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Awareness about Vulvovaginal Aesthetics Procedures among Medical Students and Health Professionals in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective

The present study aimed to explore the opinion and ethical consideration of vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures (VVAPs) among health professionals and medical students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study performed between January 2020 and April 2020. Data was collected through electronic media, WhatsApp, and emails. The results were analyzed by applying the Students t-test, and correlations were considered significant if they presented a p-value<0.05.

Results

There is significant demand to educate doctors, health professionals, medical students, and gynecologists for the VVAPs to have a solid foundation, justified indications, and knowledge about various aesthetic options. Although female doctors, medical students, young doctors, and gynecologists have more knowledge about VVAPs, all health professionals ought to be aware of recent trends in vulvovaginal aesthetics (VVA). The present analysis determined that VVA should be under the domain of gynecologists, rather than under that of plastic surgeons, general surgeons, and cosmetologists. Themajority of the participants considered that vaginal rejuvenation, “G-spot” augmentation, clitoral surgery, and hymenoplasty are not justifiable on medical grounds.

Conclusion

The decision to opt for different techniques for vaginal tightening and revitalization should be taken very carefully, utilizing the shared decision-making approach. Ethical aspects and moral considerations are important key factors before embarking in the VVAPs purely for cosmetic reasons. Further research is required to determine the sexual, psychological, and body image outcomes for women who underwent elective VVAPs. Moreover, medical educators must consider VVAPs as part of the undergraduate and postgraduate medical curriculum.

Keywords:
vulvovaginal cosmetic procedures; vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures; awareness about aesthetic surgery among health professionals; aesthetic gynecology; sexual and reproductive health

Introduction

Presently, vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures (VVAPs) are being marketed and promoted by surgeons, while the evidence of their safety and efficacy is still questionable. There are serious concerns regarding medical ethics, morals, and principles about aesthetic procedures in gynecology. Evidence-based recommendations for these aesthetic procedures are scarce. There are no clear guidelines nor convincing pieces of evidence to consider the implications of this practice. There are only a few studies that addressed the concerns of perimenopausal women regarding reproductive health and sexual health. 11 Alvisi S, GavaG, Orsili I, Giacomelli G, BaldassarreM, Seracchioli R, et al. Vaginal health in menopausal women. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(10):615. Doi: 10.3390/medicina55100615
https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100615...
22 Caruso S, Cianci S, Fava V, Rapisarda AMC, Cutello S, Cianci A. Vaginal health of postmenopausal women on nutraceutical containing equol. Menopause. 2018;25(04):430-435. Doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001061
https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.000000000000...
Additionally, there is a lack of research that mentions the concerns of women in postoperative vulvovaginal oncology cases to preserve the quality of sexual well-being. 33 Cox P, Panay N. Vulvovaginal atrophy inwomen after cancer. Climacteric. 2019;22(06):565-571. Doi: 10.1080/13697137.2019.1643180
https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2019.16...

Recently, there is a dramatic change in trends of genital aesthetics in a different part of the word. 44 Desai SA, Dixit VV. Audit of female genital aesthetic surgery: changing trends in India. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2018;68(03): 214-220. Doi: 10.1007/s13224-018-1115-7
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-018-1115-...
In a few countries, the use of laser treatment for vaginal rejuvenation and tightening is trendy and effective. 55 Benincà G, Bosoni D, Vicariotto F, Raichi M. Efficacy and safety of dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency, a new high-tech, highsafety option for vulvar rejuvenation. Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2017;1(03):1-5. Doi: 10.15761/OGR.1000115
https://doi.org/10.15761/OGR.1000115...
A variety of procedures has emerged, including reduction labiaplasty, hymenoplasty, G-spot augmentation, and vaginal laxity. Moreover, many nonsurgical procedures are being promoted as simple, safe, and as improving sexual pleasure worldwide. In the middle east, little is researched regarding awareness of vulvovaginal aesthetic (VVA) procedures among health professionals. Moreover, time demands to examine the indications and the standardization of training for gynecologists regarding the awareness of different indications and a vast range of VVAPs.

In the perimenopausal age group, genitourinary problems are common in the form of vaginal atrophy, laxity, vulvovaginal prolapse, vulval burning pain, urinary incontinence, etc. These changes lead to low self-esteem and reduce the quality of sexual health among some women. We have observed the various nonsurgical and surgical treatment options in the practice; for example, the use of polycarbophil-based cream in postmenopausal women, vaginal tightening by lasers, and surgical procedures. 66 Yodplob T, Sirisopana K, Jongwannasiri M, Sirisreetreerux P, Viseshsindh W, Kochakarn W. Local treatment with a polycarbophil- based cream in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2020;•••;. Doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04282-9
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04282...
To treat lichen sclerosis and lichen planus, some studies suggested the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma intradermal injections to treat vulval lichen sclerosis. 77 Goldstein AT, Mitchell L, Govind V, Heller D. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of autologous plateletrich plasma intradermal injections for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(06):1788-1789. Doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.060
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.0...
Various therapeutic options have been adopted by health care providers for treating vaginal atrophy to improve the quality of sexual health; for example, injectable hyaluronic acid plus calcium hydroxyapatite along with different surgical options. 88 Amori P, Di Nardo V, Vitiello G, Franca K, Hercogova J, Wollina U, et al. Primavera: A new therapeutical approach to vulvo-vaginal atrophy. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2018;31(06):e12678. Doi: 10.1111/dth.12678
https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12678...
99 Cohen PR. Genital rejuvenation: the next frontier in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dermatol Online J. 2018;24(09):13030 1010 González IP, Leibaschoff G, Esposito C, et al. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause and the role of biostimulation with noncross- linked injectable hyaluronic acid plus calcium hydroxyapatite. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2019;33(06):1961-1966. Doi: 10.23812/19-251-L
https://doi.org/10.23812/19-251-L...

There is a considerable gap in research to assess the readiness of health care professionals before embarking in the aesthetic procedures and in the practice on patients. The present article explored the responsiveness of health professionals and medical students about VVA procedures in Saudi Arabia. The authors will recommend a model for the enhancement of knowledge and awareness about VVAPs among health providers.

There is hardly any data that support the awareness of VVAPs procedures in the Middle East and Saudi Arabia. Regarding ethical concerns related to VVAPs, it is important to inquire in their own culture and Islamic region. 1111 Figo Committee For The Ethical Aspects Of Human Reproduction And Women's Health. Ethical considerations regarding requests and offering of cosmetic genital surgery. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015;128(01):85-86. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.10.003
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.10.0...
Cultural beliefs play a great impact in the adoption of recent trends in aesthetic gynecology and implement evidence-based practice. Along with awareness of the patients, it is equally important to inquire about the perceptions of healthcare professionals and medical students in a geographical region. It will help to analyze the diverse cultural context about familiarity and the impact of VVAPs procedures in a medical and ethical context. The present study aimed to explore the awareness of VVAPs among health professionals and medical students in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study by designing a comprehensive Google Docs survey, and descriptive analysis was performed. We conducted the present study between January 2020 and April 2020, in Saudi Arabia. The internal reviewer board of the research unit approved the study at the Alfarabi College of Medicine Riyadh. We distributed the survey through electronic media, WhatsApp, and emails. All participants were informed about the aim of the study, and we explained a brief description of the purpose of the study. The participants declared consent for contribution before filling the survey. A descriptive analysis of the results was performed, and we presented statistics in graphs and charts. To determine correlations, the results were analyzed by applying the Students t-test, and we considered correlations as being significant if they presented a p-value < 0.05. The internal reviewer board of the research unit approved the study at Alfarabi College of Medicine Riyadh.

All practicing Saudi medical licensed (SML) medical doctors, Saudi registered health professionals, consultants of all specialties, residents, registrars, and medical students in Saudi Arabia in the public and private sectors. We included medical students of public and private medical schools. Any nonpracticing doctor out of practice for > five years was excluded from the study, considering their lack of knowledge regarding the health updates on reproductive and sexual health. We also excluded paramedical staff and allied health professionals. The authors of the present study prepared a research questionnaire, and a pilot study established the validity of this questionnaire on 70 participants to establish significant findings. We divided the questionnaire into three sections, and each section had an elaborated description mentioning the facts and purpose of the study. The first section regarded demographic details including age, gender, level of qualification, employability status, years of working experiences as a health professional, specialty type, and the category of health sectors (public or private).

The opinions of the participants about any medical justification and ethical objections against VVAPs were mentioned in the second section. Some details and clarifications about the procedures were explained to the participants. The four-point Likert scale was used in the survey. We asked the participants to answer whether several VVAPs were medically justifiable, with the following answer options:

  • It is not justifiable

  • It is rarely justifiable

  • It is justifiable

  • It is highly justifiable

The authors questioned the participants about the possible benefits of VVAPs, and we assessed general proclamations and guidance on this topic in the third section. Regarding practical issues about the VVAPs (minimum age of performance, whether it should be performed in public hospitals, etc.), an evaluation was made using a four-point Likert scale with the following options:

  • Agree

  • Partially agree

  • Neither agree nor disagree (neutral)

  • Disagree

Concerning the sample collection, we collected data from 260 participants among the 350 expected participants. After the third reminder, the response rate was of 74%, which was considered acceptable to establish results.

Results

Regarding the demographic data, 72.9% were < 25 years old (freshmen residents, medical students). More than half of them (65.7%) had < 5 years of experience working in the health profession. Among the 260 participants of the study, most of them were female (79.6%) and worked in public hospitals (60.31%). Most of them were medical students (45%), followed by gynecology trainees (13.4%), and gynecology consultants (7.6%). Table 1 summarizes the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants.

Table 1
Sociodemographic characteristics of 260 participants

About 68.7% of the participants did not have much knowledge about VVAPs. More than half of the participants agreed that VVAPs on medical grounds is justified for vaginal tightening (by laser), vaginal atrophy (by laser) and whitening of the vulva. However, the majority of the participants considered that vaginal rejuvenation, “G-spot” augmentation, clitoral surgery, and hymenoplasty are not justifiable on medical grounds, as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1
Percentage of participant's opinion about the justification of various vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures on medical grounds (n = 260).

Regarding ethical considerations, more than half of the participants considered that vaginal rejuvenation, “G-spot” augmentation, clitoral surgery, and hymenoplasty are not ethically accepted, as shown in Fig. 2. It was determined that aesthetic procedures should be performed by gynecologists rather than by plastic surgeons or general surgeons (p < 0.025), as shown in Table 2. According to the opinion of the participants, VVAPs related to vaginal tightening and vaginal atrophy are associated with enhanced self-esteem and quality of reproductive/sexual life (p < 0.013), as shown in Table 3. However, almost all specialty consultants considered that VVAPs are overpriced procedures. However, there was no significant difference in the opinions of private and public health professionals regarding the pricing of different VVAPs (p = 0.05).

Fig. 2
Percentage of participant's opinion about the justification of various vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures on an ethical basis (n = 260).

Table 2
Percentage of participants who considered that vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures should be performed by gynecologists (n = 260)
Table 3
Percentage of participants' opinion about vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures enhancing the quality of life and correlation between difference of opinion among different health professionals (n = 260)

Discussion

Currently, women are facing a dilemma regarding freedom of choice related to a long list of VVAPs and female genital cosmetic surgery. Some procedures are indicated on medical grounds but are not ethically accepted in the region. Our research found that there is a significant demand to educate doctors, health professionals, medical students, and gynecologists regarding VVAPs in order to have a solid foundation, justified indications, and knowledge about various aesthetic options. Skilled health professionals should have optimal expertise to test signs and symptoms of the patients and involve a multidisciplinary health team for management. 1212 Hodžić S Ascertaining deadly harms: aesthetics and politics of global evidence. Cult Anthropol. 2013;28(01):86-109. Doi: 10.1111/j.1548-1360.2012.01174.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1548-1360.2012...
Although medical students, young doctors, and gynecologists have more knowledge about VVAPs, all health professionals must know recent trends in VVA. 1313 Vieira-Baptista P, Lima-Silva J, Fonseca-Moutinho J, Monteiro V, Águas F. Survey on aesthetic vulvovaginal procedures: what do Portuguese doctors andmedical students think? Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2017;39(08):415-423. Doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1603967
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1603967...
1414 Weinberger JM, Houman J, Caron AT, Anger J. Female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review of outcomes across various treatment modalities. Sex Med Rev. 2019;7(02):223-250. Doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.12.004
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.12.0...

Regarding the ethical aspects of VVAPs, our results are consistent with the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 1515 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Ethical opinion paper: ethical considerations in relation to female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) [Internet]. London:RCOG Ethics Committee; 2013 Oct [cited 2020 May 27]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/ethics-issuesand-resources/rcog-fgcs-ethical-opinion-paper.pdf This analysis recommends that ethical opinion for patients opting for female genital cosmetic procedures needs to be discussed carefully with microscopic details and should be opted only for indicated patients; for example, if sexual health is compromised physically (atrophy or laxity) and psychologically. Although the health professionals had below-average knowledge about different types of procedures, the majority had a positive attitude toward female genital cosmetic surgery if the concerns of the patient are associated with sexual and psychological satisfaction.

The present study determined that health professionals perceived that VVAPs improve the quality of sexual health and reduce female sexual dysfunctions. 1616 Weinberger JM,Houman J, Caron AT, PatelDN, Baskin AS,Ackerman AL, et al. Female sexual dysfunction and the placebo effect: a metaanalysis. Obstet Gynecol. 2018;132(02):453-458. Doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002733
https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.000000000000...
Therefore, they would recommend these procedures to indicated patients. Additionally, the results revealed that, in our conservative culture, aesthetic deprivation was observed in general among health providers. 1717 Moss H, O'Neill D. Aesthetic deprivation in clinical settings. Lancet. 2014;383(9922):1032-1033.Doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60507-9
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(14)60...
Therefore, health providers need to enhance awareness about the variety of procedures and improve their counseling skills to determine the impact of the decision to submit patents to surgery on the psychological and sexual well-being of the patients. 1818 Preti M, Vieira-Baptista P, Digesu GA, Bretschneider CE, Damaser M, Demirkesen O, et al. The clinical role of LASER for vulvar and vaginal treatments in gynecology and female urology: An ICS/ISSVD best practice consensus document. Neurourol Urodyn.2019;38(03):1009-1023. Doi: 10.1002/nau.23931
https://doi.org/10.1002/nau.23931...
Particularly, VVAPs recommendations for uterovaginal prolapse and postoperative oncology cases should be justified to boost the self-esteem of the patients. 1919 Peiretti M, Corvetto E, Candotti G, Angioni S, Figus A, Mais V. New Keystone flap application in vulvo-perineal reconstructive surgery: A case series. Gynecol Oncol Rep. 2019;30:100505. Doi:10.1016/j.gore.2019.100505
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gore.2019.1005...
2020 Rubinsak LA, Christianson MS, Akers A, Carter J, Kaunitz AM, Temkin SM. Reproductive health care across the lifecourse of the female cancer patient. Support Care Cancer. 2019;27(01):23-32. Doi: 10.1007/s00520-018-4360-5
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4360-...

The present analysis determined that VVA ought to be under the domain of gynecologists rather than under those of plastic surgeons and cosmetologists. 2121 Pinto H, Fontdevila J, Eds. Regenerative medicine procedures for aesthetic physicians. Cham: Springer; 2019 2222 Placik OJ, Devgan LL. Female genital and vaginal plastic surgery: an overview. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019;144(02):284e-297e. Doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005883
https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.000000000000...
Moreover, the decision to opt for different techniques for vaginal tightening and revitalization should be taken very carefully, utilizing the shared decision-making approach. 1515 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Ethical opinion paper: ethical considerations in relation to female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS) [Internet]. London:RCOG Ethics Committee; 2013 Oct [cited 2020 May 27]. Available from: https://www.rcog.org.uk/globalassets/documents/guidelines/ethics-issuesand-resources/rcog-fgcs-ethical-opinion-paper.pdf Ethical aspects and moral considerations are key points to keep in mind before embarking in the VVAPs purely for cosmetic reasons. 2323 Rabley A, O'Shea T, Terry R, Byun S, Louis Moy M. Laser therapy for genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Curr Urol Rep. 2018;19 (10):83. Doi: 10.1007/s11934-018-0831-y
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-018-0831-...
The decision about VVAPs in menopausal women needs special considerations, and one must give priority to conservative management rather than to surgery. 2424 SchiaviMC, Di Tucci C, Colagiovanni V, Faiano P, Giannini A, D'Oria O, et al. A medical device containing purified bovine colostrum (Monurelle Biogel) in the treatment of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausalwomen: Retrospective analysis of urinary symptoms, sexual function, and quality of life. Low Urin Tract Symptoms. 2019;11(02):O11-O15. Doi: 10.1111/luts.12204
https://doi.org/10.1111/luts.12204...
2525 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Female genital cosmetic surgery - A resource for general practitioners and other health professionals [Internet]. MelbourneRACGP2015 [cited 2020 May 5]. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical- resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-allracgp- guidelines/female-genital-cosmetic-surgery
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical- resou...
There should be evidence-based guidelines and algorithms to be followed by practitioners to help in decisions regarding VVAPs. 1414 Weinberger JM, Houman J, Caron AT, Anger J. Female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review of outcomes across various treatment modalities. Sex Med Rev. 2019;7(02):223-250. Doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.12.004
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.12.0...
2626 VanderBrink BA, Stock JA, Hanna MK. Aesthetic aspects of reconstructive clitoroplasty in females with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2010;63(12): 2141-2145. Doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2010.02.005
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjps.2010.02.0...
2727 Reichman O, Margesson LJ, Rasmussen CA, Lev-Sagie A, Sobel JD. Algorithms for managing vulvovaginal symptoms-a practical primer. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2019;21(10):40. Doi: 10.1007/s11908-019-0693-6
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-019-0693-...

The authors have suggested the step-by-step approach for the enhancement of awareness about VVAPs in medical education. It would be better to incorporate VVAPs in the medical curriculum and postgraduate training, since many courses are spreading medical knowledge of marketing and conflict of interests. In medical schools, there is a need to integrate the course about aesthetics surgery, especially at the clerkship phase, as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3
Step by step integration of awareness and knowledge about vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures in medical education.

Furthermore, during the clinical rotations for medical students, there must be an option for rotation to aesthetic gynecology clinics. During postgraduate training, there should be the choice of attachments at VVA clinics for gynecology trainees. Besides, the arrangements of multidisciplinary meetings (gynecology, cosmetology, plastic surgery) can help the postgraduate trainee to develop the skills of decision making about different procedures based on the signs and symptoms of the patients. The arrangements of workshops and conferences on VVAPs can enhance knowledge and provide opportunities for health professionals to exchange their views. Clinical training in the VVAPs subspecialty in the form of VVAPs courses, medical ethics VVAPs courses, and regular awareness campaigns can enhance education among health professionals.

Challenges

Currently, the biggest challenge for health professionals is the business model approach to VVAPs. The business of pursuing beauty for a perfect body can go further than the body-improving products and practices. For some women, modifying their bodies has become normalized, and “designer vagina” has become a public word, increasing the trend for female genital cosmetic surgery. 2525 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Female genital cosmetic surgery - A resource for general practitioners and other health professionals [Internet]. MelbourneRACGP2015 [cited 2020 May 5]. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical- resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-allracgp- guidelines/female-genital-cosmetic-surgery
https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical- resou...
Mostly, women are being misled about the normal appearance of genitalia and its normal variations, desiring a pre-pubertal, doll-like look, with nonapparent labia minora (not having it projected beyond the labia majora), no excess skin on the clitoris head, not much fat over the mons pubis, etc. This misleading is eventually showing the lack of awareness of treating physicians and healthcare providers rather than of patients. Being medical educators, we must opt for an evidence-based approach to create awareness among health providers and the public rather than support the business model. Further research is required in order to determine the sexual, psychological, and body image outcomes for women who underwent elective VVAPs. It is imperative to determine the benefits and impacts on sexual satisfaction, and the need for assessment of functional disorders before surgery. There is a requirement to conduct a qualitative and in-depth analysis to inquire about the reasons for ethical and medical justifications based on personal and cultural beliefs regarding VVAPs.

Conclusion

Vulvovaginal aesthetics procedures have gained significant popularity among health professionals, different media platforms, and patients. In the reproductive age group, this topic has appeared as a fascinating area for discussion to increase self-esteem, and to rejuvenate genitals for the improvement of sexual function. The present study aimed to explore the awareness of VVAPs among health professionals and medical students in Saudi Arabia. There is a significant demand to educate doctors, health professionals, medical students, and gynecologists for the VVAPs to have a solid foundation, justified indications, and knowledge about various aesthetic options. Skilled health professionals should have optimal expertise to evaluate the clinical picture of the patients and involve multidisciplinary health teams for management. Although female doctors, medical students, young doctors, and gynecologists have more knowledge about VVAPs, all health professionals ought to be aware of recent trends in VVA. This analysis determined that VVA should be under the domain of gynecologists domain rather than under those of plastic surgeons, general surgeons, and cosmetologists. Most of the participants considered that vaginal rejuvenation, “G-spot” augmentation, clitoral surgery, and hymenoplasty are not justifiable on medical grounds. Regarding ethical considerations, more than half of the participants considered that vaginal rejuvenation, “G-spot” augmentation, clitoral surgery, and hymenoplasty are not ethically accepted. Additionally, the decision to opt for different techniques for vaginal tightening and revitalization should be taken very carefully, utilizing the shared decision-making approach. Ethical aspects and moral considerations are important key factors before embarking in VVAPs purely for cosmetic reasons. Further research is required to determine the sexual, psychological, and body image outcomes for women who underwent elective VVAPs. It is imperative to determine the benefits and impacts on sexual satisfaction postoperatively. Medical educators must consider VVAPs as part of the undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum in order to enhance awareness among medical professionals.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the medical students of the Alfarabi College of Medicine for their active participation in the present research.

References

  • 1
    Alvisi S, GavaG, Orsili I, Giacomelli G, BaldassarreM, Seracchioli R, et al. Vaginal health in menopausal women. Medicina (Kaunas). 2019;55(10):615. Doi: 10.3390/medicina55100615
    » https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100615
  • 2
    Caruso S, Cianci S, Fava V, Rapisarda AMC, Cutello S, Cianci A. Vaginal health of postmenopausal women on nutraceutical containing equol. Menopause. 2018;25(04):430-435. Doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001061
    » https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000001061
  • 3
    Cox P, Panay N. Vulvovaginal atrophy inwomen after cancer. Climacteric. 2019;22(06):565-571. Doi: 10.1080/13697137.2019.1643180
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2019.1643180
  • 4
    Desai SA, Dixit VV. Audit of female genital aesthetic surgery: changing trends in India. J Obstet Gynaecol India. 2018;68(03): 214-220. Doi: 10.1007/s13224-018-1115-7
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s13224-018-1115-7
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    Benincà G, Bosoni D, Vicariotto F, Raichi M. Efficacy and safety of dynamic quadripolar radiofrequency, a new high-tech, highsafety option for vulvar rejuvenation. Obstet Gynecol Rep. 2017;1(03):1-5. Doi: 10.15761/OGR.1000115
    » https://doi.org/10.15761/OGR.1000115
  • 6
    Yodplob T, Sirisopana K, Jongwannasiri M, Sirisreetreerux P, Viseshsindh W, Kochakarn W. Local treatment with a polycarbophil- based cream in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2020;•••;. Doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04282-9
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-020-04282-9
  • 7
    Goldstein AT, Mitchell L, Govind V, Heller D. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of autologous plateletrich plasma intradermal injections for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2019;80(06):1788-1789. Doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.060
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.12.060
  • 8
    Amori P, Di Nardo V, Vitiello G, Franca K, Hercogova J, Wollina U, et al. Primavera: A new therapeutical approach to vulvo-vaginal atrophy. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2018;31(06):e12678. Doi: 10.1111/dth.12678
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.12678
  • 9
    Cohen PR. Genital rejuvenation: the next frontier in medical and cosmetic dermatology. Dermatol Online J. 2018;24(09):13030
  • 10
    González IP, Leibaschoff G, Esposito C, et al. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause and the role of biostimulation with noncross- linked injectable hyaluronic acid plus calcium hydroxyapatite. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2019;33(06):1961-1966. Doi: 10.23812/19-251-L
    » https://doi.org/10.23812/19-251-L
  • 11
    Figo Committee For The Ethical Aspects Of Human Reproduction And Women's Health. Ethical considerations regarding requests and offering of cosmetic genital surgery. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015;128(01):85-86. Doi: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.10.003
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2014.10.003
  • 12
    Hodžić S Ascertaining deadly harms: aesthetics and politics of global evidence. Cult Anthropol. 2013;28(01):86-109. Doi: 10.1111/j.1548-1360.2012.01174.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1548-1360.2012.01174.x
  • 13
    Vieira-Baptista P, Lima-Silva J, Fonseca-Moutinho J, Monteiro V, Águas F. Survey on aesthetic vulvovaginal procedures: what do Portuguese doctors andmedical students think? Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2017;39(08):415-423. Doi: 10.1055/s-0037-1603967
    » https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1603967
  • 14
    Weinberger JM, Houman J, Caron AT, Anger J. Female sexual dysfunction: a systematic review of outcomes across various treatment modalities. Sex Med Rev. 2019;7(02):223-250. Doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.12.004
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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    24 May 2021
  • Date of issue
    Mar 2021

History

  • Received
    27 May 2020
  • Accepted
    03 Dec 2020
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