Cosmetic Vulvar Surgery and Perception of Vulvar Appearance

Abstract

Cosmetic vulvar surgery has been popularized as more women who believe their vulvas to be abnormal seek ‘corrective’ surgery. Primary aim: to determine if women age 18 to 44 years (Group 1) are less likely to perceive their vulva as normal compared to women age 45 to 72 years (Group 2). Secondary aim: to determine if age impacts interest in cosmetic vulvar surgery. This IRB approved cross-sectional survey was conducted during July - September 2011. Women completed 24-items. Data was collected on demographics, perceptions of vulvas, grooming patterns, and sources of educational information. Participants were asked to identify which vulva appeared “normal” from 4 pairs of photographs. Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University, and a community fair. Women ages 18 to 72. 516 women were approached; 121 declined, leaving 395 women, response rate 77%. Participants were grouped in two age categories: Group 1 (n = 207)and Group 2 (n = 147). A significantly larger percentage in Group 1 worked in health care (93% vs. 69%, p<0.01), were single (47% vs. 22%, p<.01), and sexually active (84% vs. 70%, p< 0.01). There was no difference in how often women looked at their vulva or in the perception that they had a normal vulva (Group 1: 91% vs. Group 2: 93%, p = 0.76). The two groups were similarly satisfied with the appearance of their vulva (81% vs. 82%, p = 0.71). A higher percentage of women in Group 2 would consider cosmetic surgery versus Group 1 (15% vs. 8%, p = 0.05). Women's age does not impact perception of a normal vulva. The majority of women, approximately 90%, perceived their vulva to be normal and were satisfied with their appearance. Despite this, older women are more interested in cosmetic vulvar surgery even though they are less sexually active.