A Vulvar Anatomy Description Comparison Between the Anatomy and Gynecological Textbooks

Abstract

Background As interest in female cosmetic gynecologic procedures grows, understanding the anatomical features of the female external genitalia has become increasingly relevant. The wide variation in morphology of vulva has resulted in the absence of a standard anatomical definition. This study aims to assess how the anatomical structures encompassed by the term vulva are represented in anatomy and gynecology textbooks, focusing on both textual content and visual illustrations. Methods Sixty textbooks (30 gynecology/obstetrics and 30 anatomy), all published in English by international publishers, were systematically reviewed. The frequency of inclusion of specific vulvar structures was recorded. Categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-squared test in SPSS version 25.0. Results The vulva was included in 90% of anatomy and 96.7% of gynecology textbooks. Mons pubis, hymen, and vestibulum vagina were commonly described in both groups, while Skene's glands appeared in 50% of anatomy and 60% of gynecology texts. The inclusion of glandula vestibularis minor was significantly higher in gynecology textbooks (83.3%) compared to anatomy (53.3%) (p < 0.05). Clitoral dimensions and glandula vestibularis major were included in 13.3% and 26.7% of anatomy books and 30% of gynecology books, respectively.. Bulbus vestibuli was absent in 16.7% of anatomy and 40% of gynecology books, with dimension information provided in only 10% of both. Conclusion Although intended for different readerships, anatomy and gynecology textbooks should align on the consistent inclusion of vulvar structures and dimensional data. A more standardized presentation would enhance anatomical education and clinical reference, particularly in surgical and cosmetic contexts.