title: A Prospective Evaluation of Female External Genitalia Sensitivity to Pressure following Labia Minora Reduction and Clitoral Hood Reduction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Little research has been conducted into the effects of labiaplasty on sensitivity of external genitalia. This study aimed to determine the effect of labia minora and clitoral hood reduction using the edge resection technique on external genitalia sensitivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Female subjects electing to undergo labia minora and clitoral hood reduction were enrolled. Subjects underwent sensitivity testing using monofilaments at five locations (one at the clitoral hood and four labial with each labium measured 0.5 cm from the leading edge and 1.5 cm distal to the hymen) at baseline; 2 weeks; and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Self-evaluations using the Sexual Function Questionnaire were performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-seven subjects undergoing labia minora and clitoral hood reduction were enrolled. Subjects experienced a median increase in sensitivity at month 6 of 0.118 mN at the 0.5-cm right labial location (p = 0.027) and 0.059 mN at the 0.5-cm left labial location (p = 0.046) compared with baseline. No change in sensitivity was demonstrated at the clitoral hood or either of the 1.5-cm labial locations. At 6 months, an increase in the number of sexual relations was observed in 44.1 percent of subjects (p = 0.011), an improvement in orgasm frequency was exhibited by 35.3 percent of subjects (p = 0.013), and an increase in orgasm strength was observed in 35.3 percent of subjects (p = 0.006).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Labia minora and clitoral hood reduction as performed by the trim/edge resection method does not result in diminished sensitivity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic, IV.
authors.affiliation: Chicago and Arlington Heights, Ill. From Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; and Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C.
authors.forename: Otto J
authors.initials: OJ
authors.lastname: Placik
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Arkins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002987:Clitoris / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D059026:Diagnostic Self Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006941:Hyperesthesia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D014844:Vulva / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D055815:Young Adult