Clinical characteristics of well women seeking labial reduction surgery: a prospective study

Abstract

Objective To assess clinical characteristics and expectations in well women requesting elective labial reduction surgery.Design Prospective study of women attending an outpatient gynaecology clinic.Setting General gynaecology clinic at a Central London teaching hospital.Sample Women requesting labial reduction surgery and referred by their general practitioner.Methods The labia minora width and length were measured for all participants for comparison with published normal values. The presenting complaint was recorded, along with demographic details, expectations of surgery and sources of information regarding appearance of the labia.Main outcome measures Labial measurements, reported symptoms and expectations of surgery.Results The labia of all participants were within normal published limits, with a mean (SD) of 26.9 (12.8) mm (right labia), and 24.8 (13.1) mm (left labia). The majority of complaints were regarding appearance or discomfort. Expectations were to alter the appearance with surgery.Conclusions All women seeking surgery had normal-sized labia minora. Clear guidance is needed for clinicians on how best to care for the worried well woman seeking surgery.

Evaluation of Body Image and Sexual Satisfaction in Women Undergoing Female Genital Plastic/Cosmetic Surgery

“…Although much of this has been retrospective, recent studies have been prospective. [17][18][19][20][21] A small pilot study published in 2011 17 found significant short term (6-month) resolution of apparent body dysmorphic complaints noted at study entry. Veale et al noted similar findings at 3 months postoperative, using a different testing instrument.…”

A comparison of risk factors for women seeking labiaplasty compared to those not seeking labiaplasty

“…This is consistent with findings in the Netherlands from the survey by Koning et al (2009), which found that most women sought information about labiaplasty through the media. Social-cultural factors such as the ease of access to pornography over the Internet and comparisons with porn actresses have been suggested (Crouch, Deans, Michala, Liao, & Creighton, 2011); although only 12% of the women in their sample reported viewing pornography. An increase in television programmes, such as 'Embarrassing Bodies' in the UK, and coverage in women's magazines normalises and legitimises labiaplasty and may fuel the demand.…”

Vulvoplasty in New South Wales, 2001–2013: a population‐based record linkage study

“…(5,57) Another study investigating women's motivation for undertaking labioplasty reported that, in the clinic where the study was undertaken, labia reduction surgery is only offered to women (over 18 years) with either or both of the following: labial width >50 mm or labial asymmetry with > 30 mm difference. (70) Across the studies, complaints of discomfort or pain with intercourse, clothing or exercise and repeated infection were reported with labia length < 3 cm (7) and < 4 cm (56) , indicating high variation of women's experiences in relation to symptoms and labial hypertrophy.…”

“… functional anatomical discomfort and pain (12,56,70) (e.g. superficial dyspareunia, pain and/or discomfort during exercise and whilst wearing tight clothing);  psychosocial factors (14) (e.g.…”

“…(14) In a prospective study, Crouch et al (2011) explored the characteristics and motivation for surgery of 33 women seeking labial reduction surgery. (70) In terms of motivation for seeking surgery:  57% indicated pain or discomfort;  21% experienced difficulties with intercourse;  15% experienced difficulties with exercise;  15% had problems with clothing;  78% reported they wanted to improve the appearance of their labia (70) ; and  9% reported anxiety, embarrassment or distress.…”