Women increasingly seeking cosmetic surgery for their private parts ("labioplasty")

Sunday, December 20, 2009 by: E. Huff, staff writer
Tags: vagina, cosmetic surgery, health news

(NaturalNews) The British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology recently published research about genitalia surgery and the women who are undergoing the procedure in hopes of obtaining the perfect vagina. As crude as the concept sounds, the popularity of such a procedure is gaining ground despite the dangerous risks involved.

The report questioned the idea of performing surgery for what are merely aesthetic or psychological reasons. In the U.K., the practice has increased by more than 70 percent since last year. Many view the procedure as nothing more than outlandish mutilation that serves no necessary medical purpose in most cases.

Sarah Creighton, a gynecologist consultant, and Lih-Mei Liao, a psychologist, responded to the report by challenging the ethical mindset that would resort to surgically modifying genitalia rather than deal with the personal problems that lead a person to such a decision. Except in cases where such a procedure is medically necessary, these two believe such a procedure is inappropriate. Counseling and support, they believe, are far preferable options.

Researchers from the University College of London claim they were unable to find any significant documentation indicating the long-term side effects that result from undergoing the procedure. Dr. Creighton, however, believes that the surgery may cause the same ill effects of female circumcision. This includes damaging sensitive nerves, impairing sexual sensitivity, and causing substantial bleeding and tearing during pregnancy.

Surgeons defending the practice claim that the procedure is relatively simple and bears no resemblance to female circumcision. Some have even gone so far as to say that those who warn of long-term side effects and negative consequences are terrorizing patients and those who may be considering the operation.

While there are instances when the operation may be appropriate for preventing or dealing with medical problems like hypertrophy, even surgeons admit the majority of cases are purely for cosmetic reasons. Many defenders of the practice claim they perform rigorous analysis of a patient prior to agreeing to perform the surgery in order to ensure that it is both safe and appropriate.

Most researchers agree that when the issue is merely cosmetic, other options should be encouraged. Women who have issues in this area should seek counsel in order to arrive at a preferable alternative, according to the report and those that support it. Dissemination of truthful information about the risks associated the surgery must also be made available so that women can make an informed decision.

Sources for this story include

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8352711.st...