Everything’s neatly tucked away’
Young women’s views on desirable vulval anatomy
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15098215 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Calida Howarth (The University of Melbourne, corresponding author), Jenny Hayes (The University of Melbourne), Magdalena Simonis (0000-0002-2842-4839, The University of Melbourne), Meredith Temple-Smith, Meredith Temple‐smith (0000-0003-1296-9591, The University of Melbourne) |
| Year | 2016 |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 12 |
| Pages | 1363-1378 |
| Publication date | 2016-12-01 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Culture Health & Sexuality (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1369-1058 • E-ISSN: 1464-5351 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/13691058.2016.1184315 |
| PMID | 27259098 |
| OpenAlex | W2413870709 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 21 |
In the context of rapidly increasing requests for female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) and a lack of published research in this area, we explored young women's knowledge of vulval anatomy and sources of anatomical information. We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with young women aged 18-28 years at an Australian tertiary institution. Interviews explored participants' knowledge of 'normal' and 'ideal' genital anatomy and how these perceptions were formed. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysis identified 6 major themes and 30 sub-themes. We found that many women were unsure what constitutes normal genital anatomy. Few women knew to which parts the word vulva refers. All participants identified a photograph of hairless female genitals with no visible labia minora as the societal 'ideal', and all strongly agreed on the need for appropriate educational resources. Young women would benefit from access to resources showing the normal range of genital anatomy. Results suggest that doctors receiving requests for FGCS should explore women's understanding of their anatomy and what they believe the surgery will achieve. Some young women may simply need reassurance of their normality. Findings from this study may contribute to educational material for both health professionals and young people
Labia · Labia minora · Sex organ · Vulva · Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies · Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting Issues · Genital Health and Disease · Medicine · Psychology · Anatomy · Surgery
| Citations per year | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2020 - 2026 (7) |
| Highly cited | No |