Emma Horrocks1, Jay Iyer1,2, Althea Askern1,2, Nadine Becuzzi3, Venkat N Vangaveti1, Ajay Rane1,2. 1. James Cook University Townsville, Douglas, QLD, Australia. 2. The Townsville Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, 4814, QLD, Australia. 3. The Townsville Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, 4814, QLD, Australia. nadine.becuzzi@gmail.com.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Australian Medicare data show that the rates of cosmetic labiaplasty have tripled over the last decade; however, there is little understanding about the social factors that contribute to the popularity of female genital cosmetic surgeries (FGCS). The aim of this study was to investigate male perception of female genitalia and to assess men's awareness of FGCS and whether these surgeries are viewed as a positive and acceptable option. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of male adults in the Townsville region was conducted via an online questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 500 online surveys were sent out and 248 respondents were included in the study; 49.2 % of participants do not have a preferred appearance of labia minora and 70.4 % of men are aware of FGCS, but 53.8 % do not believe that FGCS is a good option for women. Only 14 % of men supported genital cosmetic surgery, while 29.6 % are undecided about the practice. The most common preferred pubic hair appearance is completely hairless (45 %). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the majority of men do not have a preferred appearance for female genitalia, nor do they support FGCS or consider discussing genital surgery with their partner. The major limitation of the study is that the participants' age distribution was skewed heavily towards the younger demographic, with 18- to 24-year-old men comprising 81.5 % of respondents.
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Australian Medicare data show that the rates of cosmetic labiaplasty have tripled over the last decade; however, there is little understanding about the social factors that contribute to the popularity of female genital cosmetic surgeries (FGCS). The aim of this study was to investigate male perception of female genitalia and to assess men's awareness of FGCS and whether these surgeries are viewed as a positive and acceptable option. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of male adults in the Townsville region was conducted via an online questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 500 online surveys were sent out and 248 respondents were included in the study; 49.2 % of participants do not have a preferred appearance of labia minora and 70.4 % of men are aware of FGCS, but 53.8 % do not believe that FGCS is a good option for women. Only 14 % of men supported genital cosmetic surgery, while 29.6 % are undecided about the practice. The most common preferred pubic hair appearance is completely hairless (45 %). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that the majority of men do not have a preferred appearance for female genitalia, nor do they support FGCS or consider discussing genital surgery with their partner. The major limitation of the study is that the participants' age distribution was skewed heavily towards the younger demographic, with 18- to 24-year-old men comprising 81.5 % of respondents.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cosmetic genitoplasty; Cosmetic labiaplasty; Female genital cosmetic surgery; Female genitalia; Labiaplasty; Male perception of female genitalia