Dear UMBe Mine,I’ve started hearing about plastic surgery that women can get for their vaginas. I guess women can get tightened or change the size of their labia. I never would have thought about it, but I think I would be a good candidate for this kind of surgery. I hate the way I look down there and even though I would love to do something about it, I’m worried about the surgery. But I honestly get somewhat embarrassed in front this guy I’m seeing. I hate thinking about it when I’m with him. Should I get the surgery?Sincerely,Pondering Surgery

Dear Pondering, Let me start out by saying that we all have things we don’t like about our bodies. Sometimes we can take care of the problem naturally, like losing weight with diet and exercise. In other situations people choose not so natural resolutions, like liposuction. If a women feels her breasts are too small, she can get implants. Ass too flat? Get ass implants! There is a quick fix for everything we don’t like about ourselves. (Externally, anyway). You should try to love your body the way it is. We are all beautiful and different. And if anyone judged you based on the size of your labia, I’d say you’re better off without that person in your life.

Having said this, however, I know we live in a society that sets physical standards, many of which most people will never meet. And I could be deep and honest, and tell you that you should never feel self-conscious about your body just because it looks different than the “societal norm.” But you can’t live in a deep and honest world; you have to live in this one. And if you think that this surgery might help you feel better about yourself, then it’s something to consider.

Now, before you do anything else, you need to research this further. Any surgery, especially on such a sensitive body part, can be very dangerous. You need to find out what the procedure actually is, what kind of pain you may have afterwards, and what the recovery process is like. Visit websites, talk to doctors, and if you can, talk to someone who has had the surgery. After you get all the information, seriously weigh it and then decide. Make sure you have good friends (or your boyfriend if you are close enough to discuss this with him) to support you before, during, and after. And, if you think at all that you can be ok with yourself without the surgery, then don’t get it.

For information about the procedure and the risks, visit:www.lasertreatments.com/labiaplasty, and www.centerforvaginalsurgery.com

Love, Pussycat