Let's get to know the female genitalia (2) What are labia minora?　Women, transgender people, and male daughters can understand it! Easy Explanation

Let's get to know the female genitalia. The second one is "labia minora".
It is an important organ that supports women's health and beauty and is the part of the body that varies the most in shape and size among individuals.
Japan is closed to sex and there are not many opportunities to learn properly.
Therefore, some people have problems due to wrong knowledge or prejudice.
This is a special feature for born-again women, lesbians, trans women, and men to learn about.
(Illustrations will be posted at a later date)

What are labia minora?

The labia minora are folds of skin on the female vulva, located inside the labia majora.
The labia minora, which vary in color, shape, and size, primarily protect the vaginal and urethral orifices and have an important role in sexual sensation.
Protects the vagina and urethral opening from bacteria, dryness, and foreign substances
Prevents urine splattering
...Wrapping the male genitalia during sexual intercourse

Labia minora structure and characteristics

The labia minora are a pair of fold-like structures on either side, extending along the inner side of the labia majora.
Its upper end is connected to the clitoral (pubic) foreskin, and its lower end to the perineum.
The inner skin is thin in thickness, similar in nature to mucous membranes, and rich in blood vessels, giving it a pinkish or reddish color.
The outer part may protrude from the labia majora and is prone to change in color and shape due to friction from underwear.
It also has many sebaceous and sweat glands and functions to maintain moisture.
The labia minora is a very sensitive area and also serves to amplify pleasure during intercourse.

Labia minora changes

Aging and hormonal factors can change the color and shape of the labia minora.
It may grow during puberty or change shape after childbirth or menopause.
Frequent friction and irritation can also cause hyperpigmentation.

Individual differences in labia minora shape and color, etc. Common concerns

The shape and size of the labia minora vary greatly from person to person.
There is no generally accepted standard for what is considered "normal," and characteristics such as large, small, or asymmetrical labia minora are natural individual differences.

The majority of labia minora are asymmetrical!

Recently, more and more women are suffering from labia minora asymmetry, but in fact, few people have symmetrical labia minora.
Since no part of the human body is perfectly symmetrical, it is quite natural for there to be differences in the shape of the labia minora.

Darker labia minora

The color of the labia minora can darken with age, hormonal changes, and friction.
In particular, friction from underwear and irritation from shaving can cause hyperpigmentation.
The skin may be brownish from early childhood.
In some cases, such as elbows and knees, the color may be darker, but this is very natural.
(If there are distorted mole-like blackheads, speckled brown or more than one, it is recommended to consult an obstetrician/gynecologist because of the possibility of condyloma or other diseases).

Large labia minora

There is no medical problem with large labia minora per se.
The average size of the labia minora in Japanese women is sometimes said to be 4-5 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in width, but in reality it is not uncommon for women to have labia 2-8 cm in length and 1-4 cm in width.
If it is larger than that, there is no need to worry or fret about its appearance.
However, if problems arise, such as rubbing against clothing, causing pain, or irritation, it is recommended to use specialized care products or consult a physician.

Incorrect knowledge and prejudice of the labia minora!

Many women, including middle and high school students, who are troubled by the size and shape of their labia minora post on online bulletin boards and in consultation sections.
If the labia minora are large or dark in color, they are "sexually experienced." Some women are hurt and distressed by men's misconceptions and prejudices.
The size, color, and shape of the labia minora are not proportional to the number of sexual intercourse.
Some women with hundreds of sexual intercourse experiences have small, dark labia, while others have large, dark labia even in children who have never had sexual intercourse.
There are many causes, including heredity, hormonal balance, and friction with underwear and sanitary products.

And there is often a misunderstanding in the perception of women.
It is also a prejudice that men like small, pink labia, and everyone has different tastes and likes.
In fact, many men like large labia!
"It feels good to have my penis wrapped around the labia minora during intercourse."
It feels nice and soft to the touch.
. "I simply love the way it looks."
On the other hand, some men say that small labia are not enough.
For example, some women who work in adult content and sex stores are even popular for their large labia.

The Age of Diversity! Differences in the appearance of the labia minora are also unique!
It is not uncommon for people to dislike a woman because of her large labia minora.
In the unlikely event that they hate you because of it, I am sure they will hate you for other trivial things as well.

labia minora reduction

Labia minora reduction is a surgical procedure to improve the size and left-right balance of the labia minora.
Although there were few labia minora reductions in the early 2000s, the number of operations has increased to around 1,000 per year since around 2010, and by 2017, the number of operations had increased to around 5,000 per year.
The procedure can be completed in 15 minutes on one side or 30 minutes on both sides under local anesthesia, and the patient can shower the next day and have sexual intercourse a week to a month later.
The market price for a procedure with a noticeable scar is less than 100,000 yen, a less noticeable scar and shorter downtime is around 300,000 yen, and up to 600,000 yen depending on other options.
Labia minora reduction is fully self-funded and not covered by insurance, even for therapeutic purposes.
This may be one of the most effective options for those whose symptoms of labia minora such as sliding, rashes, and pain do not recur or are not relieved by medication.

Labiaplasty (labiaplasty in sexual reassignment surgery)

As part of sex reassignment surgery (gender reassignment surgery, SRS), labia minora may be formed.
This is one of the key steps in male-to-female gender reassignment surgery (MTF) to recreate a more natural appearance of the female genitalia.

Purpose of labiaplasty

Reproduction of the female genitalia: creating a natural looking labia minora.
Ensure functionality: ensure that the labia minora are properly positioned and can respond to friction and irritation.
Improved sexuality: Depending on the surgical technique, it is possible to retain some sexuality.

surgical procedure

Utilization of scrotal skin: the original scrotal skin or penile foreskin is used to form the labia minora.
Skin grafting: skin grafting from an appropriate site to adjust the shape of the labia minora.
Utilize laser and suture techniques: adjust sutures and excisions to achieve natural-looking results.

Labia minora formation after orchiectomy

Some women undergo orchiectomy at an early stage of feminization, while others undergo it at the same time as gender reassignment surgery.
If the orchiectomy is performed at an early stage, there is a greater chance that the scrotum will atrophy and the labia minora will not form because there is less skin.
If you plan to undergo gender reassignment surgery in the future and also have a labiaplasty, you need to think carefully about the timing of the orchiectomy.
If you have already had an orchiectomy only and plan to have a labiaplasty in the future with gender reassignment surgery, you may want to try to prevent the scrotum from atrophying.

summary

The labia minora is a delicate area that plays an important role in the female body.
There are individual differences in shape and size, and there is never an "ideal shape".
The average size is emphasized as small, and any larger than that is noticeable in the ads, which feel complex.
Too much larger than average! No one else has this shape!　No one else has this shape!
A minority can be said to be rare.
For some, it is very attractive and rare! It is a very good thing.

Women themselves should understand and take care of their own bodies, which is the first step toward beauty and health!
When the sexual object is the female body, understanding the other person is a form of caring and important for an effective relationship.
In the case of transgender people seeking to feminize, it will be important to know "women" in depth and to have lots of information and more options.

Next time: Let's get to know the vagina (3)Clitoris EditionIt is.