title: Clinical characteristics of well women seeking labial reduction surgery: a prospective study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess clinical characteristics and expectations in well women requesting elective labial reduction surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study of women attending an outpatient gynaecology clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  General gynaecology clinic at a Central London teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Women requesting labial reduction surgery and referred by their general practitioner.
  
  
  METHODS
  The labia minora width and length were measured for all participants for comparison with published normal values. The presenting complaint was recorded, along with demographic details, expectations of surgery and sources of information regarding appearance of the labia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Labial measurements, reported symptoms and expectations of surgery.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The labia of all participants were within normal published limits, with a mean (SD) of 26.9 (12.8) mm (right labia), and 24.8 (13.1) mm (left labia). The majority of complaints were regarding appearance or discomfort. Expectations were to alter the appearance with surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  All women seeking surgery had normal-sized labia minora. Clear guidance is needed for clinicians on how best to care for the worried well woman seeking surgery.
authors: UCL Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute of Women's Health, London, UK.
authors: N S
authors: NS
authors: Crouch
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Deans
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Michala
authors: L-M
authors: LM
authors: Liao
authors: S M
authors: SM
authors: Creighton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D002648:Child; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000523:psychology*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014844:Vulva / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult