“The personal is political.” Feminism 101, right? I get it now. Pussies have gone political. Somehow this labia surgery has taken on a whole ‘pseudo-controversy’ life of its own. 
There is lots of chatter and commentary (in the media and blog world) lately about labiaplasty or labia reduction. It seems to be catching on as a cosmetic procedure, especially in the US, UK, and Australia. There’s also lots of backlash…so much talk about how as women we must be loving and accepting of our bodies, we’re all different, we’re all normal, we don’t like the way we look because of too much ‘fake’ porn, blahblahblah. Somehow, nobody feels comfortable expressing approval of this procedure unless it’s qualified with “but it’s okay if you’re doing it for practical reasons…”
I call bullshit. Yes, the reality is that aside from appearance, my labia are a real pain the pussy. They are in the way during sex. They get pulled on at inopportune times; caught between my vagina and cock, fingers, or toys. They get twisted in my panties. They get pinched if I wear tight jeans. They show through a bathing suit. Hell, they’d show through a sheer dress if I went commando. “This must be what it’s like to have balls,” I’ve often thought. So yes, there are other considerations, but as I commented on this post yesterday, I’ve dealt with all of those issues for years. The real reason I’m having the surgery is that I don’t like the way I look.
And so the fuck what if it is?
I agree that women shouldn’t feel ashamed of our bodies, but I also think that I shouldn’t be made to feel bad for not liking my body the way it is. I go to the gym because I don’t want to be fat. I wear sunscreen because I don’t want to have wrinkles. I had braces because my teeth were crooked, and (guess what??) I didn’t like the way they looked (gasp)! People have nose jobs because they don’t like the way their perfectly normal noses look. I don’t see a big ‘nose job backlash’ going on.
My labia are large. I have always disliked them. They get in the way. I’m doing something about it and it feels good. I can’t fucking wait.
i think persons have the right to do whatever makes them comfortable with themselves. i kill myself 5 days a week at the gym, and i’m not about being healthy, its mostly about appearance for me, the health aspect is a benefit. so if you feel the need to get labiaplasty done, go right ahead
Thanks so much! I look forward to posting ‘happily ever after’ photos soon!
It is tricky one isn’t it. Well it is for me. I completely agree that woman should have a free choice to make decisions about their bodies, how can I be pro choice for abortion and then be uncomfortable with this. I guess the answer for me is that it is not really about the surgery, but about the fact that you have lived so many years hating a part of yourself that I have to admit I look at and think is really rather beautiful. It is that thought that makes me sad, not that you are doing something about it.
I think I would have to disagree with you about the back lash about nose jobs and other types of cosmetic surgery too. There has been a huge amount of negative media cover, especially of celebratory woman who have opted to have various different types of cosmetic surgery. They are often portrayed as brainless, superficial and vain individuals for making the choices they have made.
For me, well I HATE my stomach… and compared to your labia I have a lot more problems. It is hugely unsightly, it is covered in wrinkled and lose skin which is made worse by a very large scar from child hood surgery. I often wish I could have surgery to get rid of it, but then I remember all the times I had surgery before and how horrible it was and I think…. fuck it, I shall live with this. I am not 18 any more and there is no point in pretending I am.
On the one hand I am glad we both live in a country where we are given the free to choice about these things…. on the other hand I am sad that your negative view of your body has resulted in your choosing to have bits of it cut off. I am not judging you for that, I really am not, in some ways I think you are fucking brave (and maybe a little mad too but I already knew that ;) I wish you luck SF… and I really do wish you all the best and hope that in the end this surgery turns out to be all you have hoped it would be.
Mollyxxx
It is tricky. I think we are all beautiful, as do you. BUT I don’t think every part of me has to be just as nature made it to be beautiful. I color my hair, I wear makeup. If I didn’t like my nose, I would certainly get a nose job. I think that technology is available to make life better/make me happier and I should use it!
PS You’re right, you KNOW I’m a little nutty!! ;)
I appreciate you sharing your motivations for having labiaplasty and applaud you for being unabashed in your decision. It is unfortunate that we live in such a “free” society SO full of judgement and opinion, right and wrong.
Whether we agree or disagree with why anybody would want a nose job, breast job, liposuction or any other elective surgery, is beside the point. It is my body, my choice and as long as I am being smart about it and not causing harm to anybody else, is it not my right?
Most “feminists” claim to be about equality and women’s rights, yet when someone makes a choice like you (SF) have, you are shallow, weak or insecure. My issue as a woman and a patient advocate (vaginal-surgery.info) with these labels aside from being completely contradictory, is these judgements shame women for making selfish decisions. & Most people casting judgement have never spoken to a real woman that chose to have surgery.
So I do not think you are “nutty”. I think you are free and brave. Brave to make the choice despite agreement or backlash. A choice to make YOU happy (not for me, your partner, or society). That in my opinion is power. Regardless of what that “it” is. You have made a choice for you and your happiness.
We all deserve that, male or female.
Best wishes on your recovery and may you get the results/outcome you were desiring.
Vanessa
Thank you so much, Vanessa. You’re right, feminism + judgment = contradictory.