A life of secrecy and discomfort
Samantha Wood, a writer and pet carer in the United States, kept a secret she carried for years—that the labia minora were longer than what she imagined was “normal.” In her 20s she began tucking the inner lips into her underwear, a routine she described as painful, embarrassing, and exhausting. “I would feel pinching in my jeans when I moved a certain way or sat down,” she says. The problem wasn’t just aesthetics; it affected day-to-day comfort, clothing choices, exercise, and intimacy. “Day-to-day, I would actually tuck my labia in as I put on my underwear to help reduce any friction or noticeable shape in tighter clothing,” she recalls. And sex, a basic part of life, was painful due to added rubbing and friction.
The challenge extended beyond the body. Samantha’s self-consciousness intensified after cruel comments from her ex-husband, which reinforced the sense that her body was somehow not “normal.” As she described the imagery she compared herself to, she felt a deep isolation, noting that the female bodies she saw in movies didn’t resemble hers at all. The metaphor she used to picture her situation—“butterfly wings protruding from a cocoon”—captured the emotional weight of years of hiding and discomfort.
Finding a path to relief
Her turning point came when she began researching plastic surgery after considering other procedures. It was then she learned that a labiaplasty—a surgical trim of the labia minora or majora—could address both discomfort and appearance. The procedure, often framed as cosmetic to some, can also relieve irritation, pain during exercise, and clothing-related friction.
In her search, Samantha discovered a technique known as the “V-cut” labiaplasty, which trims the long portion of the labia minora into a V shape and then sutures the edges to create a shorter, hidden-scar result. Her gay doctor explained the process, reassured her about potential scarring, and helped her understand that stretching of skin happens gradually over time for many women.
The procedure and recovery
With insurance helped by a referral from a gynecologist, Samantha underwent the labiaplasty in 2024 at a London-area clinic, funded by her then-current partner’s provider as part of a broader cosmetic plan. The operation involved removing roughly an inch of tissue from the labia minora and reshaping what remained to ease friction and improve comfort. She recalls waking up with manageable pain and a cautious optimism about the change ahead.
Recovery brought its own challenges. “The worst experience was trying to urinate afterwards, as I had to use a funnel to pee in and spray myself with a peri bottle to lessen the burning sensation,” she says. She describes a difficult first week, including days of limited mobility and intense tenderness. Yet, as the days passed, the relief began to outweigh the discomfort. “Walking was a bit difficult,” she admits, but the long-term payoff was clear: clothes no longer felt clingy or restrictive, and she no longer needed to tuck or adjust constantly.
A new chapter and a message to others
Today, Samantha says she is immensely happier with both the appearance and the feel of her vagina. The transformation boosted her self-esteem and overall well-being, and it also reshaped her relationships: her current partner is fully supportive, understanding why she pursued the procedure. She emphasizes that opting for labiaplasty was a personal choice rooted in comfort and confidence rather than vanity. “The only regret I have is not getting the labiaplasty sooner,” she shares.
Her advice to others considering similar steps is simple: seek information, consult qualified clinicians, and consider how the procedure could impact daily life as much as appearance. If you’re living with irritation, pain during exercise, or self-consciousness, a professional medical opinion can clarify options—whether surgical or non-surgical—and help you decide what’s best for your body and your life.
