I appreciate you writing about this topic, Anna. I had a labiaplasty done two years ago for medical reasons. My doctor and I were trying to get to the bottom of my chronic case of bacterial vaginosis, and one day I asked if my longer labia could have anything to do with it. She hadn't ever thought about the correlation, but after doing a physical exam, determined it might be something to consider.

When I was younger, only 12-years-old, I started researching labiaplasties because of how uncomfortable I was with my genitals. I was embarrassed to get dressed in front of my friends, and even my mom. As I got older, both the emotional discomfort and physical discomfort worsened. When I became sexually active, however, I realized most men didn't mind the look of my labia. In fact, some preferred longer labia. So, I began to feel more comfortable in my body and accepted my vulva as it was.

When talk about a labiaplasty became more real a couple of years ago, I was really scared. I had read and listened to so many horror stories and didn't want to risk them being cut back too far and no longer having the same kind of stimulation as before.

I shared my concerns with my doctor and she assured me she wouldn't be trimming them back in the same way a plastic surgeon would; because we were doing the operation for medical reasons, her main concern priority was proper functioning overall. And thankfully, because the labiaplasty was for medical reasons, insurance approved it.

Since the surgery, I haven't had a single infection. Not only that, but I am day-to-day, so much more comfortable physically. I can sleep naked and not be uncomfortable (something I couldn't ever do before); my labia don't get pinched during sex or exercise; I don't have to tuck them in every time I finish going to the bathroom; swimming suit and underwear shopping is easier.

And the best part... my vulva still operates as it should! In fact, you can't even really tell I ever had it done because of how modest my doctor was in her trimming. There is even some asymmetry, which I don't really mind.

Overall, I am so happy I had the surgery. Mainly, because it cured my chronic infections. I know my experience is rare, which is why I share it. It's not common for your gyno to perform a surgery like this, but thankfully, mine was qualified and did a fantastic job.

Thought I would share to give another perspective!