Women's aesthetic perceptions of the genitalia and their association with anatomical measurements

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to determine women’s perceptions of the vulva with the criteria defned in the literature for the ideal vulva and determine their relationship with anatomical measurements to determine the extent to which women’s perceptions of normal align with our aesthetic standards of normality. Methods: First of all, a questionnaire was given to all participants. The items of the data collection form included personal information, obstetric and gynecological information, their perceptions of their external genitalia and any physical, sexual, psychological, and hygiene problems they experience. Then examination and measurements of the external genitalia were performed. Results: The majority of participants considered their genitalia normal (n=101, 89.4%), while 12 participants (10.6%) considered them abnormal. Statistical analyses showed that women’s perception of their genitalia as normal in appearance and size was associated with labia minora asymmetry (p=0.023 and p=0.006, respectively) and hyperpigmentation (p=0.010 and p=0.047, respectively) but not with labia minora measurements or protrusion (p>0.05). Conclusions: Although there is a tendency in the feld of aesthetic surgery to defne ideals and aesthetic standards for all parts of the body, our defnitions of normality do not always coincide with those of the individual. The appearance of the genitalia is as personal as the face, and an individual’s self-perception is more important than our ideal. Level IV Evidence obtained from multiple time series with or without the intervention, such as case studies. Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence.