Sent by Selin Girit, Europe Hub

Pipo from all over the world discuss on major social media what the “perfect vagina” should look or smell like.

Some of these online posts and videos, which have been seen by millions of people, even recommend that women use products to change the smell and appearance of their intimate areas.

Gynecologists warn against these products because they can affect the pH value of the vagina and thus lead to infections.

The vagina and vulva develop their own flora and balance, and any chemicals they introduce improve the structure of the vagina, warns gynecologist Mujdegul Zayifoglu Karaca.

“When I first heard about ‘vagina perfume’ I was terrified. Why isn’t there a perfume for the penis, only for the vagina?” she asks.

Di vulva na di general name for all external parts of the woman, the private part or sexually specific body parts.

The vagina is connected to a muscular canal that connects the cervix to the outside of the body.

Eylul Gulce Kara, a student from Istanbul, never tires of the pressure women face on social media.

“It’s as if we’re saying we always have to do something to meet the demands of society,” she said.

“Isn’t our vaginal color too dark now?”

Medical experts say there is no such thing as an “ideal” or “perfect” vulva for women.

“Every woman’s vulva is unique,” ​​says Berrin Tezcan, a doctor registered with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London.

“No two women’s vulvas are alike in shape, size, color or appearance.

“When my patients come to me full of anxiety and say that there is something wrong with their vulva and I tell them that this is perfectly normal and there is nothing wrong with their body, 90% of them are relieved.”

But in some cases, women do not have access to a trusted gynecologist who can advise them.

In Iran, for example, female health is still considered taboo and discussions about the condition of the female intimate area are shameful for women.

Some social media users even complain about doctors embarrassing women through body shaming.

“One of my friends had labiaplasty and we asked her why she was doing it as it is a very uncomfortable operation,” said a post on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

“She told me, ‘Because my gynecologist keeps asking me why my labia look so horrible? (I’ll say) Why are your labia so big and ugly? Why is the vaginal opening so wide? Did you have a natural birth? That’s why I’m having surgery.'”

Labiaplasty is the most common type of cosmetic surgery on the female genitalia and one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures among young women around the world.

They reshape the labia minora and/or labia minora – these are folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening commonly referred to as the vaginal lips.

This surgical procedure is not recommended for young girls under 18 years of age, as their labia continue to develop after puberty and into early adulthood.

This treatment is suitable for women and girls of both sexes who have concerns about hygiene, problems during sexual intercourse or discomfort during sports.

However, more and more women are undergoing surgery because they are concerned about the appearance of their intimate area.

According to a recent report, more than half a million women in Australia have undergone or are considering labiaplasty.

The Labia Diversity Report, published in June by Women’s Health Victoria, includes data from a survey of 1,030 women and girls aged 18 to 50 with labia.

The report states: “Pornography and social media are leading increasing numbers of women to undergo or consider labia surgery, with images and videos that misrepresent their ideas about what the female genitalia should look like.”

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the number of labiaplasties worldwide will increase by 14.8% in 2023 compared to 2019.

The annual ISAPS global survey shows that Brazil is the leading country for labiaplasty, with over 28,000 patients.

“Brazilian women care about their appearance and are culturally more inclined to undergo cosmetic surgery,” says cosmetic surgeon Renata Magalhães, a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery.

Val Santana, a 27-year-old Brazilian bodybuilding athlete who decided to undergo labiaplasty last year.

“The decision to have the operation was based on my experience six years ago when I started bodybuilding and taking anabolic steroids,” she told BBC News Brazil.

“One of the side effects of taking medications like boldenone and oxandrolone is the enlargement of my clitoris.”

Her biggest concern is that she is too self-absorbed during sex.

Santana shared her experience with the surgery on social media platform Instagram, saying the procedure improved her confidence and quality of life.

The British National Health Service (NHS) recommends labiaplasty, an important decision that should be carefully considered.

“It is expensive and carries many risks. There is also no guarantee that you will get the result you expect and it may not necessarily make you feel bad about your body,” the NHS said.

It is also noted that bleeding, infection, scarring of the tissue and reduced sensitivity in the vagina can occasionally occur with labiaplasty. In addition, there is a small risk of blood clots forming in the veins or allergic reactions to the anesthetic during this surgery.

“Some women seek labiaplasty because they do not like the way their labia look. However, it is perfectly normal for visible folds of skin to form around the opening of the vagina,” the NHS statement said.

Gynecologist Müjdegül Zayıfoğlu Karaca emphasizes that it is necessary for women to learn more about their private body parts and come to terms with their own bodies before considering surgical interventions.

University student Eylül Gülce Kara agrees.

“We use social media to raise awareness about women’s sexual health. Instead of posting content promoting surgical procedures or creams, we create content that gives women the freedom to take the pressure off them,” she said.

Additional reporting by BBC News Brazil reporter Giulia Granchi.