Survey of male perceptions regarding the vulva (2015)
This study is a Descriptive research regarding IV FGM/C with the following characteristics:
Author(s): Donna Mazloomdoost, Catrina C. Crisp, Lauren B. Westermann, Janine M. Benbouajili, Steven D. Kleeman and Rachel N. Pauls
FGM/C Type(s): IV
Health area of focus: None.
Objective: To characterize male preferences of vulvar appearance,their awareness of labiaplasty,and their knowledge of genital anatomy.
Study Population: Men 18-80 years old
Findings: Two thousand four hundred three men responded to the survey. After excluding incomplete and ineligible surveys,1847 surveys were analyzed. The median age of respondents was 55 years. The majority was white (87%),married (68%),employed (69%),and had completed high school or beyond (97%). One-third of the respondents lived in the South,with the other regions nearly equally represented. A significant majority,95%,reported having been sexually active with women,and 86% felt comfortable labeling the vulvar anatomy. With regard to preferences,more respondents considered smaller labia attractive compared to large labia; yet 36% of the men remained neutral. Men also showed a preference for partially or completely groomed genitals compared to natural hair pattern. Whereas 51% of participants believed the appearance of a woman’s labia influenced their desire to engage in sexual activity,60% denied it affected sexual pleasure. Only 42% of men were familiar with labiaplasty,and 75% of all respondents would not encourage a female partner to change her genital appearance. Multivariable analysis revealed younger age to be associated with preferences for small labia and complete genital hair removal,as well as familiarity with labiaplasty. The study concluded that in this national survey,men demonstrated familiarity with the female anatomy,but many did not feel it impacted sexual desire or pleasure. Moreover,the majority lacked strong preferences for a specific vulvar appearance and would not encourage a female partner to alter her genital appearance surgically
Geographical coverage
Region(s):North America
Country(ies):United States