Exploring Genital-Image, Body-Image and Genital Cosmetic Surgery in Sexually Active Australian Women

Abstract

This research explores factors that influence women’s attitudes and experiences regarding female genital cosmetic surgery, including female genital image and related areas of body image, in the Australian context. The research identifies two dimensions of female genital image and explores their relationships to related areas of body image and women’s attitudes and experiences regarding eight types of female genital cosmetic surgery The sample consisted of 592 sexually active Australian women (18 to 71 years). Participants completed an anonymous Internet-based survey and completed a series of questionnaires. This was a quantitative correlational study that used a cross-sectional survey design. Results indicate that, in general, sexually active Australian women have moderate levels of genital satisfaction, moderately high positive genital self-image, moderate levels of body satisfaction and most women did not feel self-conscious about their body in the sexual settings. Results further indicate that while many sexually active Australian women approve of other women undergoing genital cosmetic surgery, most would not consider undergoing genital cosmetic surgery themselves. The study found a very small percentage of women in the research sample had undergone some type of cosmetic surgery on their genitalia. Bivariate analysis found that women who desire at least one type of female genital cosmetic surgery tend to have genital dissatisfaction and negative genital self-image. Multiple regressions analysis found that body image during sexual activity statistically predicts genital satisfaction; that body image during sexual activity and the sexual functioning domain of desire statistically predict genital self-image; and body image during sexual activity, the sexual functioning domains of lubrication and desire, and genital self-image statistically predict women’s attitudes towards female genital cosmetic surgery.