Female genital cosmetic surgery: a new dilemma for GPs

Young women’s genital self-image and effects of exposure to pictures of natural vulvas

“…Labia minora reduction is the most common type of vulvar surgery [14]. As it is unlikely that labia minora size has increased in recent years, and no information has recently emerged that labia minora size is related to a particular condition, it may be assumed that this increase is due to an increasing dissatisfaction of women with the appearance of their labia minora, perhaps accompanied by a greater knowledge about the availability of labia surgery [15,16]. Indeed, most of the labia minora reductions are performed in women who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their genitals [16][17][18] or in women who believe that their vulva does not look "normal" [19].…”

“…As it is unlikely that labia minora size has increased in recent years, and no information has recently emerged that labia minora size is related to a particular condition, it may be assumed that this increase is due to an increasing dissatisfaction of women with the appearance of their labia minora, perhaps accompanied by a greater knowledge about the availability of labia surgery [15,16]. Indeed, most of the labia minora reductions are performed in women who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their genitals [16][17][18] or in women who believe that their vulva does not look "normal" [19]. Research concerning effects of labia minora reductions is scant and weighted towards the description of surgical techniques and postoperative high satisfaction rates [20], but very little long term, controlled, or prospective data are available regarding safety or psychosexual consequences [13].…”

Female genital cosmetic surgery: a cross-sectional survey exploring knowledge, attitude and practice of general practitioners

“… 15 16 The role of the general practitioner (GP) regarding this emerging area of surgery has been identified as a ‘new dilemma for the general practitioner (GP)’. 9 10 17 …”

“…19 As the first point of contact with the healthcare system, informed GPs can play an important and central role in educating women and girls regarding the varied range of genital appearance and the risks of genital surgery. 17 They can also help to address modifiable psychosocial factors, thereby assisting women towards better health outcomes. 7 17 …”

“… 17 They can also help to address modifiable psychosocial factors, thereby assisting women towards better health outcomes. 7 17 …”