Influencing Factors and Satisfaction with Body and Genital Image in Women Undergoing Genital Cosmetic Surgery: A Randomized, Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The trend of female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) is growing. Aesthetic concerns are cited as the primary reason for female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS).

Objectives: Current research sought to assess body and genital image along with associated factors among various groups of FGCS and women who do not wish to undergo FGCS.

Methods: Based on women's circumstances regarding FGCS, five groups were defined: those seeking labiaplasty (LP), those who had already undergone LP, those seeking multiple procedures (MP) simultaneously, those who had already undergone MP and those who did not wish to undergo any FGCS (the control group; CG). In each group, 40 women were randomly selected from five clinical centres in Tehran, Iran, resulting in a total sample of 200 participants. The participants completed the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) and the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS). An intragroup analysis was conducted, comparing the LP subgroups (including both candidates and post-operative women) and the MP subgroups (similarly comprising candidates and post-operative women) independently against a control group (women not seeking FGCS). Additionally, women were asked about the influencing factors, leading to them pursuing FGCS.

Results: The mean BAS-2 score among women who had undergone LP/MP was higher than that of women seeking surgery and that of the CG. Women seeking LP/MP had significantly lower FGSIS compared with women had undergone surgery and those in the CG. In addition, women who had undergone MP achieved a higher FGSIS score compared with the CG. Online media was the main information source about the surgery. Sexual partners, physicians and online media were highlighted as the main external factors in the final decision about FGCS. The post-surgical satisfaction rate was high in women and their partners.

Conclusion: Women who had undergone FGCS reported an improved perception of body and genital image. Partners, physicians and online media had a crucial influence on women's decisions to undergo surgery.

Level of evidence iii: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Keywords: Genital plastic surgery; Labiaplasty; Online media; Physicians; Sexual partner.