Anatomical measurements of Vulva and Vaginal length for an Unselected Indian population : A Multi-centric Cross-Sectional Prospective Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Female external genitalia also referred to as the ‘Vulva’ comprises the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethra, vulva vestibule, vestibular bulbs, Bartholin's glands, Skene's glands, vaginal opening.The appearance and morphology of vulva is dependent on race, ethnicity, age, hormonal status, parity, and body mass index. The present study was therefore planned with the objective of Preparation of nomogram regarding measurements of the vulva and vagina in the Indian population and to find the correlation between the measurements of female external genitalia in the Indian population and their body mass index, age, parity, frequency of sexual intercourse. Material and Methods 1562 women were recruited from the out-patient departments of four tertiary care centers from India, two from southern part of the country, one from north and one from the eastern part. Genital measurements were taken while in the lithotomy position. With the help of a reusable metal calliper with graduations, which could measure to 1/10 mm. Measurements were recorded as mean ± SD and centiles were also prepared. The correlation between age, height, weight, BMI, parity and the frequency of sexual intercourse was studied with the help of Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results The mean length and width of labia majora are 9.7 ± 1.8 cm and 3.7 ± 0.8 cm respectively. Labia minora measures 5.7 ± 1.5 cm in length and 1.9 ± 0.7 cm in width. The mean length of the clitoris is 13.2 ± 4.5 mm and the mean width is 7.7 ± 3.1 mm. The perineal body measures 2.5 ± 0.7 cm. The average total vaginal length is 8.9 ± 1.4 cm. Conclusion The nomograms presented in the study can be used for reference range for counselling women undergoing any type of surgery on external genitalia including cosmetic gynecology surgeries. The centile curves can be used as reference ranges for women with different age and BMI.