practices such as puberty rituals, bodily decorations
and courtship ceremonies take place all over the
world. These practices are often the symbols that
demonstrate how we belong to a particular cultural
group. There are some practices that have implications
for your sexual well being.
genital mutilation (FGM)
known as female genital cutting and female circumcision,
FGM is a traditional practice in some cultures.
FGM is any procedure which involves the partial
or total removal of the external female genitalia
or any other deliberate injury to the female genital
organs. This procedure is explained within terms
of cultural or religious practices, but remains
a serious health hazard to those women who are
subjected to it.
immediate medical risks include severe pain, shock,
haemorrhage, infection, urine retention and ulceration
of the genital area. The long term consequences
include cysts and abscesses, damage to the urethra,
infection and infertility. Sexual intercourse
may well be painful. Many suffer in silence, but
may well have serious physical and psychological
reactions to FGM in any form.
significant health risks to women raise serious
doubts about the cultural and religious significance
and importance of continuing this practice.
is illegal in some countries. Family Planning
Associations are closely monitoring the risks
to women's health that FGM causes. If you have
any concerns about this issue contact your national
order for this procedure to be safe, it must be
performed in clinically hygienic conditions, with
sterilised instruments and by practitioners who
are fully aware of the health risks and pain association
with this medical procedure. (see also checklist)
sex is a sexual practice which involves penetrative
vaginal sex where the woman has a dry vagina.
Sometimes herbs are used to increase the dryness.
Dry sex increases the risks of sexually transmitted
infections, including HIV. Dry sex can also make
sex a painful experience for women. There is a
widely held belief that women who have moist vaginas
are sexually 'immoral'. Women's vaginas become
moist naturally in order to assist penetrative
sex. Most women are able to produce this natural
lubrication. Being 'ready for sex' does not mean
that you are ready for sex with anyone, and not
being 'ready for sex' i.e. dry, is very painful
for the woman. ( see also Foreplay and intimacy