Why did British sculptor Jamie McCartney create the “Great Wall”, consisting of casts of female organs?

What is meant by hypertrophy of the labia minora?

The labia minora and majora are elements of the vulva, that is, the external female genital organs. These are paired folds of skin surrounding the genital slit and the mouth of the vagina. The labia majora contain a significant amount of adipose tissue; their outer side is formed by skin, which, with the onset of maturity, becomes pigmented and covered with hair. The labia minora are folds that consist of extremely thin, smooth skin.

Women are often interested in the question of the correct appearance of the labia. Physiologically normal labia minora should be covered by the labia majora and become visible only after the labia majora are parted. There are often cases of hypertrophy of the labia minora, which begin to protrude beyond the genitals.

Significant problems that relate not only to beauty, but also to health, are indicated when the size (length) of the labia minora from base to edge exceeds 4 cm. Hypertrophic development of the labia minora is not only an unaesthetic appearance, but also the cause development of functional disorders.

The condition when the labia minora are excessively, very strongly hypertrophied is called Hottentot apron. The definition of this pathology comes from the name of the ancient African tribe of Hottentots. Women of this tribe are characterized by very large deposits of adipose tissue in the buttocks and strong development of the labia. In the Hottentot tribe, protruding buttocks and hypertrophied labia minora were considered an indispensable attribute of a woman.

How do genitals age?

• Changes in hormonal levels and a lack of estrogen lead to a decrease in the size of the uterus. The endometrium becomes thin, cyclic changes in it stop, menstruation disappears. The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract during this period is a serious signal of trouble, requiring immediate consultation with a doctor. Doctors are also wary of an increase in the size of the uterus and the appearance of cysts in the ovaries during menopause.
• Against the background of estrogen deficiency, processes of vaginal atrophy begin. Its mucous membrane becomes thin, the folding of its walls is smoothed out, the vaginal volume decreases, the entrance to the vagina narrows, a feeling of dryness appears, which often causes pain during sexual intercourse. Vaginal atrophy is accompanied by the death of the organ’s receptor apparatus. The result is a weakening of sensitivity, a decrease in the severity of sensations during sex and a complete loss of interest in intimate life. The use of lubricants, external preparations with estrogens, maintaining sexual activity and regular Kegel exercises with vaginal exercise equipment help to fundamentally solve the problem.

The endometrium becomes thin, cyclic changes in it stop, menstruation disappears. The appearance of bloody discharge from the genital tract during this period is a serious signal of trouble, requiring immediate consultation with a doctor. Doctors are also wary of an increase in the size of the uterus and the appearance of cysts in the ovaries during menopause.

• Against the background of estrogen deficiency, processes of vaginal atrophy begin. Its mucous membrane becomes thin, the folding of its walls is smoothed out, the vaginal volume decreases, the entrance to the vagina narrows, a feeling of dryness appears, which often causes pain during sexual intercourse. Vaginal atrophy is accompanied by the death of the organ’s receptor apparatus. The result is a weakening of sensitivity, a decrease in the severity of sensations during sex and a complete loss of interest in intimate life. The use of lubricants, external preparations with estrogens, maintaining sexual activity and regular Kegel exercises with vaginal exercise equipment help to fundamentally solve the problem.
• The lack of influence of estrogens and age-related changes in blood circulation in the pelvic organs lead to the death of vaginal lactobacilli and disruption of the natural defense mechanism of the vagina. The thinness and vulnerability of the mucous membrane, coupled with the uncontrolled proliferation of opportunistic bacteria, cause the development of senile (senile) colpitis, accompanied by itching, burning in the external genital area, and purulent vaginal discharge. The appearance of these symptoms should be a reason to contact a gynecologist. If left untreated, inflammation can spread to the uterus and lead to the formation of adhesions in its cavity and in the vagina itself.
• Atrophic processes of the vagina and vulva are often accompanied by the development of kraurosis and leukoplakia - diseases, the main manifestation of which is persistent itching, intensifying at night and after urination. A woman of menopausal age should not, out of habit, attribute unpleasant sensations to thrush, but should undergo examination by a gynecologist.
• A decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin in the walls of the vagina and weakening of the perineal muscles leads to prolapse of the genital organs, prolapse of the walls of the vagina and uterus. You shouldn’t think that this happens to all women and sit idly by. There are methods for correcting this condition, and neglect of treatment leads to serious problems: the formation of ulcers on the genital mucosa, urinary incontinence, difficulty in bowel movements, and even cancer.
• The external genitalia also change during menopause. The subcutaneous fat layer becomes thinner, the labia majora and minora turn into thin folds of skin, the clitoris enlarges, and excessive skin pigmentation is noted. If you are concerned about the aesthetic side of the changes taking place, you can resort to injections of hyaluronic acid - intimate contouring.

The particular vulnerability of the intimate areas of the female body during menopause requires constant medical supervision. You need to visit a gynecologist at least once every 12 months, and more often if there are abnormalities in your health. The cessation of menstruation is not a reason to forget about female diseases and their prevention.

Causes of hypertrophy of the labia minora

There are primary (congenital) and secondary hypertrophy of the labia minora.

• Primary hypertrophy or genetic defect. Quite often, hypertrophy of the labia minora is a congenital defect; the reason for the development of this condition is still controversial. It is assumed that the defect in the structure of the labia minora is transmitted genetically, because in many cases such pathology occurs throughout the female line.
• Secondary hypertrophy of the labia minora. In some cases, secondary enlargement of the labia minora occurs as a result of their excessive stretching.

Hypertrophied labia minora develop after natural childbirth, and deformation can also develop as a result of hormonal therapy using androgenic steroids.

Enlargement of the labia minora also occurs in cases of recurrent infectious diseases of the genital organs, which are often accompanied by swelling and stretching of the skin.

The insertion of intimate jewelry, as well as wearing jewelry, for example, heavy earrings that stretch the skin, leads to enlargement of the labia.

What problems do women experience as a result of hypertrophy of the labia minora?

The problem of hypertrophy of the labia minora is just ceasing to be a taboo topic. Until now, it was believed that this was a purely cosmetic problem, only now a significant impact of changes on a woman’s health is being noted.

Women with overly large labia develop serious psychological discomfort. They are very ashamed of their pathology. This has a huge impact on their well-being; women refuse tourist trips, trips to the beach or the pool.

Hypertrophy of the labia minora has a negative impact on the sexual activity of women. In addition to shame in front of their partner, they very often feel discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.

Patients with overly large labia minora often cannot wear regular underwear, which damages the skin. Microtraumas not only cause pain and discomfort, but also represent an entry point for infection. This problem is especially aggravated in the summer, when the surrounding skin sweats intensely, further irritating the labia.

In addition, with abnormal development of the labia minora, it is much more difficult to maintain adequate intimate hygiene.

Hypertrophy of the labia minora also affects the physical activity of women and girls. When the labia are too large, friction between the folds of the skin occurs when running, walking or cycling, which significantly limits a woman's activity, causing pain and severe discomfort.

Labiaplasty to reduce hypertrophied labia minora

Labiaplasty (labium - lip) refers to plastic surgery to change the size and shape of the labia. This intervention is used to reduce the size of hypertrophied labia minora.

Labiaplasty of hypertrophic labia minora

The procedure is carried out for medical reasons for congenital defects, enlargement of the labia, which causes physical and psychological discomfort, and at the request of a woman, when she is not satisfied with the appearance of the genitals.

Labiaplasty is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia (this depends on the body’s allergic reactions to certain medications, for example, if lidocaine is intolerant, general anesthesia is used for local anesthesia) and involves excision of excess tissue, which leads to a reduction in the labia minora and a return to their normal physiology . The effect of labiaplasty is mostly positive.

Reducing hypertrophied labia minora using labiaplasty has undeniable advantages. This guarantees physical health, significantly improves well-being, and eliminates the woman’s psychological discomfort.

Organ deformities and their causes

Sometimes it happens that the labia minora do not correspond to any of the normal options. In such cases, we talk about deformations, of which the most common are:

1. Hypertrophy (the usual protrusion of skin folds beyond the genital opening is not called hypertrophy, this term implies a total increase in length, thickness and volume, which results in very large labia, causing significant discomfort during sexual intercourse and in everyday life);
2. Elongation (the essence of this deformation is to increase the length of the skin fold with its maximum stretching; depending on the stage, it can vary from 2 to more than 6 cm);
3. Protrusion (this term refers to the protrusion of the labia minora beyond the labia majora, and this phenomenon is not always a deviation from the norm, only in the most advanced cases);
4. Asymmetry (various length and volume of the labia).

Also among the changes in the labia minora one can distinguish their depigmentation or, conversely, hyperpigmentation. More often the second is determined. It is not known exactly what the size and shape of the labia depends on, but there are several reasons:

• Hereditary factor (most often the shape of the labia is embedded in the genes of the female body);
• Hormonal imbalance (increased production of male sex hormones);
• Prematurity and birth trauma (can lead to underdevelopment of any organs and genitals, including);
• Involutionary processes in the body (aging leads to a decrease in turgor and skin elasticity);
• Traumatization;
• Masturbation (it is not completely known whether protrusion of the labia actually occurs during masturbation, but, as practice shows, this is possible);
• Childbirth;
• Various infections and chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
• Congenital anomalies.

Recommendations after labiaplasty of the labia minora

After performing labiaplasty to eliminate hypertrophy of the labia minora, the doctor’s main recommendation is to take care of intimate hygiene to prevent the development of infection. Infection with bacteria prevents the healing of the wound surface; in addition, the inflammatory process can lead to distortion of the operated labia minora.

• In the postoperative period for correction of the labia minora, you should wear only breathable cotton underwear.
• For a month you will have to give up active sports that can cause friction in the genital area, such as cycling or horse riding.

About a week after the operation, the first visit to the doctor is scheduled, during which he examines the labia minora and removes the sutures.

A second follow-up visit is required approximately one month after surgery. The gynecologist will re-examine the condition of the genital organs, only after assessing the condition of the labia minora, and only the doctor gives permission to return to sexual activity.

The normal physiological state of the female genital organs is the key to a woman’s health and psychological comfort.

Labia enlargement with hyaluronic acid

Before the procedure, the woman is examined by a doctor who, together with the client, discusses what effect should be achieved with the help of injections. Experienced gynecologists working at the University Center for Aesthetic Medicine will always be able to tell you how to make your genitals look as natural and aesthetic as possible.

After the preliminary appointment, the doctor prescribes a set of tests for the patient:

• Blood tests - general, for coagulation, syphilis, HIV and hepatitis.
• Smears from the genital tract for flora and STDs.
• Smears from the surface of the cervix for oncocytology - cancerous and precancerous conditions.

Such an examination allows you to obtain the necessary information about a woman’s health so that the procedure does not cause side effects and complications later.