Pain during intimacy can have several different causes, including uterine fibroids, poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menopause, the presence of an infection or vaginal dryness. One reason for painful intercourse that may be easily overlooked by your gynecologist is long or misshapen labia. If you’ve asked your gynecologist about the source of your discomfort and have been given a clean bill of health, you may want to consider if it’s your labia causing the problem.
Consider Your Painful Areas After Sex
Trying to pinpoint the origin of your pain during intercourse can be difficult, so it may be helpful to examine yourself after sex. Use a hand mirror if you have trouble examining yourself. If your labia are long or misshapen, you may note the skin between your inner and outer labia is red or irritated. This can happen when the labia are pushed into the entrance of your vagina during sex, pulling the skin. It’s also possible for the inside edges of your labia to be painfully rubbed by friction as well, no matter how gentle your partner may be. Another possibility is long labia pulling on your clitoris, making it sore. Some women also notice these same symptoms after non-sexual activities like cycling or horseback riding.
How a Labiaplasty Can Help
Labiaplasty is a surgical procedure that shortens or, depending on your desires, completely removes the inner labia. While this may seem unsettling, it can greatly enhance pleasure for both partners and get rid of painful intercourse entirely. By shortening or removing the inner labia, there is less flesh interfering with friction and, potentially, less pulling of the skin. If your clitoral hood is also long and interferes with intimacy, shortening, or removing it can also enhance your pleasure.
The Procedure Used for Labiaplasty
The surgery is conducted with you under sedation. Our surgeon will carefully mark your labia, then trim away the excess skin. The new edges will then be sutured or closed with surgical glue. You will then be taken to a recovery room to wake up and get your balance again before being sent home with a friend or family member. Most women are sexually active and completely healed in six to ten weeks.
Labiaplasty and Childbirth
This procedure has no effect on bearing children or vaginal birth. As with any vaginal delivery, you may experience tearing. This can be stitched up and your surgical results won’t be impacted. Of course, you will want to wait until you are completely healed from your labiaplasty before attempting to get pregnant.
If you are having external pain during intercourse and would like to remedy the situation, a labiaplasty may be the right choice for you. Feel free to call Wayzata Cosmetic Surgery for a consultation. Located in Wayzata, we are discreet and would be happy to review your case and your options with you in a no-pressure, informative environment.
