The anatomical measurements of vulva in Indian women: A cross-sectional prospective study.

Abstract

To measure the anatomical dimensions of the vulva in adult Indian women. To analyze their correlations with age, body mass index (BMI), parity, and mode of delivery. This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care university hospital in India, among 400 women aged 18years and above. Various vulval measurements were taken, and Pearson's correction was applied to variables like age, BMI, parity, and mode of delivery. Mean length of glans of clitoris was 5.2±1.43mm, the labia minora width was 2.6±0.74cm, length of introitus was 1.3±0.59cm, and perineal body length was 2.3±0.60cm. The range of some measurements was extensive, for example labia minora width ranged from 0.7 to 4.9cm. Normal centile curves were constructed for vulval measurements according to age groups. Statistically significant positive correlations of age, BMI, and obstetrical history were seen with labia minora width (r=0.165, P=0.001; r=0.284, P<0.001; r=0.246, P<0.001, respectively). The centile curves can be used as a reference for the Indian population of different ages. These can be used when counseling women coming for female genital cosmetic surgery.