Belief in sexual myths and sociocultural factors associated with vaginismus: a case-control study in Turkish women.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the relationship between belief in sexual myths and the presence of vaginismus, and to evaluate the influence of sociodemographic and cultural factors on sexual myth endorsement among Turkish women.

Material and methods: This case-control study included women diagnosed with vaginismus and an equal number of age-matched women without sexual dysfunction. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the sexual myths scale (SMS). Comparative analyses were conducted to assess differences in total and subscale scores between groups, and multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive role of sociodemographic variables on belief in sexual myths.

Results: Women with vaginismus (n=40) had significantly higher total scores on the SMS compared to the control group (n=40; p<0.001). Subscale analyses revealed that myths related to sexuality, gender roles, and sexual morality were more strongly endorsed by women with vaginismus. Multiple regression analysis showed that lower education level, conservative family background, and rural upbringing were significant predictors of stronger belief in sexual myths (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that belief in sexual myths is more prevalent among women with vaginismus and is influenced by key sociodemographic and cultural factors. Addressing these beliefs through culturally sensitive education and psychosexual interventions may enhance the effectiveness of vaginismus treatment.