Relationship between sexual myths and sexual function among women

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the relationship between sexual myths and sexual function among women. Background Sexual myths are false beliefs about sexuality that are not related to proven scientific evidence. They are spread through the transmission of false and exaggerated information and are shaped and fueled by the imagination of the community. Patients and methods The current study was carried out after approval by the Dermatology and Andrology Department and Medical Ethics Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University. Results There was no statistically significant relationship between sexual function and sexual myths among women, such as immoral woman initiates sexual activity, seafood increases desire, fatty meals increase desire, first sexual intercourse is always painful, blood is a sign of virginity, masturbation could rupture hymen, as well as masturbation is harmful (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant relationship between sexual function and sexual myths among women such as oral sex is religiously forbidden, oral sex transmits infection, female sexual areas are dirty, genital cutting prevents sexual arousal, pregnancy decreases desire, intercourse is forbidden during pregnancy, as well as women have less sexual desire (P > 0.05). Conclusion From the results of the present study, we have found that participants had a high number of wrong beliefs. Despite the presence of these myths among women, there was no effect on sexual function, as majority of cases have fair sexual function.