Labial hypertrophy simply means enlarged or longer than average labia. This can occur at the labia minora (inner vaginal lips) or the labia majora (outer vaginal lips).
Why do labia sizes differ?
The size and symmetry of the labia vary in all women. For some, the size of the labia minora becomes significantly enlarged around the onset of puberty. Others may experience an increase in labial size with age or hormonal changes with pregnancies and vaginal deliveries. The labia majora can be enlarged from genetic predisposition, or may sag after significant weight loss or with age.
Why does labial hypertrophy matter?
Enlarged labia can cause discomfort with tight clothing, bathing suits, exercise or with intercourse. The labia can pull and swell making such activities less enjoyable for women. When the size of the labia causes significant discomfort physically or is aesthetically bothersome, this can be treated with a surgical procedure to remove the excess skin and underlying tissue. Labiaplasty surgery can be performed for either the minora, majora or to bother areas in the case there is enlargement of both the minora and the majora.
