What Is Extended Labia?

Some women can be hesitant to discuss the appearance of their vulvas with their doctors. If a woman is experiencing dissatisfaction with her appearance or even discomfort because of extended labia, talking to a doctor can help. Her doctor can discuss options, including surgery.

Anatomy

• A woman's vulva is made up of her mons pubis, her labia majora and labia minora, her clitoris and the vestibule of her vagina. The labia majora, also known as the outer lips of the vulva, are covered in hairy skin. The labia minora, or inner lips, are located inside the labia majora and are closest to the vaginal vestibule.

Identification

• When a woman has extended labia, her labia minora extend out of her labia majora more than the average of one-quarter inch to 2 inches. There is a wide range of variance in the size of the labia minora in women, both in width and in length. Asymmetrical or extended labia are not considered clinically significant and do not signal any physical disease or problem. On their own they do not require any sort of medical intervention.

Issues

• Extended labia can cause unhappiness in a woman who does not like the way they look. Extended labia can also cause pain or discomfort in some women. They can make wearing tight fitting clothing uncomfortable. Some women with extended labia cannot ride a bike or a horse comfortably. Other experience irritation and swelling of the labia minora after playing sports or engaging in physical activity.

Surgery

• For a woman experiencing discomfort or limits to her activities because of extended labia, surgical options exist. A plastic surgeon can perform a procedure called a labioplasty. During a labioplasty, the woman is first given anesthetic to block pain. The surgeon then trims the free edge of each labium until they are symmetrical and the desired length.

Considerations

• Some women with extended labia are unhappy with them because they think the appearance is abnormal or that it indicates a history of excessive masturbation. These women might not be happy with the results of their surgery. Surgeons often suggest they undergo counseling both before and after surgery to be certain they have realistic expectations for the outcome. For a woman seeking relief from pain and the freedom to pursue new activities like horseback riding, labioplasty is usually successful and follow up surgeries are rarely needed.