Cosmetic Vaginal Operations, Considered Ineffective and Unsafe

Porn movies and erotic literature have forced modern women to look for the 'peach look' for their genitalia and a vagina exploding in orgasms at the slightest touch. And many obstetrician-gynecologists have no problem in performing what they want, calling it "vaginal rejuvenation," "designer vaginoplasty," "revirgination," and "G-spot amplification". But the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has just signaled that these operations are not medically indicated, not to mention the fact that there are no studies investigating their safety and effectiveness.

The ACOG considers deceptive the practice of presenting these procedures as accepted and routine surgeries. ACOG also is worried that women considering cosmetic vaginal surgery are not precisely informed about potential secondary effects, like infection, impaired sensation, dyspareunia (pain), adhesions and scarring.

In the last years, more and more physicians have come up with ideas regarding vaginal surgeries presented as methods of improving genital look and sexual pleasure. Some are just modifications of traditional vaginal operations for genuine conditions, like pelvic prolapse, vaginal relaxation, the reversal of female genital mutilation, labial hypertrophy or asymmetrical labial growth.

"Many women don't realize that the appearance of external genitals varies significantly from woman to woman. As ob-gyns, we know this to be the case from years of experience," said Dr. Abbey B. Berenson, a member of ACOG's Committee on Gynecologic Practice.

"An honest discussion about the wide variation in the appearance of normal genitalia could reassure women who are insecure about the look of their own genitalia," added Berenson.

Physicians should discuss the motivation of their patients for such an intervention and evaluate their physical and psychical estate for sexual dysfunction and nonsurgical approaches, like counseling, should be viewed in many cases as the best option.

"There are always risks associated with a surgical procedure. It's important that women understand the potential risks of these procedures and that there is no scientific evidence regarding their benefits." said Berenson.

"It is imperative that studies on these procedures be conducted and published in peer-reviewed publications so that the evidence and clinical outcomes can be reviewed. Until that time, the absence of data supporting the safety and efficacy of these procedures makes their recommendation untenable." said Berenson.

There are also ethical problems connected with the marketing of cosmetic vaginal operations.

"When a new surgical procedure or a variation of an established surgical procedure is developed, physicians typically do not attempt to keep it proprietary or restrict who can perform the procedure," said Berenson.