Introduction
Sexual dysfunction refers to an abnormality or impairment in functionality with respect to sexual activities. This paper seeks to discuss the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and different sexual customs. The paper will look at some of the practices that lead to sexual dysfunction and how such practices cause sexual dysfunctions.
Cultural Effects and Sexual Dysfunction
Practices that are culturally based have been identified as one of the main causes of sexual dysfunction. This was reported with respect to developing desire towards sex, response to sexual stimuli as well as attainment of sexual orgasm. Female genital mutilation is an example of cultural practices that is associated with sexuality. Research carried out indicated significant variation in circumcised women and the uncircumcised with respect to their experience in sex. One of the effects of female circumcision with respect to sex is the developed difficulty with respect to lubrication of the female genitals in readiness for sex. A research conducted by Taha et al. (2010) indicated that circumcised women have a higher probability of failing to respond to sex by failing to secret natural vaginal lubricant.
Developing sexual desires is another effect that has been associated with female circumcision with a higher percentage of circumcised women failing to completely develop sexual desires while this occurrence is negligible in uncircumcised women. The mutilation also negatively affects sexual arousal in women with the circumcised group realizing a less frequent sexual arousal as compared with the uncircumcised (Taha et al., 2010). Similar reports have been reflected by the World Health Organization with respect to research conducted on women in Egypt where female circumcision is a cultural practice. The organization reported that almost seventy percent of women under the study had encountered sexual problems. Problems with developing interest to sex or responding to a partner’s initiatives to sex were common. These dysfunctions are to a large extent associated with the female genital mutilation (World, 2011). The effect of the circumcision which removes the sensitive tissues and establishes tough ones in the genital organs leads to painful intercourse that affects both parties during sex (Women, n.d.).
Behavioral effects
Sexual dysfunctions can also be caused by psychological or behavioral aspects of individual partners. The physical conditions between sex partners plays an important role in sexual functionality and has been identified as one of the reasons that can lead to one of the partners not to respond to sexual advancements by the other. Issues such as ignorance among partners and over sexuality are significant causes of sexual dysfunction (Greenberg et al., 2010). Developed behavior such as drug consumption like smoking and lack of exercises for the body is another cause of dysfunction especially in men (Erectile, n.d.). Identification of sexual disorders have similarly been associated with sexual practices such as “homosexuality and sadomasochistic” practices (Thornhill, 2007, p. 215). The social discrimination towards homosexuals or the unwillingness of a partner with respect to sadomasochistic practice can lead to sexual malfunction during an intercourse (Thornhill, 2007).
Conclusion
The causes of sexual dysfunction are diverse ranging from practices of individuals to cultural practices. Sexual dysfunctions can therefore be controlled by changes of practices in the society that affects sexuality. Governments can also enact policies to protect individuals from practices and influences of other parties that lead to sexual dysfunction.
References
Erectile. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction in young men. Web.
Greenberg et al. (2010). Exploring the Dimensions of Human Sexuality. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Taha et al. (2010). Sexual side effects of female genital mutilation/ cutting may be type dependent: a hospital based study. Web.
Thornhill, J. (2007). NMS Psychiatry. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Women. (n.d.). Female genital mutilation. Web.
World. (2011). Female genital mutilation and other harmful practices. Web.