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

Female external genital plastic surgery (vulvoplasty) is among the most performed aesthetic surgeries in Brazil. Vulva self-image can be defined as women's perception of their vulva and is usually related to sexual function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact and interrelationship of female external genital plastic surgery on self-image and sexual function.

This quantitative longitudinal descriptive study includes a retrospective analysis of 48 medical records from June 2017 to July 2021. The sexual function questionnaire (SFQ-28) and female genital self-image scale (FGSIS) answered by the patients in the preoperative and six postoperative month were analyzed.

The mean age of the operated patients was 36.25 years (range 18–59). The median FGSIS score was 13 in the preoperative and 27.5 in the six postoperative month, with a significant positive difference in all items. There was a significant positive difference in the following SFQ-28 domains: desire, arousal (cognitive), orgasm, enjoyment, and partner (p < 0.005)

In our cohort, female external genital plastic surgery (vulvoplasty) elicited a positive relationship between genital self-image and sexual function, in addition to improving orgasm.

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