“Normal vulva” based on the first national Labiagram design in adult Iranian women not seeking female genital cosmetic surgery: a pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Background Several studies have been published to present normal values of female genitalia in different age and racial groups. Aim The primary objective of our study was to measure the parameters of the external genitalia in adult Iranian women, record the data using the Labiagram system (the first national Labiagram design in Iran), and establish a preliminary database. Methods A descriptive study was conducted from March 2022 to December 2022, involving 220 nonpregnant adult women who presented to the gynecology clinic. Women who met the inclusion criteria for the study underwent a comprehensive examination of the external genitalia. The data collected during the examinations were recorded in electronic files and the Labiagram system. Outcomes The data showed the diversity of external genital parameters of nonpregnant adult Iranian women. Results In this descriptive study, the mean ± SD age of the participants was 51.5 ± 13.44 years, ranging from 15 to 84 years. A total of 192 women (87.3%) had a history of vaginal delivery. There was no statistically significant difference observed in the average measurements of the vulva among the 4 age groups (P < .05). The Pearson correlation coefficient test indicated a statistically weak correlation between body mass index and perineum length (r = 0.174, P = .010). Additionally, a weak correlation was found between body mass index and the width of the labia minora at the left-lower point (r = 0.143, P = .030) and the right-middle point (r = 0.146, P = .031). Furthermore, the results demonstrated that women with a history of vaginal delivery had a significantly longer introitus (49.3 vs 44.3 mm, P = .037), longer labia majora (91.3 vs 87.3 mm, P = .046), and longer labia minora (56.8 vs 50.9 mm, P = .008) when compared with women without prior labor experience. Clinical Implications The data will be used as a basis for future studies. Strengths and Limitations The use of simple tools for the measuring, data recording, and digital drawing of female external genital anatomy, along with privacy protection, is one of the strengths of this research. The weakness is the small sample size, which is the reason for piloting the Labiagram chart for more extensive studies. Conclusion Increasing age and the number of births had no statistically significant effect on the size of external genital parameters among Iranian women. Despite the considerable diversity in these parameters, it has not resulted in a significant demand among Iranian women for female cosmetic surgery.