A Literature Review on Genital Self Image in Women and Affecting Factors

Abstract

Genital self image, which is an important factor for women's health, has been defined as the self-attitude resulting from special interactions and experiences involving the genital organs directly or indirectly, and the following emotion. The purpose of this review is to give general information about female genital self image and the factors affecting it and to draw attention to this issue. This study is a literature review. PUBMED, Ovid-MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, EBSCO, ProQuest, ULAKBİM and Turkey Citation Index database were searched. Various Turkish and English combinations of the keywords "genital self, genital self image, genital self-perception" were used in the literature review. Genital self image; body image, organ loss, sexual functions, genital hygiene practices, vaginal infections, culture, obesity, developmental periods, and media. When we look at the literature, body image studies mostly focused on women's attitudes towards weight, skin color, and beauty leaving the issue of genital self image in the background. Genital self-image has an important place in the development of sexual health and body image. Recently, it has been found that women have an increasing desire to undergo genital cosmetic/plastic surgery operations and change the appearance and functions of their vulva and vagina due to their negative views on their genital self image. It is important to examine all the factors affecting the genital self image, which is of great importance for women's health, and to provide the necessary care by taking a holistic approach in terms of body perception and sexuality. Nurses/midwives should adopt approaches to increase the body and genital image of women and to increase the quality of life of individuals. Nurses / Midwives are healthcare professionals in the most appropriate position to provide the necessary support in developing a new genital self image and positive lifestyle.

Adolescents’ Feelings About Menarche in Mosul Schools

“…Poor menstrual hygiene is one of the major risk factors contributing to the prevalence of reproductive tract infections. It is critical to educate adolescent girls about proper menstrual hygiene in order to reduce the risk of reproductive tract infections (YÜKSEKOL et al, 2020).…”