Vulva Self-Image and Sexual Function After Female External Genital Plastic Surgery

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Sexual Medicine
• Psychology

Background:

• Female external genital plastic surgery, commonly known as vulvoplasty, is a prevalent aesthetic procedure in Brazil.
• Women's perception of their vulva, termed vulva self-image, is closely linked to their sexual function.
• Understanding the interplay between vulvoplasty, self-image, and sexual function is crucial for patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of vulvoplasty on female genital self-image.
• To assess the effect of vulvoplasty on various domains of sexual function.
• To examine the relationship between changes in genital self-image and sexual function following the procedure.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative, longitudinal, descriptive study involving retrospective analysis of 48 patient medical records from June 2017 to July 2021.
• Patients completed the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) and the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ-28) preoperatively and at six months postoperatively.
• Statistical analysis focused on changes in FGSIS and SFQ-28 scores to evaluate the procedure's impact.

Main Results:

• The study included patients with a mean age of 36.25 years (range 18-59).
• A significant positive improvement was observed in Female Genital Self-Image Scale scores from preoperative (median 13) to six months postoperative (median 27.5).
• Significant positive differences were noted in the Sexual Function Questionnaire domains of desire, arousal, orgasm, enjoyment, and partner satisfaction (p < 0.005).

Conclusions:

• Female external genital plastic surgery (vulvoplasty) demonstrates a positive correlation between enhanced genital self-image and improved sexual function.
• The procedure leads to significant improvements in multiple aspects of sexual function, notably orgasm.
• Vulvoplasty positively influences women's perception of their genital appearance and their sexual experiences.