Individual male perception of female genitalia.
OBJECTIVE
Australian Medicare data show that the rates of cosmetic labiaplasty have tripled over the last decade; however, there is little understanding about the social factors that contribute to the popularity of female genital cosmetic surgeries (FGCS). The aim of this study was to investigate male perception of female genitalia and to assess men's awareness of FGCS and whether these surgeries are viewed as a positive and acceptable option.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study of male adults in the Townsville region was conducted via an online questionnaire.


RESULTS
A total of 500 online surveys were sent out and 248 respondents were included in the study; 49.2 % of participants do not have a preferred appearance of labia minora and 70.4 % of men are aware of FGCS, but 53.8 % do not believe that FGCS is a good option for women. Only 14 % of men supported genital cosmetic surgery, while 29.6 % are undecided about the practice. The most common preferred pubic hair appearance is completely hairless (45 %).


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that the majority of men do not have a preferred appearance for female genitalia, nor do they support FGCS or consider discussing genital surgery with their partner. The major limitation of the study is that the participants' age distribution was skewed heavily towards the younger demographic, with 18- to 24-year-old men comprising 81.5 % of respondents.
James Cook University Townsville, Douglas, QLD, Australia.
Emma
E
Horrocks
James Cook University Townsville, Douglas, QLD, Australia.|The Townsville Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, 4814, QLD, Australia.
Jay
J
Iyer
James Cook University Townsville, Douglas, QLD, Australia.|The Townsville Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, 4814, QLD, Australia.
Althea
A
Askern
The Townsville Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, 4814, QLD, Australia. nadine.becuzzi@gmail.com.
Nadine
N
Becuzzi
James Cook University Townsville, Douglas, QLD, Australia.
Venkat N
VN
Vangaveti
James Cook University Townsville, Douglas, QLD, Australia.|The Townsville Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, 4814, QLD, Australia.
Ajay
A
Rane
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006204:Hair Removal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014844:Vulva / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult
Cosmetic genitoplasty; Cosmetic labiaplasty; Female genital cosmetic surgery; Female genitalia; Labiaplasty; Male perception of female genitalia