For years I've been desperately unhappy with my labia minora, mainly just on the one side, and although it's nowhere near as bad as some cases I've seen, it really affects me. I'm sick of hearing people say, 'it's normal, natural, there's no problem', thinking I want the operation for vanity. They just don't get that it hinders my life in a lot of ways. It definitely affects my sex life hugely - it doesn't matter what my bf says, I'm unhappy with it. It gets in the way, it's oversensitive and I won't let him anywhere near it. If he accidentally touches 'the lip', sex is out of my mind for the rest of the night. I have to constantly rearrange myself like a man when wearing trousers or tights or anything at all that touches it, including underwear (so pretty much all the time). I hate it.
The trouble is, I don't want to go to my usual GP with the problem and don't know where else to go. The reason for this is partly because I've been with them since I was born, so obviously they've seen me grow up and I don't feel right going to them, it'd be like telling my dad. Secondly I had a breast augmentation on the NHS 3 years ago after going to my doctor and telling them how upset my lack of breasts were making me. I realise this makes me sound incredibly vain and as if I feel my happiness depends on my looks, but this isn't the case at all. It just so happens that I have had both problems in such ways that they affect me a huge amount - I'm also not the sort of person who is greatly affected by anything normally ! I was extremely lucky to have been granted an NHS so-called 'cosmetic' procedure already - I'm scared they'll look at my records, see I've had that, and think I'm just after more surgery.
I'm in tons of debt and there's no possible way I could ever afford the surgery myself, the NHS is my only option. But would I be eligible for surgery ? I'm in West Yorkshire under the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS PCT (I know it varies with your area as to what sort of treatment they'll be willing to give you).
The previous surgery really is the main worry, I think they won't take me seriously and might think I'm just out for what I can get. What can I do, and who can I see if not my own GP - would I have to go through them to be referred to someone who might help ?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
The trouble is, I don't want to go to my usual GP with the problem and don't know where else to go. The reason for this is partly because I've been with them since I was born, so obviously they've seen me grow up and I don't feel right going to them, it'd be like telling my dad. Secondly I had a breast augmentation on the NHS 3 years ago after going to my doctor and telling them how upset my lack of breasts were making me. I realise this makes me sound incredibly vain and as if I feel my happiness depends on my looks, but this isn't the case at all. It just so happens that I have had both problems in such ways that they affect me a huge amount - I'm also not the sort of person who is greatly affected by anything normally ! I was extremely lucky to have been granted an NHS so-called 'cosmetic' procedure already - I'm scared they'll look at my records, see I've had that, and think I'm just after more surgery.
I'm in tons of debt and there's no possible way I could ever afford the surgery myself, the NHS is my only option. But would I be eligible for surgery ? I'm in West Yorkshire under the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS PCT (I know it varies with your area as to what sort of treatment they'll be willing to give you).
The previous surgery really is the main worry, I think they won't take me seriously and might think I'm just out for what I can get. What can I do, and who can I see if not my own GP - would I have to go through them to be referred to someone who might help ?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Hi,
I've just recently started looking into this and have an appointment with a doctor on Monday - which I'm dreading. I'm also in West Yorkshire, but under the Kirklees PCT - I'll let you know what happens!
I've just recently started looking into this and have an appointment with a doctor on Monday - which I'm dreading. I'm also in West Yorkshire, but under the Kirklees PCT - I'll let you know what happens!
I just went to my doctor today and she said it was cosmetic and the NHS are no longer funding it for cosmetic reasons! I feel a little fobbed off and might see a different doctor...±? I am under the Poole and Bournemouth PCT.
Hi. I know exactly what you mean! I'd like to have this done, but I'm afraid of asking cos I don't want to be rejected by the NHS- and I can't afford to pay for it!
It has caused me a lot of emotional discomfort over the years. I don't even believe there is such a thing as a "cosmetic reason" for this kind of surgery- surely that comes under emotional discomfort (which is funded by the NHS!)? I mean, sure, if you went along and said "I WANT TO LOOK LIKE THIS PORN STAR BECAUSE MY BOYFRIEND WANTS ME TO!", but I'm sure that's normally not the case- it would have to bother you for a few years at least.
As I grew up (I'm 21), I was worried whether I was normal, and what guys would think of it. But now that I've been with guys, I realise they're not really bothered- but I still am! I have one labia minora larger than the other (though, the other has increased since losing my virginity 3 years ago- has this happened with anyone else?!). While it's not painful, it is very annoying! I feel bad for wanting to get rid of it, but I can't stand it being touched. I was wondering what it feels like for other girls? For me, when it's touched, it feels like an uncomfortable mixture of tickling and itching. I HATE having to tuck it in like a man every time I get an itch, after I've been to the loo, and before I'm about to go out the door! It's just so irritating. I know it could be longer, but for me, it's long enough! I can't wear thongs either :-(
I'm seriously considering labiaplasty (once I've registered with a new doc- I'm moving soon). Also, I live in England (West Yorkshire- as a couple of you have mentioned), but am moving to Scotland, so I'm wondering whether doctors or funding there are different in any way? I don't go to the doctor too often, so I'm pretty anxious about it, and worried I'd get rejected. Of course, if I'm accepted- I'm scared of the pain! Is it really worth it? I hope so.
Treacle- you seemed quite lucky to get the breast surgery. If anything, I'm sure that would have been classed as cosmetic... However, if you were very upset about it (i.e. obsessed to the point you were depressed/similar clinical reason), then they would grant you it. It's probably the same with labiaplasty. Have you been to them since your post? I hope it goes/has gone well for you. Sorry for the long post! :-)
It has caused me a lot of emotional discomfort over the years. I don't even believe there is such a thing as a "cosmetic reason" for this kind of surgery- surely that comes under emotional discomfort (which is funded by the NHS!)? I mean, sure, if you went along and said "I WANT TO LOOK LIKE THIS PORN STAR BECAUSE MY BOYFRIEND WANTS ME TO!", but I'm sure that's normally not the case- it would have to bother you for a few years at least.
As I grew up (I'm 21), I was worried whether I was normal, and what guys would think of it. But now that I've been with guys, I realise they're not really bothered- but I still am! I have one labia minora larger than the other (though, the other has increased since losing my virginity 3 years ago- has this happened with anyone else?!). While it's not painful, it is very annoying! I feel bad for wanting to get rid of it, but I can't stand it being touched. I was wondering what it feels like for other girls? For me, when it's touched, it feels like an uncomfortable mixture of tickling and itching. I HATE having to tuck it in like a man every time I get an itch, after I've been to the loo, and before I'm about to go out the door! It's just so irritating. I know it could be longer, but for me, it's long enough! I can't wear thongs either :-(
I'm seriously considering labiaplasty (once I've registered with a new doc- I'm moving soon). Also, I live in England (West Yorkshire- as a couple of you have mentioned), but am moving to Scotland, so I'm wondering whether doctors or funding there are different in any way? I don't go to the doctor too often, so I'm pretty anxious about it, and worried I'd get rejected. Of course, if I'm accepted- I'm scared of the pain! Is it really worth it? I hope so.
Treacle- you seemed quite lucky to get the breast surgery. If anything, I'm sure that would have been classed as cosmetic... However, if you were very upset about it (i.e. obsessed to the point you were depressed/similar clinical reason), then they would grant you it. It's probably the same with labiaplasty. Have you been to them since your post? I hope it goes/has gone well for you. Sorry for the long post! :-)
Hi,
I had a labiaplasty done on the NHS two weeks ago. I had always been incredibly ashamed of my lady bits as I had a big bit of skin dangling down on one side and I was always having to tuck it in. It affected my confidence hugely and I didn't like boyfriends seeing me naked at all. I didn't enjoy sex unless the lights were off and I never felt that I could let go and enjoy myself to be honest (I'm 29, for your reference). But I never did anything about it because I don't have thousands of pounds to spend on plastic surgery and I also thought a designer vagina seemed a little extreme.
Anyway I was at the GU clinic a while back just getting a routine check up and the nurse asked me how long I had looked like that. Obviously I was mortified that she'd noticed enough to say something but she said I had skin tags and advised me to go to the GP.
I plucked up the courage to go earlier this year and my GP was very helpful (I live in London). She said she would refer me to the gynaecology department at my local hospital. She said she couldn't guarantee they would treat me as it was a cosmetic thing but she thought it was worth a go. I had my appointment a few months later and the gynaecologist asked me lots of questions and had a look down there. He said immediately that the skin tags had to go, which made me realise how bad they must have been! He then told me that basically he would be performing a labiaplasty (removing the excess skin).
Only a few weeks later I went into hospital. I went in at midday and I was last on the list so I went for my op at 3.30pm. I was awake and drinking tea by 5pm. My friend came to pick me up and I had left by 6.30pm. I was in no pain whatsoever.
I took painkillers as advised for two days. After that I didn't take any painkillers and haven't done since. I had my op on the Friday and I was back in work on Tuesday. Since then I have had absolutely no pain or discomfort, just some itching which is to be expected. I am careful to clean down there every time I go to the loo to avoid infection.
To be honest, I feel completely healed and I'm really having to stop myself from going to the gym etc because I don't want to cause any problems. I was advised no vigorous activity for four to six weeks and I'm going to stick to this but I feel ready to take on the world!
I know a lot of women have had problems with this procedure and so this is really a one sided argument but I am over the moon with the results. I have nothing hanging down where it shouldn't be and I already feel way more confident and happy.
I hope this helps in some way, good luck with whatever you decide.
I had a labiaplasty done on the NHS two weeks ago. I had always been incredibly ashamed of my lady bits as I had a big bit of skin dangling down on one side and I was always having to tuck it in. It affected my confidence hugely and I didn't like boyfriends seeing me naked at all. I didn't enjoy sex unless the lights were off and I never felt that I could let go and enjoy myself to be honest (I'm 29, for your reference). But I never did anything about it because I don't have thousands of pounds to spend on plastic surgery and I also thought a designer vagina seemed a little extreme.
Anyway I was at the GU clinic a while back just getting a routine check up and the nurse asked me how long I had looked like that. Obviously I was mortified that she'd noticed enough to say something but she said I had skin tags and advised me to go to the GP.
I plucked up the courage to go earlier this year and my GP was very helpful (I live in London). She said she would refer me to the gynaecology department at my local hospital. She said she couldn't guarantee they would treat me as it was a cosmetic thing but she thought it was worth a go. I had my appointment a few months later and the gynaecologist asked me lots of questions and had a look down there. He said immediately that the skin tags had to go, which made me realise how bad they must have been! He then told me that basically he would be performing a labiaplasty (removing the excess skin).
Only a few weeks later I went into hospital. I went in at midday and I was last on the list so I went for my op at 3.30pm. I was awake and drinking tea by 5pm. My friend came to pick me up and I had left by 6.30pm. I was in no pain whatsoever.
I took painkillers as advised for two days. After that I didn't take any painkillers and haven't done since. I had my op on the Friday and I was back in work on Tuesday. Since then I have had absolutely no pain or discomfort, just some itching which is to be expected. I am careful to clean down there every time I go to the loo to avoid infection.
To be honest, I feel completely healed and I'm really having to stop myself from going to the gym etc because I don't want to cause any problems. I was advised no vigorous activity for four to six weeks and I'm going to stick to this but I feel ready to take on the world!
I know a lot of women have had problems with this procedure and so this is really a one sided argument but I am over the moon with the results. I have nothing hanging down where it shouldn't be and I already feel way more confident and happy.
I hope this helps in some way, good luck with whatever you decide.
so glad to read your review happylady, im having it done nhs in 3 weeks - and counting! im 42 by the way, so its taken me 20 years to pluck up the courage to finally get it sorted. feel sorry for you yorkshire lasses as down south, as long as it is not for cosmetic reasons then we still get funding, i think it is very unfair that you are treated this way, as unless u have our 'problem' it is very hard for anyone to understand, im so glad these forums are around as you realy dont feel alone and such a freak. how are u now almost 1 month on?? any tips for recovery etc xx
Hi Loobylu,
So now I'm several weeks on and I'm totally back to normal - I'm going to the gym, horse-riding and having sex. The whole experience has been absolutely fine. I'd say my advice is to listen to your body - it'll tell you if you're doing too much! They'll probably tell you to take regular painkillers for the first two days and I did this and didn't have any pain. After that just see how you feel. I had sex after five weeks and I was fine but from reading these forums it's totally different for everyone.
Make sure you keep the area really clean and have a little wash every time you go to the loo for the first few weeks. After the first night or two I also slept without any underwear and also when I was at home I went commando! I wasn't told to do this but it really helped me - I think giving it a chance to breathe really helps it to heal and can help if it's itching a bit. If it does itch don't worry too much, that's normal. During the day I wore pantyliners as you can get a bit of discharge.
I hope this helps and best of luck with everything - let me know how you get on x
So now I'm several weeks on and I'm totally back to normal - I'm going to the gym, horse-riding and having sex. The whole experience has been absolutely fine. I'd say my advice is to listen to your body - it'll tell you if you're doing too much! They'll probably tell you to take regular painkillers for the first two days and I did this and didn't have any pain. After that just see how you feel. I had sex after five weeks and I was fine but from reading these forums it's totally different for everyone.
Make sure you keep the area really clean and have a little wash every time you go to the loo for the first few weeks. After the first night or two I also slept without any underwear and also when I was at home I went commando! I wasn't told to do this but it really helped me - I think giving it a chance to breathe really helps it to heal and can help if it's itching a bit. If it does itch don't worry too much, that's normal. During the day I wore pantyliners as you can get a bit of discharge.
I hope this helps and best of luck with everything - let me know how you get on x
hi there, had it done today!
went down at 11.30 back on ward before half 12. unlucky for me on top of the labiaplasty she also removed an absess from my episiotomy scar = wasntt aware of this until i came round!
wen i came to was only in minimal pain, really minimal, but the nurse gave me tramadol anyway, boy that put me up with the fairies! was discharged after 3 hours. its now over 13 hours later, barely any pain at all, only problem ive had is losing a lot of blood, used 4 super duper night time towels in 5 hours, i was so worried that went a&e 2nite, 2 hours later the lovely gentle gynae lady = thank the lord a lady! said it was down to the poxy episiotomy stitches, but everything was as it should be so that was that.
got follow up in 6 weeks. weeing been ok, ive dun as u suggested and pour evian water over the area everytime i wee, just so want to ensure i dont get an infection! and as for sex, well ive told husb he's got a bloody long wait ha ha
good luck to anyone having this done soon, any advice pleaase ask xx
went down at 11.30 back on ward before half 12. unlucky for me on top of the labiaplasty she also removed an absess from my episiotomy scar = wasntt aware of this until i came round!
wen i came to was only in minimal pain, really minimal, but the nurse gave me tramadol anyway, boy that put me up with the fairies! was discharged after 3 hours. its now over 13 hours later, barely any pain at all, only problem ive had is losing a lot of blood, used 4 super duper night time towels in 5 hours, i was so worried that went a&e 2nite, 2 hours later the lovely gentle gynae lady = thank the lord a lady! said it was down to the poxy episiotomy stitches, but everything was as it should be so that was that.
got follow up in 6 weeks. weeing been ok, ive dun as u suggested and pour evian water over the area everytime i wee, just so want to ensure i dont get an infection! and as for sex, well ive told husb he's got a bloody long wait ha ha
good luck to anyone having this done soon, any advice pleaase ask xx
Hi Loobylu,
How are you getting on now? How's the healing going?
How are you getting on now? How's the healing going?
hi there! well im 4 weeks on now. i didnt get any infection, but bled for 16 days!! went back to work after 10 days. i finally had a look after about 3 weeks and was shocked to see the 'trim' was actually a removal!! all gone apart from an inch downwards from the hood part - thank god i told her not to touch there! no idea why she took it all off - all i can think is that the innners were attached quite high up against the outers, so had she not done this i mite still have had a protrusion?? still healing, still some tender parts, love having nothing hanging out now, but think sex wont be on the agenda for another 4 weeks! x
Hi Happyladybits,
After going to the doctors and being refered to a Gynecologist, I have an appointment on Monday. I see you have been through all this and getting it done on the NHS which I want and could never afford to pay! What were your exact reasons for getting it done and what did the gynecologist ask you when you went to see them? I would be grateful if you could get back to me real soon:) thanks x
After going to the doctors and being refered to a Gynecologist, I have an appointment on Monday. I see you have been through all this and getting it done on the NHS which I want and could never afford to pay! What were your exact reasons for getting it done and what did the gynecologist ask you when you went to see them? I would be grateful if you could get back to me real soon:) thanks x
I am a Senior Lecturer at Teesside University doing some research into labia plasty surgery and looking at the reasons woman have the surgery. Funded by the Wellcome Trust, we are making an animated documentary on the subject and would love to speak to woman about their experiences - in confidence of course. If you are willing to answer a number of questions in confidence or be interviewed for the film [voices only] then please get in touch because we feel that it make such a difference to have woman's real life experiences included in the film. Our aim is to create an animation that will be useful for womans health and understanding. Thank you for reading this post. Siobhan
Dear Ladies,
I am planning a labioplasty surgery and viewing an opportunity to have it done with the NHS. Would anyone suggest what steps should I take?
Any information is highly appreciated.
hi natasha, re nhs, be warned depends on your area. i was one of the last to have it done in my area - hertfordshire - north and east herts trust and that was almost a year ago, they are really cutting back on this procedure in many areas, fingers crossed your area will cover u. first step is go to your gp and explain how much it is affecting you both physically and psychologically - if its merely cos i dont like wot i look like then dont bother going as u wont be referred. keep us updated how u get on x
Hi Loobylu,
Great. Thank you for this information. I will have a talk with my GP :))) Will see what he says.
Great. Thank you for this information. I will have a talk with my GP :))) Will see what he says.