Genital self-image and sexual quality of life in sexually active Turkish women: A cross-sectional study

Background Genital self-image and quality of sexual life are not sufficiently clarified by women due to concerns of social stigmatisation or inadequate referral to sexual health services. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between women's genital self-image and quality of sexual life and the factors associated with these concepts. Methods The study was conducted between June 26 and September 20, 2023, using a web-based cross-sectional study design. The study population consisted of 315 sexually active Turkish women. The data were collected via an online questionnaire comprising a Participant Information Form, Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), and he Sexual Quality of Life-Female Questionnaire (SQOL-F). Two-group comparisons were conducted using Student's t-test and Mann Whitney-U test, while three-or-more group comparisons were performed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The relationship between two continuous variables was evaluated using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results The study revealed statistically significant differences between the mean FGSIS score (20.32 ± 3.53), SQOL-F score (76.53 ± 21.20) and various factors, including the presence of urinary incontinence or prolapse, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, decreased sexual desire, dyspareunia, difficulty in reaching orgasm, and decreased vaginal lubrication (p < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant correlation was identified between FGSIS and SQOL-F scores (r s = 0.525, p < 0.001). Conclusion It was noteworthy that women's genital self-image and quality of sexual life were associated with many sexual problems they experienced that caused sexual dysfunction. The findings of this study emphasised the need for sexual education and counseling regarding these problems affecting women's genital self-image and quality of sexual life. Additionally, this study underscores the importance of women's participation in screening and treatment services for problems that may affect their sexuality.