In Search of (Better) Sexual Pleasure: Female Genital ‘Cosmetic’ Surgery

Abstract

Female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) procedures are new, but increasing in popularity. In this article, I examine the role of female sexual pleasure in media (31 magazine items) and surgeon (15 interviews) accounts. FGCS was framed as enhancing female sexual pleasure, or specifically orgasm. I argue that the focus on female sexual pleasure functions to legitimate, and promote, FGCS. Further, it reaffirms normative heterosexuality, and promotes a generic model of bodies and sex. Moreover, in the context of consumer culture, media accounts have the possibility of creating problems, and their solutions, simultaneously.