Exposure to Artworks and Pictures of natural Vulvas: Is there an Effect on Women’s Genital Self-image?

Women often feel self-conscious about their genital appearance due to concerns from limited knowledge about “normal” variation of women’s genitals. In two experiments (study 1: n=158, M=24.27 years; study 2: n=132, M=26.18 years) we tested the effect of artworks and pictures of diverse vulvas on women and their attitudes towards female genitals, female genital self-image, and their attitude towards female genital cosmetic surgery (FGCS). After the presentation of anatomical vulvas, attitudes towards female genitals became more negative on average. Presentation of artistic images of diverse vulvas lead to more positive attitudes towards female genitals. However, positive attitudes towards FGCS also increased. Simply educating about diversity by showing pictures may not be enough to help women increase their genital self-image.