Genital cosmetic surgery intention and its association with genital self-image and body exposure during sexual activity: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between genital self-image and body perception during sexual intercourse by determining women's intentions to undergo genital cosmetic surgery and their preferences for genital cosmetic surgery.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 410 women between January and December 2025. Women were evaluated based on their intentions to undergo genital cosmetic surgery and were divided into two groups accordingly. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Assessment Form, Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and Body Exposure During Sexual Activity Questionnaire (BESAQ).

RESULTS

Among all women, 46.3% of women stated that they had considered undergoing genital cosmetic surgery. The most frequently preferred procedures were genital whitening (31.1%), laser vaginal rejuvenation (20.0%), and vaginoplasty combined with genital whitening (15.8%). The most important motivation for requesting surgery was sexual pleasure (32.6%), followed by social media (21.1%) and partner request (21.1%). BESAQ scores were found to be significantly higher among women considering genital cosmetic surgery (p = 0.015), but no significant difference was found in terms of FGSIS scores (p = 0.177). A moderate negative correlation was found between BESAQ and FGSIS in the group considering surgery (r= -0.387; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The intention for genital cosmetic surgery appears to be more closely related to increased body-focused cognitive processes during sexual intercourse than to genital self-image. This highlights the importance of psychosexual evaluation and comprehensive counselling processes in genital cosmetic surgery requests.

SHORT CONDENSATION: Approximately half of women consider genital cosmetic surgery. Women who consider genital cosmetic surgery have a higher body focus during sexual intercourse. Social media and partner influence are important motivators.