Social media platforms are buzzing with discussions on what a ‘perfect vagina’ should look or smell like, with some posts and videos suggesting that women should use products to alter the appearance and scent of their genitalia.
Gynecologists warn against these products, which can disrupt the vagina’s natural pH balance and lead to infections. The vagina and vulva each have their unique flora and balance, and introducing chemicals can disturb this equilibrium, according to gynecologist Mujdegul Zayifoglu Karaca. She questions why such products are marketed specifically for women and not for men.
The vulva refers to the external part of the female genitalia, while the vagina is the muscular canal connecting the cervix to the outside of the body.
College student Eylul Gulce Kara from Istanbul is frustrated with the pressure on women to conform to societal standards. “It feels like we always have to do something to meet society’s demands,” she says.
No Such Thing as a ‘Perfect’ Vulva
Medical experts emphasize that there is no ‘ideal’ or ‘perfect’ vulva. “Each vulva is unique,” says Dr. Berrin Tezcan, a registered gynecologist in London. “No two vulvas are alike in shape, size, color, or appearance. When I tell patients their vulva is perfectly normal, 90% of them feel relieved.”
However, in some countries, women lack access to reliable gynecological care and face stigma around discussing female genital health. In Iran, for example, female health issues are often considered taboo, making it difficult for women to seek proper advice.
Pressure from Medical Professionals
Some women report feeling pressured by doctors who make them uncomfortable through body shaming. One social media post recounts a woman undergoing labiaplasty because her gynecologist criticized her labia. Labiaplasty, a common form of genital cosmetic surgery, reshapes the labia minora and/or labia majora and is increasingly sought after by women concerned about their appearance.
Rising Trend in Labiaplasty
In Australia, over half a million people have either undergone or considered labiaplasty, according to a recent report. The Labia Diversity report from Women’s Health Victoria highlights that social media and pornography are influencing more people to consider this surgery, presenting unrealistic images of female genitalia.
The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) reports a 14.8% increase in labiaplasty worldwide from 2019 to 2023. Brazil leads in labiaplasty procedures, with over 28,000 performed. Cultural factors in Brazil contribute to this trend, with many women seeking surgery to conform to beauty standards.
Risks and Considerations
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) advises that labiaplasty is a significant decision requiring careful consideration. The procedure can be expensive, carry risks such as bleeding, infection, scarring, reduced sensitivity, and even complications like blood clots or allergic reactions. The NHS also notes that it’s normal to have noticeable skin folds around the vaginal opening.
Gynecologist Müjdegül Zayıfoğlu Karaca stresses the importance of understanding one’s own body before considering surgical interventions. Eylul Gulce Kara echoes this sentiment, calling for social media to promote awareness of women’s sexual health and to combat content that pressures women into unnecessary surgeries or product use.
