Labiaplasty: A Qualitative Analysis of Online Discourse on Labia Minora

Ortega-Sánchez, Isabel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Lucha-López, María Orosia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Monti-Ballano, Sofía (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: In recent years, the practice of female genital cosmetic surgery, particularly labiaplasty, has increased in Spain, as reported by aesthetic surgery associations. The aim of this article is to describe and represent the labia minora in online information and assess whether it includes elements that may contribute to body dysmorphia. To achieve this, a qualitative content analysis was conducted on the most accessible Spanish-language websites, selected based on their PageRank. The results show that 71.4% of the analyzed websites promote labial reduction, with the majority being commercial sites from medical aesthetic centers. A significant bias towards the medicalization of female genital diversity is revealed, contributing to the creation of the problem: labial hypertrophy is presented as a pathological condition without objective medical criteria, while critical information regarding risks is often omitted. There is a need to reassess the representations, assumptions, and sociocultural values that inform these medical practices and influence their narratives.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.3390/sexes5040046

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Sexes 5, 4 (2024), 721-738
ISSN: 2411-5118

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Fisioterapia (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Antropología Social (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)