Patient Perspectives on Intimate Relationship Outcomes After Labiaplasty: A Preliminary Qualitative Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background The popularity of labiaplasty has increased over the last decade and patients consistently report high levels of satisfaction with outcomes. Specifically, patients generally experience improved sexual satisfaction, but there is very limited research on the impacts on intimate relationships more broadly, even though these experiences are often crucial to women's lives. Objectives The aim of this study was to conduct an in-depth qualitative exploration of the impacts of labiaplasty on intimate relationship quality. Qualitative semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with adult women (n = 15), who had undergone labiaplasty between 1 and 72 months previously (mean [standard deviation], 28.1 [24.3] months). Participants were asked about any perceived changes to their intimate relationships and how labiaplasty may have influenced those changes (if any). Thematic analysis of the transcribed interview data was performed. Results The results showed that most women reported greater confidence engaging in new relationships, and partaking in subsequent sexual experiences was also commonly reported. However, other women reported no changes to their intimate relationship quality after labiaplasty. Over half of the women reported concerns that their current or a future partner may perceive their postsurgery genital appearance as not “natural.” Conclusions The current study adds some novel depth and nuance to the impacts of labiaplasty on intimate relationship quality. Although most women experience improved sexual confidence in their intimate relationships, a proportion may also experience concerns around their partner's reactions to the surgery. Level of Evidence: 4