Is there a correlation between labiaplasty and UTI / Cystitis? 7 months post op and getting this frequently.

If too much tissue is removed from the labia minora the bacterial flora of the vagina can be impaired. The labia minora acts as a barrier and a seal that maintains the internal environment of the vulva and vagina, separate from the external environment. In addition to a barrier, they protect and cover over the clitoris and the urethra as well as the vaginal opening also known as the introitus. So in cases where an aggressive Labiaplasty was performed and too much labia tissue was removed, it's possible that there is no longer any competence or closure of the inner labia. That may predispose a patient to UTIs are used infections vaginal dryness and a litany of other issues.

Thank you for your questionI have not had any of my patients complaining of increased frequency of UTI'S after labiaplasty nor have I come across it in the literature. when I have a patient with frequent UTI's who use good hygienei will prescribe urine specific antibiotic(Nitrofurantoin) one pill after sex and that generally cures the problem

Hello, the main function of the labia minora in our body is to protect our urine output and to ensure that the urine flow goes straight. Therefore, in labiaplasty procedures that are reduced too much, cystitis problems and problems with urine flowing towards the legs may occur.

Hello, thank you for your question. A UTI / Cystitis is an infection of your urethra which is a tube like structure that drains out toxins(urine) from your bladder to the toilet bowl. Urine itself is sterile and pretty clean but the urethra opening which is anatomically right above the vaginal opening can get contaminated with bacteria and this causes UTI symptoms, or burning on urination, frequency, urgency, abdominal pain etc. Now a Labiaplasty performed 6/7 months ago will not be the cause of the UTI. Speak to your plastic surgeon about the tender area possibly a suture difficult to tell based on the history but safe to say unrelated to your UTI.
Speak to your family doctor about reasons that is happening.

Frequent UTIs require an exam. Your gynecologist or your surgeon should do this. There is no way to tell what's going on and there's no value in spewing out wild guesses. UTIs are sometimes caused by surgery or procedure in the vaginal area, but only around the time of the procedure and not months afterwards.

hello Another reason for performing labiaplasty surgery is the frequent occurrence of cystitis and vaginal infections. Some of our patients have labiaplasty done just for these reasons. Labiaplasty surgery does not cause cystitis, on the contrary, it reduces cystitis and vaginal infections.

Q: Can thin labia minora labioreduction (labioplasty) cause recurrent symptoms of urinary tract infections UTI?

A: Yes, Occasionally, there is a direct relationship between labioreduction with over-resection and symptoms of UTI (particularly urinary bladder pain). The microbiological urine culture and sensitivity test must rule out UTI during your symptoms of UTI. The presumptive diagnosis is likely pudendal nerve neuralgia if the test is negative. Such a definitive diagnosis may require additional surgery to decompress an affected nerve. You have presented labial neuropathy (labial pain when touching) and recurrent UTI symptoms after surgery and not having these symptoms before your labioreduction.

Prof. Dr. Adam Ostrzenski
Surgeon