Factors associated with satisfaction with genital selfimage in Brazilian university women

Authors

  • Paula Somavilla Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) – Santa Maria (RS), Brazil.
  • Erisvan Vieira da Silva Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) – Santa Maria (RS), Brazil.
  • Guilherme Tavares de Arruda Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar) – São Carlos (SP), Brazil.
  • Maria Clara Rocha de Oliveira Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) – Santa Maria (RS), Brazil.
  • Melissa Medeiros Braz Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) – Santa Maria (RS), Brazil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/

Keywords:

Women, Genitalia, Sexuality, Risk factors

Abstract

Female Genital Self-Image (GSI) refers to
how women feel about their genitals and can be influenced
by psychological and behavioral aspects of sexual wellbeing.
In Brazil, a recent study investigated the factors
associated with satisfaction with male GSI, but there are
no studies investigating this issue in females. This study
aimed to analyze the factors associated with satisfaction
with GSI among Brazilian university women. This is a
cross-sectional, online study conducted among Brazilian
women (>18 years old) who are university students, and
nulliparous. The Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS)
and a sociodemographic characterization questionnaire were
used. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression
and multiple linear regression based on the FGSIS cutoff
point for female GSI satisfaction and FGSIS total score,
respectively. 915 (24.30±5.48 years) women participated. The
mean total FGSIS score was 21.51 ± 4.59 points. 55.52% of the
women were classified as satisfied with their GSI. Women
who were satisfied with GSI were more likely to report more
frequent sexual activity, more gynecological appointments,
and older age. Black and Mixed-race women were less likely
to be satisfied with GSI than White women. Satisfaction
with GSI among Brazilian university women is associated
with sexual behavior, gynecological consultations, and
sociodemographic factors such as older age and skin color

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Published

2026-07-20

Issue

Section

Original Research

How to Cite

Factors associated with satisfaction with genital selfimage in Brazilian university women. (2026). Fisioterapia E Pesquisa, 33(n cont), e24011526. https://doi.org/10.1590/