If the reason for making these changes is driven by a desire to look more “normal”, you should consider if it is really necessary and consider the consequences involved. Remember that everybody is different and that it’s important not to compare yourself with others.
There is an increased trend in modifications like shaving pubic hair or undergoing genital cosmetic surgery, which could in part be influenced by increased access to pornographic material online. Remember – the images displayed in pornography are often unrealistic or enhanced and should not be used to decide what’s “normal”.
A common modification to the body is removing unwanted pubic hair. The decision to keep or remove pubic hair can be influenced by social norms and varies from culture to culture. It is a personal choice whether or not to remove the hair, but it is not necessary. There are several ways to remove pubic hair, including shaving, waxing, hair removal cream, and electrolysis. Before attempting any of these for the first time, it is best to discuss it with someone that you trust.
Just as some people get their ears pierced, others choose to pierce their genitals and/or nipples with jewelry. There are different reasons why people make the decision to pierce their genitals. Some say that piercings are a unique way of expressing and affirming their sexuality. Others report that piercings enhance sexual enjoyment for both themselves and their partners. As with any other form of piercing or body art, genital piercings are also chosen for their aesthetic value.
Whether you are thinking about getting your first piercing or you have one already, there are procedures you can follow to minimize the health risks. Health risks increase when piercings are done in the genital area because of increased vulnerability to infection, risks of scarring or tearing, and the sensitive nature of this area.
It is not recommended that anyone practice self-piercing, and needles should never be shared under any circumstances. It is possible to spread severe infections, such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C, through improper piercing practices. If you do choose to get a genital piercing, it is important to have it done in a safe place by a credible service provider. It is also a good idea to speak with a doctor before going ahead with it.
Male circumcision involves the surgical removal of the foreskin, which covers and protects the head (glans) of the penis. Rates of circumcision vary greatly between countries and regions of the world. The decision to circumcise is often influenced by religion, ethnicity, social and cultural norms, and sometimes by hygienic or medical concerns.
Position statements issued by health related associations in various countries differ in their endorsement of circumcision as a beneficial medical procedure. It is best to speak with your doctor to learn more about this procedure and to determine if it’s right for you or your son.
According to the World Health Organization, female genital cutting includes all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The practice of female genital cutting is heavily influenced by religion, ethnicity, and cultural and social norms in certain countries and regions of the world. The decision to undergo female genital cutting is often made for a girl or woman by her family or community.
Female genital cutting is internationally recognized as a harmful practice and a violation of girls’ and women’s rights to life, physical integrity, and health. Immediate and long-term health risks and complications can be serious and life-threatening. Performing or assisting in female genital cutting is a criminal offence in Canada.
The SOGC is opposed to female genital cutting, but recognizes that women who have been subjected to it are often discriminated against, and do require, as every woman does, compassionate medical care and attention.
While there are surgical procedures available to change the appearance of the genitals, to enhance the size of a penis, for example, or change the shape of a vagina or breasts, cosmetic surgery is a serious procedure that can involve permanent consequences. The decision to undergo cosmetic procedures of any kind should be carefully and thoroughly considered.
Body parts come in different sizes and shapes. Images of genitals portrayed online and in pornography do not portray the range of normal variation in size, shape, colour, or symmetry. The genitals change in size and shape throughout adolescence; it is wise to wait until those changes are complete before considering surgery. It is important to know that genitals continue to change in size and shape for females – during pregnancy and again at menopause. Speak with your health care provider to discuss your concerns about your body and your interest in cosmetic surgery.
Sex reassignment surgery is the alteration of genitalia or other physical sexual characteristics to resemble those of the opposite sex. A person with male body parts whose gender identity is female may choose to undergo sex reassignment surgery to change their body parts to align with those of their gender identity. In the same way, a person can change their female body parts to male body parts.
Access to sex reassignment surgery is very limited in Canada and can be very costly. A variety of intersex surgical options also exist to improve functions of an intersex body or to reduce the negative social and psychological impacts of having ambiguous genitalia.
It is a personal choice to undergo such surgery – one that should be considered carefully, and with the advice of a health care team with particular expertise.