A Prospective Evaluation of Female External Genitalia Sensitivity to Pressure following Labia Minora Reduction and Clitoral Hood Reduction.

Background: Little research has been conducted into the effects of labiaplasty on sensitivity of external genitalia. This study aimed to determine the effect of labia minora and clitoral hood reduction using the edge resection technique on external genitalia sensitivity.

Methods: Female subjects electing to undergo labia minora and clitoral hood reduction were enrolled. Subjects underwent sensitivity testing using monofilaments at five locations (one at the clitoral hood and four labial with each labium measured 0.5 cm from the leading edge and 1.5 cm distal to the hymen) at baseline; 2 weeks; and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Self-evaluations using the Sexual Function Questionnaire were performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively.

Results: Thirty-seven subjects undergoing labia minora and clitoral hood reduction were enrolled. Subjects experienced a median increase in sensitivity at month 6 of 0.118 mN at the 0.5-cm right labial location (p = 0.027) and 0.059 mN at the 0.5-cm left labial location (p = 0.046) compared with baseline. No change in sensitivity was demonstrated at the clitoral hood or either of the 1.5-cm labial locations. At 6 months, an increase in the number of sexual relations was observed in 44.1 percent of subjects (p = 0.011), an improvement in orgasm frequency was exhibited by 35.3 percent of subjects (p = 0.013), and an increase in orgasm strength was observed in 35.3 percent of subjects (p = 0.006).

Conclusion: Labia minora and clitoral hood reduction as performed by the trim/edge resection method does not result in diminished sensitivity.

Clinical Question/level Of Evidence: Therapeutic, IV.