Vulvar Dimensions in Adult Women From Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background In previous studies, the authors have attempted to define normal measurements of external female genitalia, but results showed significant variability, and the populations studied were highly heterogeneous. In this study, the authors provide standard vulvar dimensions and, to their knowledge, represent the largest homogeneous cohort investigated on this topic to date. Objectives The aim of the authors of this study is to obtain a precise understanding of vulvar anatomy in the southern Chinese population and provide accurate data for aesthetic gynecologic surgery. Methods This cross-sectional prospective study was conducted by the Gynecology Department of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital from January 2017 to December 2018. The study included women, all of whom were from southern China. Data on various vulvar measurements were collected for 9 parameters, including clitoral prepuce length, clitoral glans length and width, clitoris-to-urethra distance, urethra-to-vagina distance, vagina-to-perineum distance, perineal body length, and labia majora length and width. Additionally, baseline characteristics were recorded. Results A total of 1154 women completed the study. The mean age was 36 years (standard deviation [SD] 10), and the mean BMI was 22 (SD 3). The mean (±SD) clitoral glans length and width were 6.59 (±2.86) mm and 5.34 (±2.56) mm, respectively. The mean length from the vagina to the perineum was 6.81 (±3.43) mm, and the mean perineal body length was 21.70 (±4.88) mm. Statistical analysis indicated that women who underwent vaginal delivery had a wider vulva. Compared with women who had vaginal delivery, those who had a cesarean section tended to have smaller vulvar parameters. Additionally, multiparous women had a larger vulva than women who had only undergone a single vaginal delivery. Conclusions In this study, the authors provide a comprehensive baseline database of vulvar measurements in the Han ethnic population in China, which could be used to establish standards for aesthetic gynecologic surgery. Level of Evidence: 4 (Therapeutic)