Plastic surgery is all too common in this modern world. Women of varied ages naturally want to look good, so they take advantage of advances in science to alter their bodies – enlarge things that they perceive to be small and reduce things that they consider big. You might be familiar with eye bag removals, face lifts, breast augmentations, and liposuctions. But have you ever imagined that women will think of changing the look of their vagina?

Yes, that’s right. Every year, over a thousand women in the U.S. and approximately 800 in U.K. are going under the doctor’s knife for clitoral un-hooding, g-spot augmentation, labiaplasty, and hymen reconstruction (restoring a woman’s virginity).

The thought of these procedures are so appalling, that’s why some organizations are fighting against it. On the other hand, some doctors are saying that these should be considered normal healing procedures because having long labia may be painful during exercise or sex, and shortening it will definitely uplift the woman’s self-esteem when done.

So if men like to enlarge their penises, women would want to nip and cut their labia because they’re so long. But come to think of it, is there really a standard physical appearance for genitals? And who has set that standard?

It’s not surprising that media plays a big role in this phenomenon. With their glossy ads and convincing testimonials, the public could be swayed that they need these cosmetic procedures to feel confident about their sexuality.

Proof of this shows in female genital surgery statistics. There is a 20% yearly increase in women who demand these types of operations. It’s like standardizing the design of these vaginas. And some gynecologists are saying that women are so ecstatic with the results even after three years. They are also saying that it has improved their sexual relationships.

However, critics believe that these surgeries are clinically dangerous. Obstetricians and gynecologists against these procedures affirm that the women may experience obstetric risks, chronic pain, scarring, or even reduced sexual pleasure.

In addition, it’s not just the physical pain that’s important. Undergoing this surgery might induce psychological problems as well. Research indicates that the feeling of happiness after a genital operation may be short lived. In fact, there’s a study on plastic surgery published in 2007 that after 10 years of going through breast implants, women would be more likely to commit suicide compared to those who have not had any cosmetic operation.

If this is the case, how much more if the operation involves the most delicate part of the female body? Would it be worth it to alter or injure a female organ for cosmetic purposes alone? Are there more physical and psychological effects that were not yet discovered? This is why a lot of people are campaigning for more reliable research, not just media hype.

Although the sexual organ is the main tool used during sex, your sexual satisfaction does not entirely depend on it. Studies show that if you start to feel good about your body, your partner will get pleasure from it too, and you can have the best sexual relationship even without surgical alterations.