A review of the psychosocial factors that contribute to sexuality, female sexual dysfunction, and sexual pain among Muslim women

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionSexual pain disorders are complex conditions experienced by women around the world. Muslim women experience sexuality and sexual dysfunction in a distinct manner that is influenced by religious and cultural standards. Muslim women experiencing sexual pain are a unique patient population whose cultural background should be understood by health care professionals to provide culturally competent care.ObjectivesTo identify the psychosocial factors that influence Muslim women’s experience of sexual pain.MethodsA comprehensive review of the literature through PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted to compile information related to sexual dysfunction, sexual pain, and treatment options in the Muslim women population in the United States and internationally.ResultsPainful sex among Muslim women has been associated with female genital cutting, cultural taboos, lack of sex education, absence of language to discuss sex, negative cognitions about sex, expectations to bear the male partner’s inconsiderate sexual performance, and familial interference. Typical treatments for sexual pain in Islamic countries were explored, with new treatments that have recently been tested.ConclusionUnderstanding sexual pain among Muslim women, including the religious and cultural factors that are potentially associated with this pain, is important for health care professionals to care for their Muslim patients in a culturally competent manner and reduce the implicit bias that may affect quality of care. It appears that providing sexual education, with treatment modalities such as psychotherapy and physical therapy, is useful in treating female sexual pain. We suggest that sexual education, as well as a cultural shift that embraces women’s sexual agency, is needed to reduce and prevent sexual pain.