Expectations and experience of labial reduction: a qualitative study (2007)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding IV FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): R Bramwell,C Morland,and AS Garden
FGM/C Type(s): IV
Health area of focus: Sexual.
Objective: To understand women’s reasons for undergoing labial reduction surgery,their expectations and experiences
Study Population: Women who had experienced surgery for labial reduction
Findings: The women had seen their presurgery genital appearance as ‘defective’ and sought a ‘normal’ genital appearance. They thought that their presurgery genital appearance impacted on their sex lives,but their expectations of the effects of surgery on their sex lives were not all fulfilled. Information about labial surgery came from both the popular media and the health services. An emphasis on,for example,physical discomfort rather than appearance may have been used to legitimise a request for surgery. The process of accessing surgery had exposed them to potentially conflicting messages about their genital appearance. The study concluded that women presenting for labial reduction may have unrealistic expectations of surgery,but their perceptions and expectations are long-standing and seem to be based on strong cultural norms.
Geographical coverage
Region(s):Northern Europe
Country(ies):United Kingdom