Physicians' Attitude toward Female Genital Plastic Surgery: A Multinational Survey

Abstract

Introduction The demand for female genital plastic surgery (FGPS) has increased over the last few decades. Yet, to date, there are no objective explicit measurements to define “abnormal” appearance of genital organs. Using the results of this study, we aimed to produce a statement of the European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) on FGPS practice. Aims To evaluate the prevalence of demand for FGPS and to explore the attitudes of sexual medicine specialists toward indications for FGPS. Methods Attendees of the 2012 Annual Congress of the ESSM in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, were asked to participate in a survey during the congress. Main Outcome Measure A 25-item self-report, closed-question questionnaire subdivided into three sections: sociodemographic data, professional background, and personal attitudes toward FGPS. Results Overall, a total of 360 physicians (mean age 48 years; range 23–72) from different medical disciplines completed the survey. There were diverse responses among participants regarding the definition of abnormal labial appearance and the techniques for labial reduction they perform. Overall, 65% responded that FGPS is frequently or occasionally demanded by the patients they treat. Likewise, most physicians (63%) reported that they never perform FGPS. Conversely, only 14% reported that they either frequently or occasionally perform FGPS. Almost one-third of participants believe that FGPS (labial surgery) improves sexual function. Fifty-two percent of participants answered that they believe that self image is the main reason for women to ask for labial surgery. Conclusions Self-image was regarded as the main factor in the demand for FGPS. Many practitioners in the field of sexual medicine recommend that women be referred for consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist before undergoing FGPS.

Survey of male perceptions regarding the vulva

“…1 FGPS has become increasingly popular. 2 According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 5070 labiaplasty procedures were performed in the United States in 2013, a 44% increase from 2012. 3 In response to this perceived increase, the American Congress of Obstetricians and…”

Main Program

“…R SELVARATNAM 1,2 , M DAVEY 1,2 , S MCDONALD 3,4 , S ANIL 2 , T FARRELL 2,4 and E WALLACE 1,2 are reluctant to use vaginal oestrogen in the United States. This study aims to understand the reasons and attitudes contributing to this hesitancy.…”

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“…M DI QUINZIO 1,2,3 , S BRENNECKE1,3 , P SHEEHAN 1,3 , C GRANT 3 , N ARBEL 4 , S LEOW 4 , Z NG 4 , T AMITAY 4 , Y WEI 4 and H GEORGIOU 1,2,3 1 University of Melbourne, 2 Mercy Hospital for Women, 3 Royal Women's Hospital and 4 Carmentix Pte LtdIntroduction: The accurate prediction of spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) in asymptomatic women remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to validate an immunoassay-based multibiomarker test to predict spontaneous PTL.…”

“The first cut is the deepest”: a psychological, sexological and gynecological perspective on female genital cosmetic surgery

“…According to the British National Health Service, the number of labiaplasty interventions performed in the UK increased five‐fold in 9 years, from 2001 to 2010 . The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 30% increase in the rate of vaginal rejuvenation procedures, from 793 in 2005 to 1030 in 2006 . Not only adult women, but also teenagers are increasingly seeking FGCS.…”