Why Did They Join? Exploring Participants’ Motivations for Discussing Genital Self-Image

Discussing genital self-image isn’t something that happens every day. It’s a deeply personal topic, often surrounded by silence, taboo, and social discomfort. So what led people to step into a focus group to talk about it openly?

The participants had a range of reasons for joining, from wanting to support research to seeing it as an opportunity for self-reflection. But across all their motivations, one common thread stood out: a desire to break the silence and contribute to a more open, informed, and accepting conversation about female genitalia.

Helping Out and Supporting Research

For some, participation was simply a matter of helping out. A few were personally invited by the researcher or a friend and saw it as a favour (R17). Others recognised that research relies on participants to be meaningful and wanted to contribute to a better understanding of the topic (R13, R26).

Interest in the Topic

For many, the draw was their genuine interest in female bodies, sexuality, or feminism. Some participant were motivated by their own self-consciousness about their genitalia and saw the discussion as an opportunity to reflect. Others wanted to learn more and develop a better understanding of their (relationship to their) own bodies.

Curiosity and Personal Exploration

Beyond general interest, some were specifically curious about how others experience the topic. For one participant (R13), pushing past conversational boundaries in her postnatal support group had made her more comfortable discussing sensitive topics, and she wanted to continue that openness. Another saw the focus group as an opportunity to explore their own complex or gender dysphoric feelings about their vulva.

An Important Yet Rarely Discussed Topic

A recurring theme was frustration over how little female genitalia are talked about. One participant noted that we rarely discuss how women experience their own bodies, femininity, and sexuality. Another pointed out how little is known about female genitalia in general, and that the topic should receive more positive attention.

Some felt that this lack of discussion had left them experiencing their bodies in isolation, without a sounding board to share thoughts or concerns. Being in a space where these experiences could be shared and normalised was, for many, a powerful reason to participate.

A Unique Opportunity to Talk Openly

Given how little these topics come up in daily life, many participants appreciated the focus group as a space to finally talk about them. Some noted that even among close friends, these conversations rarely happen. One participant said she found it refreshing to have the chance to discuss it, while male participants observed that discussions about genital self-image almost never happen in male circles.

Interestingly, some found it easier to discuss these topics with strangers than with close friends. One participant remarked that she could talk more freely with colleagues than with friends, while another noted that the anonymity of the group setting made her feel more comfortable opening up.

Advocating for Change

For many, the decision to participate was about more than just personal interest—it was about making a difference. Some felt it was essential to normalise talking about female genitalia and break down taboos. One woman shared an anecdote about how her boyfriend didn’t even know the word “vulva,” highlighting how much work still needs to be done in terms of awareness.

For some, this commitment to change started at home. One woman described how giving birth to a daughter made her much more conscious of how to raise her in a way that wouldn’t foster insecurity or shame. Other mothers expressed a similar desire to become more comfortable discussing these topics so they could guide their children. A father also joined with the intention of learning more and overcoming his own discomfort, so he wouldn’t pass those feelings of shame onto his daughter.

Beyond personal experiences, some saw their involvement as part of a broader movement for women’s well-being. One participant explicitly stated that she was participating for her daughter and for all women, hoping to improve genital self-image. Others saw the research as having practical applications—one participant pointed out that studies like this could contribute to concrete improvements in women’s health, such as the availability of menstrual products in schools.

More Than Just a Discussion

As a researcher, one of the most rewarding aspects of this project was hearing just how positive the experience was for many participants. A number of participants shared that it felt incredibly validating to hear other women's experiences and to realize they were not alone in their insecurities. For many, the discussion helped dismantle the lingering fear that their concerns or bodies were somehow "abnormal." One participant put it simply:

“It just feels really good to talk about this and to hear that I’m not the only one.”

These comments highlight the power of open, judgment-free discussions—especially around topics that are often left unspoken. Many participants expressed a sense of relief and connection, realizing that what they had worried about privately was, in fact, widely shared.

By talking openly, we can challenge shame, foster understanding, and create spaces where people feel safe discussing their bodies without fear or embarrassment. It is my hope that this is just the start of an ongoing conversation – about our genitalia, the messages we hear about them, the insecurities these create, and the impact they have on our lives.

“Maybe I will talk about this more now. I don’t see why not.”