Cosmetic Vaginal Surgery Claims Questioned

Linda Cardozo, Professor of Urogynaecology and Consultant Gynaecologist for Women's Health at Kings College London has expressed concerns about the increasing amount of vaginal surgery procedures being undertaken for cosmetic reasons. Professor Cardozo is concerned at the amount of press being given to claims of 'satisfied customers' by both the media.

Professor Cardozo was speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 7th International Scientific Meeting last September, making a point that there simply is not any medical literature to substantiate claims about cosmetic vaginal surgery.

Professor Cardozo explained that whilst there has been growing interest in cosmetic vaginal surgery over recent years, and increasing coverage in the popular press, there is very little scientific evidence to assist gynaecological surgeons as to risks and measure of effectiveness of such procedures.

So what are the cosmetic procedures to which Cardozo referrs, for example there is labiaplasty which reduces the size of the labia. Hymenoplasty which restores the hymen, and 'vaginal rejuvenation'. If women who are interested in cosmetic vaginal surgery were aware of the lack of the scientific medical literature pertaining to this field it is unlikely they would be comfortable proceeding with such surgery. Further, literature pertaining to pelvic reconstructive surgery points out that repeated surgery on the vagina increases the likelihood of scarring, loss of sensation and a diminishing sexual function; quite the contrary to the likely reason for considering the procedure.

Cardozo suggested that for those considering cosmetic vaginal surgery as a way to restore sexual function should seriously consider other less physiologically invasive options first.

It would seem there is some way to go before the benefits or otherwise of cosmetic vaginal surgery are fully understood.