Sexual Health Reproductive Health Issues Vaginal Health What Causes Labial Hypertrophy or Labia Enlargement? Labial hypertrophy can make it look as if your labia is overgrown By Millicent Odunze, MD facebook Millicent Odunze Geers, MD, MPH, is a plastic surgeon with Dignity Health Medical Foundation. Learn about our editorial process Millicent Odunze, MD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on November 25, 2019 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on August 21, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Just like every other part of our bodies, no two labia are the same. In fact, from woman to woman it's not uncommon for one side of the labia to look different, from color to size, from the other side. If you notice your labia look different from side to side, that is most likely normal. If you notice your labia have grown or are growing, it may indicate labial hypertrophy or enlargement of the labia. Labial Hypertrophy Symptoms The labia include the labia major (the outer lips of the vagina) and the labia minora (the inner lips of the vagina). The function of the labia is to protect a woman’s clitoris and vagina from trauma. Labial hypertrophy can affect one or both sides of the labia. Your labia don't have to grow over time to be considered labial hypertrophy. Most women do not experience any symptoms or discomfort related to labial hypertrophy. Less commonly, women may experience irritation, discomfort, chronic infections, pain during exercise, and sexual intercourse. Concerns About the Labia Causes There is no clear cause of labial hypertrophy. Some women are born with large or irregularly-shaped labia. Other women may develop the condition after puberty, childbirth, or as a result of aging. It is not caused by masturbation, nor is it a sexually transmitted infection. Labial hypertrophy typically affects the labia minora, the inner lips of the vagina. The labia minora can also swell during sex, which is normal, and similar to a male erection. If your labia swell and do not return to normal size, speak to your doctor. Your labia can also change if you wear restrictive or irritating clothing or are an active cyclist. If you are concerned about your labia or changes in your labia, speak to a doctor. Diagnosis There is no specific test or imaging used to diagnose labial hypertrophy. A physician will typically diagnose labial hypertrophy based on a physical examination and any vaginal or labial symptoms you may be having. Other common labial issues include Bartholin gland cysts. The Bartholin glands are located next to the labia minora near the opening of the vagina. These glands provide lubrication and can, in some cases, get blocked and develop a cyst, or in the case of an infection, an abscess. Unlike labial hypertrophy, which is uniform, a cyst, which is usually just one-sided, tends to be a pea-shaped lump which can be felt or, depending on size, seen. Treatment In most cases, labial hypertrophy does not need to be treated. If your labia is enlarged and causing you pain, there are surgical options—known as labiaplasty—which can reduce the size of your labia. The surgical reduction can also help reduce infections and any general discomfort (both physical and emotional) you may be having about the size of your labia. If you are concerned about the size of your labia, speak to your doctor or request a surgical consult. Reasons for Labiaplasty Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Barrett MM, Carlson JA. A clinicopathologic study of labia minora hypertrophy: signs of localized lymphedema were universal. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2014;18(1):13-20. doi:10.1097/LGT.0b013e31828d3989 Gowda AU, Chopra N, Khalifeh M. Indications, Techniques and Complications of Labiaplasty. Eplasty. 2015;15:ic46. Coutant-foulc P, Lewis FM, Berville S, et al. Unilateral vulval swelling in cyclists: a report of 8 cases. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2014;18(4):e84-9. doi:10.1097/LGT.0000000000000027 Pandey D, Shetty J, Saxena A, Srilatha PS. Leiomyoma in vulva: a diagnostic dilemma. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol. 2014;2014:386432. doi:10.1155/2014/386432