(193) HOW MUCH OF THE GENITAL AREA CAN PEOPLE ACTUALLY SEE DIRECTLY WITH THEIR OWN EYES? AN ASSESSMENT OF GENITAL VISUAL FIELDS IMPORTANT FOR CISGENDER AND TRANSGENDER PEOPLE

Abstract Introduction The genitals are an area which can be predisposed to the development of a variety of lesions. Many conditions such as infections, genital pain and wound care require patients to assess their genitalia. Urologic, Gynaecologic, and other surgeons who operate on the genital area, as well as Primary Care Physicians assume that patients can see this area clearly to monitor this area for changes. However, no literature to date assesses how much of the genital area is commonly visible. Objective We aimed to: 1) Query both individuals with natal birth anatomy and transgender individuals post-gender-affirming surgery the extent of genital visibility on their own bodies without the aid of a mirror or camera, and: 2) Query whether patient age and BMI predict visibility in genital sub-fields. Methods 195 individuals completed an anonymous survey (82 cisgender women; 89 cisgender men; and 12 transgender women; 12 transgender men) for this study. No subjects had visual or physical deficits. Each was shown an anatomic illustration with genital anatomy subdivided into various subfields (Fig. 1a, b). Subjects identified each field they are able to see with their own eyes, on their body, without the aid of a camera or mirror. Age, and BMI were recorded. Logistic regression was performed for visibility based upon age and BMI. Results Average visibility decreased more posteriorly on the visual field for all genders. A majority of men were able to see to the level of their scrotum, and visibility precipitously decreased posterior to the clitoris for women. For cisgender women, 44-91% could not see their vulva below their clitoris. For cisgender men, 23-82% could not see below their scrotum. With increasing BMI, visibility significantly decreased starting at the penile glans for men. Interestingly, BMI was not a significant predictor of field-visibility for women (Fig. 1c, d). Conclusions Visibility of the genital area is limited posterior to the clitoris among women and posterior to the lower half of the scrotum among men respectively. BMI is only noted to be significant in cisgender men. This is the first study to describe how much of the genital area is directly visible to patients. Disclosure No.