Self image issues....

[hold-fast.livejournal.com]

Is anyone else really uncomfortable with how their vagina looks, specifically the mons pubis? I've always felt that mine was grossly out of proportion to my body, and it seems a lot larger compared to what I've seen on other women. I originally thought it was because I was overweight (I weighed 180 lbs at age 16), but I made a major lifestyle change and lost 40 lbs. I've lost a lot of inches around my waist, my tummy is a lot more flat, but I didn't notice any change in my mons pubis. I was sorely disappointed. :( Now I feel even more out of proportion!

Anyone else have self image issues like this?

Comments

[paperstar19.livejournal.com]

I don't have the same problem, but I have really long inner labia and practically non-existent outer labia, and for a long time I was super insecure about it. I've learned to love my body for what it is, but I still get frustrated when the pictures I see don't remotely resemble me. Even in the Everyday Bodies Project, well there are many pictures of long labia, none of the "front view" variety of pictures looks a thing like I do when I stand in front of the mirror and it kind of freak me out.

Part of the problem is that we don't really know what our vulvas are supposed to look like, since we don't really see any but our own, and art, pornography, and medical pictures don't really provide a good span of the variety out there. Take a look at the EBP, and spend a little time with your vulva with a hand mirror. The more I've done this, the more comfortable I've become.

[tyrsalvia.livejournal.com]

If you'd like to see someone who looks like you in the Everyday Bodies Project, maybe you could send in a photo (provided you're over 18, of course)? I'm sure you're not alone, and yet sometimes people who are a little unusual are also a lot shy. If you're up for it, one way to get more representation of a body like yours is to send in a photo! If not, no worries, I understand there are a lot of reasons for not wanting to share an intimate photograph like that. :}

[paperstar19.livejournal.com]

I should, but I haven't seen any calls for vulva photos recently, and I have to be in a particular kind of mood to send strangers intimate pictures....

[tyrsalvia.livejournal.com]

I don't know that we've put out any specific calls for photos lately, but I think we could probably add one more photo, especially in this case. I'm one of the maintainers here, but not the one who primarily takes care of the Everyday Bodies Project - so I can't say for sure, but I can say it's worth checking. :} If you wanted to check on this, email the team at vpteam@vaginapagina.com.

[viellen]

Just to chime in and clarify, EBP is currently accepting submissions of Butts, Bellies and Full Bodies (linky to recent EBP Post), though I'm always happy to add a vulva to the 2.0 finale post :)

[gossip9s.livejournal.com]

How can I view it? I'm a member of this group but I can't seem to see it.

[viellen]

Do you have VP friended (it's separate from being a member)? If you go to "manage friends" you can make VP a friend and view it. Let me know if you need more help :)