Genital body image: A brief review and future directions

Genital body image or genital self-image encompasses an individual’s attitudes, feelings, and behaviours surrounding their own genitals. Despite the crucial importance of genitals in propagating the human species, genital body image remains a highly understudied concept in broader body image research. Nevertheless, the existing literature suggests a sizeable percentage of people across the gender spectrum experience dissatisfaction with their genital size, shape and/or form. This paper provides a brief summary of the existing genital body image research, focusing on sociocultural factors of influence such as media representations of genital ideals and peer and partner commentaries on genitals, as well as the impacts of genital body image concerns such as poorer sexual and psychological well-being and consideration of cosmetic genital procedures and surgeries. This paper additionally discusses current educational interventions and programs which aim to promote a positive genital body image. The paper also identifies gaps in current research and important suggestions for future research including greater inclusivity of gender, sexual orientation and ethnic diversity, given often radically different perspectives on genital body image, as well as recognition of the rapidly changing landscape of genital representations in media such as amateur pornography and pornographic content on OnlyFans. The paper concludes with recommendations for the inclusion of genital body image content in existing body image programs and other genital body image intervention needs. We hope that this discussion results in greater recognition of the concept of genital body image and prompts the establishment of new collaborations and initiatives.