Labiaplasty is a cosmetic surgery to alter the labia minora, or the inner folds of skin around the vaginal opening. It’s the most common type of female genital cosmetic surgery and is becoming more popular. Women might consider this procedure due to aesthetic concerns, physical discomfort (e.g., chafing or issues with tight clothing), psychological impacts (like low self-esteem or fear of judgment), and sexual concerns. Some reported sexual concerns related to labiaplasty include entry pain during sex (dyspareunia), reduced sexual satisfaction, and embarrassment about genital appearance, which can affect one’s sexual experiences and confidence.

In some cases, a partner’s opinion influences the decision to get labiaplasty. Some women pursue the procedure to enhance their partner’s sexual satisfaction or to avoid negative comments about their genitals. However, studies indicate that, while partners can influence these choices, most men do not actively request or encourage genital cosmetic surgery. Still, worries about a partner’s view of genital appearance remain significant, with 26.7% of women citing negative comments from their partners as a motivation in one study on the topic.

The authors of a new systematic review and meta-analysis followed specific guidelines to find research on how sexual partners might influence women’s decisions to get labiaplasty. They searched six databases to find studies published from 2000 to 2024, and only original studies focused on healthy women who chose labiaplasty for personal reasons – such as aesthetics, comfort, or sexual concerns – were included in their analysis. Medical cases (e.g., injury repair) were excluded.

The researchers used a quality assessment tool to evaluate each study, scoring items based on criteria met. To analyze the results, a forest plot (a visual tool showing study data) highlighted how often partner comments influenced labiaplasty decisions. Since there were differences in the studies’ data, a statistical model was applied to interpret the findings more reliably.

In the end, the researchers found that a sexual partner’s role influences some women’s decisions to seek labiaplasty, though not overwhelmingly. Overall, a weighted average of 6.9% of women reported that their partner influenced their decision, and 5.9% said the surgery was at their partner’s urging.

Additionally, 27.2% of women had concerns about their partner’s reaction to their genital appearance. Negative comments from partners were found to motivate labiaplasty in 36.7% of cases, according to the meta-analysis. However, the studies varied significantly, suggesting that partner influence on labiaplasty decisions might be affected by cultural and personal factors.

Most studies were of fair quality, averaging a 5.5 out of 8 on a bias assessment, meaning they had moderate methodological quality since on this scale, 0 indicates a high risk of bias and 8 indicates a low risk of bias. Regardless, the results were somewhat limited by study size and certain design factors.

This review is the first of its kind to examine the role of sexual partners in women’s decisions to undergo labiaplasty. Findings suggest that while a small percentage of women (about 5-7%) pursue labiaplasty mainly due to a partner’s request, a more common influence is negative comments or anticipated criticism from partners, which leads some women to feel self-conscious about their appearance. For some, partner comments were a factor in their decision to seek labiaplasty, often intensifying their desire to align with idealized images seen in media.

Pubic hair grooming and exposure to pornography may have also heightened attention on genital appearance, contributing to dissatisfaction and sometimes prompting women to consider labiaplasty for self-confidence and sexual attractiveness. This process is less about direct partner pressure and more about internalized perceptions. Nevertheless, to ensure informed and autonomous choices, women should discuss their motivations for seeking labiaplasty with their surgeons, so they can clarify their personal goals and make sure their decisions are free from undue influence.

References:

• Alavi-Arjas, F., Nahidi, F., Simbar, M., Alavi Majd, H., & Rastegar, F. (2024). The role of sexual partner in women’s seeking for labiaplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 21(10), 844–852. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae091