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Vulvar Developmental Stages During Puberty: A Systematic Review
Francesca Casalino1, Dehlia Moussaoui2, Céline Brockmann1
1Medical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|January 11, 2025
Summary
This systematic review reveals that data on female external genital development during puberty is limited. Further research is needed to precisely describe vulvar maturation and its diversity.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- Puberty involves significant changes in secondary sexual characteristics.
- Developmental changes in the female external genitalia during puberty are not well-documented.
- Understanding vulvar development is crucial for assessing normal maturation and identifying potential variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and assess current scientific knowledge on vulvar changes during puberty.
- To summarize quantitative and qualitative descriptions of external female genital development between ages 8 and 16.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane.
- Inclusion of observational studies detailing vulvar development in individuals aged 8–16 years.
- Analysis of anatomic, physiological, and histological changes of the vulva.
Main Results:
- Limited studies (10 included) describe pubertal vulvar changes.
- Clitoral glans and hood dimensions increase; hood becomes more retractile and rugose.
- Inner labia grow, showing individual variation and common asymmetry; crescentic hymenal form is frequent.
Conclusions:
- Reliable data on female external genital development during puberty are scarce.
- More precise data are needed to categorize vulvar development into distinct stages.
- Enhanced understanding of vulvar maturation can improve clinical consensus and promote self-esteem.
Keywords:
(GenitaliaAnatomyClitorisGrowth & developmentHymenPubertySex characteristicsSexual developmentVulvafemale)More Related Videos
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