27/12/2024
TRADITIONAL L***A PULLING AND ELONGATION - Are there medically proven benefits?
A review by Dr. Ndhlovu S.J (MBchB)-CBU
African culture and tradition is arguably the major pillar that truly defines who we are. We take pride in our heritage and so we have our own special dances, songs, events, ceremonies and outfit. Infact, to some extent, one might say the current modernisation of the typical African culture has significantly contributed to the nowadays societal conking such as failed marriages, lack of respect for the elderly, and female abuse. On the contrary however, some practices by certain ethnic groups can be dangerous and some considered illegal in the current society. With the advancements in science and technology, some practices have been reclassified as unnecessarily abusive and agaisnt human rights.
L***a pulling or elongation is a common practice among certain Asian and African ethnic groups including Zambia. Women and young girls of varying ages are encouraged to consistently physically stretch their l***a minora which are the the inner lips of the external female ge***alia locally known as "ma-lepe", to a certain acceptable length. Elderly women often times do the pulling and can use different types of herbs to augment and expedite the process especially during traditional pre-marital ceremonies. Young girls before the attainment of puberty are the preferred recruits and those that somehow escape this period might be caught up with later in life by one way or another.
According to a study conducted in South Africa on Zambian Men and Women of varying age groups and marital statuses, multiple responses as to why this is done was given with s*xual satisfaction of the husband standing out. Other responses included; aesthetic beauty, being a complete woman, holding the p***s in place during s*xual in*******se, to boast self confidence, enhancing s*xual pleasure and yet still, others had no idea as to why it was done.
To Begin with, the L***a minors are some of the most sensitive parts for arousal along side the cl****is as they contain numerous nerve endings, which send impulses to the brain when stimulated, thereby, enhancing s*xual pleasure. They also cover and shield the vaginal and urethral opening from irritation, infection and injury. They participate partly in lubrication which is highly necessary in the s*xual process.
Lets cut to the chase ladies and gentlemen, the stretched and elongated l***as do not hold in place the p***s during in*******se neither do they better enhance s*xual arousal from a scientific point of view. The stretching can cause nerve irritation and damage which means desensitization of that area and possibly prolonged s*xual satisfaction.
Very long l***as require extra hygiene as they can serve as a nidus and conduit for bacteria especially from the perineal area thus facilitating frequent UTIs.
Furthermore, the perception that men want women with elongated l***as is a very dangerous thinking process because it reflects on the level of insecurity the society instills in women. A young girl will have to undergo this painful process and transform her natural anatomy to fit the societal presumed desire of a man, that in my opinion is serious psychological absurdity. Moreover, attraction is subjective and highly preferential. Imagine the level of mental distress a woman will have to go through suppose she meets a man that finds elongated l***as unattractive and a turn off.
During s*xual in*******se, the flaps can be pinched, traped or stretched causing pain and discomfort which in a long run can lead to aversion of s*x and dissatisfaction which is catastrophic for married couples.
Regarding children, ACT No.12 of the Zambia 2022 children's code Article 18, sub article 1 and 2b clearly states against female ge***al mutilation and cultural rites that pose harm to children. It is illegal and uncalled for to subject a young girl that cannot consent to such unhealthy practices and must be discouraged by all necessary means.
To conclude this short review, except one has medical, cosmetic or personal consented reasons to alter their l***as (l***aplasty), there currently exist no scientific benefit of doing it. A woman is complete and attractive with or without this traditional pulling. To women already having artificially elongated l***as with no health, s*xual or social issues, ensure to discourage and speak against this practice on children. If they are however giving you any sort of challenge, ensure to visit a Doctor (Medical)for consultation.
To the Men out there, the perceived s*xual pleasure is in your mind, the nerves stimulated are the same, be it long or short l***as.
