Comparison of the Body Image Between Women Seeking Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery and Women Not Interested in FGCS: A Case Control Study

Objectives: Although body image has been investigated in a variety of cosmetic surgeries, this study was the first research in Iran to examine the mental image of women seeking female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS). Materials and Methods: The participants of this case-control study included a total of 163 women of reproductive age, who referred to the specialized gynecological clinic of Alavi hospital in Ardebil during February 2016 to July 2017. Of these participants, who were selected through convenience sampling, 83 were willing to undergo FGCS while the other 80 were not interested in this kind of surgery. Then, they were evaluated for pelvic organ prolapse. A questionnaire containing demographic questions as well as a body image questionnaire were used to collect the required data. Results: The total mean (standard deviation) body image score in the case and control groups was 237.2 (22.3) and 241.7 (23.1), respectively, indicating that no significant difference existed between the 2 groups. Regarding the components of body image, no significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of body-self relations (P = 0.101) and body weight perception (P = 0.521). However, a significant difference was observed in terms of the mean body satisfaction score (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Women interested in FGCS had less body parts satisfaction compared with those not willing to undergo this surgery. This can be useful in providing necessary consultations and trainings regarding the wide range of variation in natural appearance of the female genitalia for women willing to undergo these types of surgeries.