Comparison of Mental Health and Self-Esteem in Applicants and Non-Applicants for Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery (FGCS): A Case-Control

Abstract

Background: Today, genital cosmetic surgery (GCS) is rapidly expanding and applicants for this kind of surgery are increasing. The objective of this study was to compare mental disorder and self-esteem among female applicants and non-applicants for GCS. Methods: This is a case-control study and participants included 163 women of reproductive age, 83 of whom applied for GCS (case group) and 80 did not (control group). The participants were selected from the specialized obstetrics and gynecology clinic of Alavi Hospital in Ardabil, Iran using a convenient sampling method. Women were examined for pelvic prolapse in both groups. Rosenberg self-esteem scale was used for measuring self-esteem and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used as a screening tool for mental health. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean mental health score (P = 0.23). There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the physical symptoms (P = 0.01) and depression (P = 0.003) subdomains of mental disorder. In addition, the women in the case group had significantly lower self-esteem than those in the control group (P = 0.001). Conclusions: There is a significant difference in terms of physical symptoms and depression between the two groups. GCS applicant women have lower self-esteem compared to non-applicant women.

Psychosexual counseling intervention to improve women's genital self‐image: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial based on a multistage mixed method design

“…19 The effectiveness of FGCS is debatable due to a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of these operations, even though certain studies demonstrate an improvement in the negative genital image following FGCS. 20,21 Furthermore, because few patients are included in current research on surgical methods and outcomes, there is conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of various labiaplasty techniques and patient satisfaction. 7 Careful evaluation and nonsurgical therapies, such as counseling and education regarding the diversity of genital appearance, can relieve worries about genital appearance.…”

“…7 Careful evaluation and nonsurgical therapies, such as counseling and education regarding the diversity of genital appearance, can relieve worries about genital appearance. 19,21 Most medical specialists agree that women considering genital cosmetic surgery should meet with a psychiatrist or psychologist before surgery; however, it is unclear whether counseling and education successfully reduce dissatisfaction. Counseling and education could help lower the demand for procedures as the nature of patient motivation for this sort of surgery are frequently psychological.…”

Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery, What Is the Challenge?

“…Women consider these surgeries for what is now regarded as acceptable and desirable in nowadays culture (1). Women believe these surgeries provide psychological and functional improvement in sexual activity for themselves and their partners (2,3).…”

“…The cultural change causes people to undergo procedures to obtain society's idea of normal (5). Giving complete information about the complications and dangers of these procedures, besides medical and psychological consults, might be a proper way to inform patients seeking FGCS (3)(4)(5).…”