Effect of labiaplasty on women’s sexual and psychological life

Abstract

Background/Aim: The number of labiaplasties has increased in recent years, in accordance with the growing importance given to the female body. The main factors for labial surgery include emotional and physical discomfort, aesthetic concerns, and sexual disorders. Methods: We designed this prospective cross-sectional study to evaluate women’s sexual function and quality of life before and 3 months after labiaplasty. A total of thirty-four women with labium minus hypertrophy (LMH) and asymmetry were included in the study. Women with malignancies, psychological disorders, other gynecologic disorders, menopausal status, vulvar disorders, a history of vaginal or labial surgery, and those who were sexually inactive were excluded. We evaluated the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores before and 3 months after labiaplasty. Results: The mean total FSFI score of the patients after the surgery (24.91 (2.74)) was higher than before the surgery (24.14 (3.06)) (P=0.001). Postoperative desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain scores of the patients in FSFI were significantly higher (P=0.023, P=0.026, P= 0.015, P=0.05, P=0.022 and P=0,004, respectively), while mean BDI scores were significantly lower (8.79 (4.51) vs. 10.90 (4.90)), P=0.037). Conclusion: Labiaplasty is a comfortable, safe method with a short recovery period, satisfactory aesthetic results, and low complication rates. By using the radiofrequency with the trimming method, the sexual and quality of lives of the patients improve, along with their self-confidence and body image.