Labial hypertrophy is a long name that means the enlargement of the labia (sometimes called the vaginal lips). This isn’t a serious condition. It can be normal, but it can also cause some discomfort, and for some young women it may be embarrassing or distressing. It can affect the inner labia (labia minora) and it can also affect the outer labia (labia majora). The labia can be enlarged on one side or both sides.
Some young women may have been born with bigger labia, while others may have noticed that their labia got much bigger during puberty. The cause is unclear, but health care provider’s do know that it’s not caused by masturbation or an STI. It’s important to remember there’s nothing you did to cause this.
If having larger labia causes you to feel badly about yourself, you should talk to a parent or trusted adult and make an appointment with your health care provider to talk about treatment options.
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