Labiaplasty & Understanding the Female Anatomy


Cosmetic Surgery Enquiry

You may understand that a labiaplasty involves reducing your labia to a size and shape that you are happy with but it is important to understand the anatomy of the female vulva, in order to fully understand what part of the body the Labiaplasty involves.

The term vulva incorporates the whole of the outside area of the vagina and it is made up of a number of parts. There are two types of labia: The labia majora and the labia minora. The labia majora are the two outside lips that protect the vagina and they are the lips that are hairy. They stop the other reproductive organs from being exposed so that they don't become infected or irritated. The labia majora also secrete oil and contain sweat glands.

The Labia Minora are the smaller lips that are found inside the Labia majora. They usually are about two inches wide but vary greatly in length and colour. They may be red to pink or even brown. They are made up of connective tissue and there are a number of nerves within them, which makes the labia minora extremely sensitive. During sexual stimulation, the core of the connective tissue-, which is made up of erectile tissue-, will become moist and swell. Their main function is to protect the clitoris, vaginal opening and the urethra from bacterial infections. They act almost like a flap to protect these orifices and they are also involved in directing your urine upon urination.

The other area that many know about is the clitoris, which sits above your urethra at the join of your labia minora and labia majora. This is the sensitive area of your vulva that is stimulated during sexual contact and it is covered by a thin fold of skin called the prepuce. Surgeries involving the clitoris can also be carried out in conjunction with labiaplasty in order to enhance sexual sensitivity.

Further Articles