New research finds porn and online media are fuelling significant anxiety around genital appearance amongst young women in Australia

A new survey by Women’s Health Victoria and YouGov has found that almost one quarter of women aged 18-24 feel anxious, embarrassed or unhappy about the appearance of their labia, which can have damaging impacts on their physical, mental and sexual health and wellbeing.  

The research shows that a significant number of Australian women and gender diverse people are seeking out female genital cosmetic surgery on their labia, with evidence suggesting that the prevalence of mainstream porn and online media are some of the key drivers, particularly amongst younger people.  Better education of Australian GPs on labia diversity, more inclusive relationship and sexual education in all schools, and faster progress on the Australian Government’s regulation of young people’s access to online pornography, are crucial if we are to address the shame and anxiety that is driving labiaplasty rates, the leading feminist health organisation said.   

Women’s Health Victoria has today unveiled a new and updated version of the Labia Library website, featuring an expanded gallery of 104 unaltered and diverse photographs of vulvas and labia to help show people just how unique all labia are.