Bo Malmin, MD, FACOG

Everyone has their own comfort level. Some surgeons are not comfortable operating on patients without sedation. But you have to be comfortable with your surgeon as well.


A good relationship between patient and provider is a good step toward satisfaction with the whole process. I suggest talking about reasons why you don't want general anesthesia and the surgeon's reasons why they don't operate without. Hopefully, you can come to an agreement. If not, you might both be better off if you find another surgeon.

Some "bumpiness" can be normal as you are healing, especially while there is still swelling. This should improve over time and leave you with a smooth contour to the labial edge.

Some stitches don't need to be removed at all and will dissolve on their own. Some do need to be removed. You definitely shouldn't pull any sutures out yourself.

Your symptoms are all hallmarks of a yeast infection. However, some those symptoms can come with normal healing as well.

You should definitely try to see you surgeon or Gynecologist for evaluation. If unable, vaginal yeast infections can be treated with over-the-counter medications most of the time.

"Normal" is a tough question. Vaginas come in all shapes and sizes. If you can use tampons or insert 1-2 fingers in the opening, you should have enough room for intercourse. If you are worried it is too big, I would say it does not look so based on your picture.

You can schedule a pelvic exam with a Gynecologist if you are worried. You should also get the HPV vaccine series if you haven't done that already and your Gynecologist can start that for you.

Hope this helps!

In more ways than one. You are smart to limit your workout once you noticed the swelling. A covered ice pack can help (never directly on the skin) cool down the inflammation/swelling. You need to watch for other symptoms like redness, irritation, itching, discharge as signs of infection. If nothing else pops up, you should be good to give it another go. Vaseline can help keep things sliding without rubbing as much during activity but can get messy.

If the problem doesn't resolve, you should see your Gynecologist.