Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo

Photograph: Alamy Stock Photo

A world-first study has found that girls as young as 15 are asking their GPs about genital cosmetic surgery, and are increasingly concerned that their genitals don’t look “normal”.

“The really vulnerable here are young women and teens impressed by what they see online and what a lot of the portrayals are like in pornography. I think we need to be carefully looking at those women and ensuring they are supported and better informed, said lead author of the study, Dr Magdalena Simonis from the University of Melbourne’s department of general practice.

“The question is, why is there demand? It behoves them to look more closely at the psychological background of women and girls and make sure they are well screened for mental health issues, because surgery for mental health issues is not a appropriate therapy.”

– Melissa Davey

Read more: More young girls asking GPs about genetic cosmetic surgery, study finds