ages ago called Designer Vaginas, and the docs on there were saying it's perfectly normal for the inner labia to be different shapes and sizes and that many women have larger inner labia that protrude from the outer labia. I would definitely go to the doc if it's uncomfortable though 7mum, i know it's embarrassing but they won't bat an eyelid, honestly!

sorry not to be more helpful, i'm sure others will advise X

it's perfectly normal to have inner labia that protrude, but if yours has recently become sore then something's wrong! Is it swollen, tender to touch, throbbing? Sounds to me as if you may have an infection (can happen anywhere, just like a spot on the face). I think you're going to have to steel yourself for a visit to the doc- can you choose to see a female one?

www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=138&threadid=13050&stamp=031027190141

have a look at this thread... this was a temporary problem which resolved itself and I am back to my usual symmetrical self... hope it helps

oh dear another shameless one...will I ever be able to look anyone in the eye at mumsnetter meet ups again...

1. oh yes, ooooh yes, always thought I was a freak when we used to get changed at school. everyone else always looked so 'tidy'

2. the trouble with us 'generously endowed' ladies(!) is that having bigger bits means they're more likely to get in trouble. I read PPH's thread and the comments on bike riding with real empathy having 'john wayned' around the forest of dean after a particularly brutal three hour moutain bike descent. Horse riding also leaves me a bit squashed and painful. oh dear is this a bit graphic?

3. I've had the same kind of thing - once I had something that looked a bit likes an angry spot (went away of its own accord) and once I got thrush and made the mistake of scratching - it looked horrendous (if you've read pph's other thread, believe me, Mears would have been reaching for her gun)

lots of luck getting it sorted out. Grab your courage in both hands and go to the doc. Just be matter of fact and straight - it's what they're there for. I'm sure they'll sort it soon and you can get things back to normal
x

pph-can't link, don't know why... sorry . Thanks for the replies, feeling slighter better about "bits"...not solved issues though...

try this link 7mum

and you're NOT a freak!

Well, I read the link and I have to say I laughed. One of those sort of relieved "yes, no, I don't have that or ooooh, I know what you mean " laugh. BUT.. I still have a "dangly" bit that sort of crept up on me and although it may have been "elongating" for a while, it suddenly seems to be prominent and I can really feel it when I am walking and have to make an effort to sort of "tuck" it in, when I am out and about. It's so gross that I am cringing writing this and I do reallt feel like sh..t now. I'm even considering "stretching the other side now to match up, and yes, I know it sounds grossly funny in a way, but my self esteem has plummeted and even though Dh has offered to "take a look" (and he would, really without being yukky), I feel funny about it. Someone told me that it's because if you are righ/'left handed and how can I put this carefully, "playing" with yourself , that the particular side gets elongated and there you are. Well, if that's true, what the hell happened betwen last week and this that I suddenly noticed?! Nothing major happened, really, and I suddenly noticed how things were. I am SOOO conscious of it now and am uncomfortablle during the day, feel like a freaky ...........(can't swear on Mn) and really weird. I find myself focusing on it so much that I really don't think I will ever feel like "normal" again and may have to steel myself to go to the doc's. However. we have 3 docs. One male, who is sweet and nice and may be "OK" to look at my boobs next week, when I finally have chance to go in and express concern about them being sore and have hem checked out. (Blush,,blush,, etc) However, the one doc is a complete cow and has no sypmpathy whatsoever. In fact, when you go for an "Emergency appointment" and her name is read out, the whole surgery groans and walks out, becuase they know she won't help!! My boobs are a seperate issue, they hurt and need looking at and it really is NOT connected to the other issue.
Thanks for replying, I was so sure that people would think it was Troll like and am grateful for any suggestions/advice/stories?

maybe it's just a bit swollen for some reason (slight infection etc). What about going to a clinic if there's one near you, they are very anonymous and might be able to help...

Is this something that's just appeared post-preg? I know all my bits swelled a lot during preg (no one EVER mentions that!) and are still not quite as they were, although they are less swollen. Perhaps yours will return gradually, too. However, I do know that labia come in all shapes and sizes (due to my sister's medical textbook, not any exciting lesbian experiences), so you are completely normal in that respect, but if it's sore then you should check you haven't got an infection.

Guys, I haven't had a baby for years, I don't have an infection and all of of sudden, (maybe I just haven't noticed because I've put on weight and have to do a serious gymnastic manoeuvre to check the bits out!) but really, it just looks weird. It's only sore because it sorts of hangs down (god, that sounds so gross!) but really on a scale of 1-10. the one side is a normal tucked up there5/10 and the other side is a relly hanging down, completely different gross looking 1/10. I mentioned it to Dh who is completely brilliant at "girly" problems and he and I sort of laughed about it. It's only when I joked that I wouldn't need to dust the house any more but could sellotape a duster on to it and dance round cleaning all the floors and corners, (sorry if you're sensitive about stuff like this but you either laugh or cry) that he realised I was serious and that I was joking abut really upset about it! Sorry, having a laugh now but serious about this. I am just feeling freaky and like, when the hell did this sneak up on me?

What you are descriding 7MUM is totally normal. It may be that you are a bit dry down there and that is why you are now noticing it. That can be due to hormones (what age are you? are you on the pill?) or it could be that you have the start of thrush. I always know that I have a thrush infection starting when I am aware of the sensations you describe. You have probably been shaped like that down there since your last baby but it is only because you have had inspection and found this difference that you are now worried. That is one of the external signs which signifies that a woman has had a abay before. By all means see your GP for reassurance but I am sure you are the same as most of us. Mirrors out girls

Mears, thank you for replying. No I don't have thrush, I'm not on the pill and really just don't look right, not don't feel right. I don't want to gross people out, but I am over 40, so can be classed as an older mum, but really have JUST noticed, over the last few weeks I LOOK different. Really, really odd. Put it this way, everyone has two inner labia, yes, well one of mine is ok and the other hangs down outside of the outer labia. One side is Ok and the other is perhaps 1/2 inch lower. I am so paranoid about this and people now probably think I have a fixation but they are my "bits", I wasn't trhrilled by them in the first place (could be a new thread but how many women actually like theirs) and I am really not happy with them. I think (IMO) that "bits" are not particularly pretty at the best of times, but mine are really bothering me now and M/N is a great place to discuss stuff like this, becuase where the hell else can you talk about stuff like this?!

Have just thought that some might find that link a bit OTT when relooking at it. Apologies if that is the case.

Look 7MUM, none of us are going to be able to convince you, and if a change has happened quite suddenly then you really do need to get this looked at.

You are adament that you don't have an infection/thrush or anything, but this may herald the start of something. Chances are it won't be, but you REALLY REALLY need to let a professional see this to put your mind at rest.

If you can't face your GP then is there a GU clinic at your local hospital?

Honestly love, you can't deal with this on MN alone, you asked for our advice, and we're giving it, Go see a doctor.

Your dh sounds lovely, Perhaps he'll go with you? I'd take mine if I was in your shoes.

Definately agree Easy - best to be reassured by a professional otherwise you may continue to worry needlessly.

Mears,
Fascinating link BTW, I can see hours of entertainment from that library

Not to make light of 7MUMS prob of course

Crikey, I didn't realise what else was in that library. Just had a look again - i thought I had just posted one page. That serves me right not looking properly. Should I get it deleted?

I think it might be an idea Mears. Especially with all these trolls about.

Requested deletion.

Also if you're worried they may refer you to a 'vulva clinic'; I happen to know this because my doc considered referring me to one. I get various spots and swellings too, ahem, if that helps. And I'm quite sure childbirth has played its customary havoc with me too, but can't face scrutinising below the horror of my stretchmarks.

Thanks for all the advice, didn't get chancee to look at Mears' page though! Once again, thanks and I will go to the docs.