ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the psychological, psychosexual and psychosocial issues that some women encounter relating to the structure and appearance of their genitalia and vaginal anatomy. It describes female genital and vaginal morphology, vaginal dysmorphia, female genital cosmetic surgery including labiaplasty and briefly comments on body dysmorphia, medically indicated genital and vaginal surgery and female genital mutilation for context and completeness. The chapter aims to equip readers with the knowledge and background to confidently explore psychological, psychosexual and psychosocial issues relating to clients’ perceived anatomical concerns about their genitalia. Psychosexual doctors and allied health professionals are increasingly seeing patients with significant concerns about the appearance of their genitalia and consequential psychosexual dysfunction. In the majority of cases referred, the problem relates to perceived deformity or abnormality or simple dislike of the genitalia and is therefore psychosocial and/or psychosexual in nature. However, in a minority, actual deformity or abnormality may found.
