Sexual dysfunction, or problems with sexual function, occur to women all over the world.
About 40% of women worldwide experience some form of sexual dysfunction, but not
many seek medical help.¹ One such reason for not seeking medical help may be
religious views and/or cultural upbringing. It is important to understand how a person's
religion and culture can influence their sexual health. Sexual dysfunction can include
issues like low desire, trouble with arousal, inability to orgasm, and pain during sex.
Pain with penile-vaginal intercourse is referred to as dyspareunia (painful intercourse).
Pain with intercourse can also be the result of vestibulodynia (pain at the entrance of
the vagina), vaginismus (tightening of the muscles surrounding the vagina in
anticipation of penetration), pelvic floor dysfunction, infections, issues with the spinal
cord or CNS.
The important aspects of relationships and sexual health can be created by the culture
and religion people identify with. The topic of sexual health is interconnected to the way
we view gender roles, sexual behavior, and explanatory models of sexual dysfunction.²
A subset of women that face sexual dysfunction but have been overlooked in research
and treatment are Muslim women. For Muslim women, who number around 800 million
globally, sexual dysfunction is seldom discussed in research or clinically treated.³ Islam,
a religion that encourages modesty, can influence how women view their sexual health.
Cultures associated with Islam may contort or exaggerate the extent to which Islam
views sexuality and modesty. For example, many South Asian cultures are often
conservative about sex, which can make it hard for women to discuss sexual issues.
Sex education is often absent or framed primarily through religious and cultural lenses.
These experiences shape their psychosocial health and well-being, and when negative,
they can contribute to sexual dysfunction.⁴ Muslim women experience sexual
dysfunction like other women, including arousal, desire, penetration and orgasmic
disorders that relate to biologic and psychological elements. Islam, itself, is a sex-
positive religion, viewing intimacy within marriage as both a sacred act of worship and a
means of fostering mutual pleasure and connection. However, the patriarchal cultures
that many Muslim women belong to do not encourage them to seek help. In a study
from 2020, 704 Muslims aged 18-45 in the U.S. and Canada responded to a survey. Of
the 86% who identified as cisgender women, 47% answered questions about sexual
dysfunction/sexual pain and 42% of the respondents revealed that they have or have
had a history of sexual pain and/or dysfunction. Of the women who had a history of sex-
related pain, 65% disclosed that they had never sought help for their pain from any
healthcare provider.⁵
Understanding the Islamic views and cultural influences on female sexuality is crucial
for treating sexual dysfunction in Muslim women. It is encouraged for clinicians to ask
their female Muslim patients about their sexual health to foster a safe space that will
allow patients to feel comfortable and share their experiences. Healthcare providers
should also educate Muslim women about sexual dysfunction and offer treatments that
respect cultural beliefs. While Islam is sex positive within the context of marriage, many
cultures that Muslim women identify with, are not. Therefore, displaying cultural
competence as a provider can improve patient care and quality of life for Muslim women
dealing with these issues.⁶
SLE is an autoimmune disorder that not only affects joints, skin, and organs but can impact intimacy. There is emerging evidence that SLE can influence the sexual function of women through both psychological and physical means. Treatments and support can ease symptoms and improve quality of life.
Vulvar aphthae are painful ulcers on the skin of the vulva. They can significantly impact sexuality and sexual function due to the pain and discomfort they cause.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Less is known about the effects of PCOS on sexual health, though several studies have identified a correlation between PCOS and sexual dysfunction and reduced sexual satisfaction.
Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, and often debilitating, skin condition in which painful, inflamed lesions form within the skin. This condition might affect sexual function and sexual health overall given their associated locations in the underarms, breasts, buttocks, inner thighs, and groin.
Recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) are a significant concern for many women, particularly after menopause. The decline in estrogen levels can lead to changes in the urogenital tract, making it more susceptible to infections. Vaginal estrogen therapy is an effective treatment option.
For anyone with ovaries, the stage of life known as menopause will come along sometime between the late 40s and mid 50s. Some of the early symptoms can even be seen in the late 30s. This is a time of profound physical, psychological and hormonal changes, with potential major effects on sexuality and
An estimated 23-33% of vulvar owners have clitoral adhesions.
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a state of decreased sexual desire that has occurred as a change from a previously normally functioning level of desire that is personally bothersome with no clear identifiable initiating factors. Current treatment options are discussed.
Pelvic floor muscles are thin layers of muscle that form a basket to support pelvic organs and their dysfunction can lead to pain disorders or problems with bladder, bowel and sexual functions.
Sexual health concerns are very common after a cancer diagnosis - and often treatable.
It’s easy to forget how important sleep is, but time and again, studies show sleep is critical to many aspects of our health and well being including our energy level, mood, productivity, concentration, weight and sex.
Vestibulodynia is a general term used to describe pain in the vestibule. The vestibule is the tissue within the vulva that sits at the opening of the vagina. The vestibule is the transition between external and internal, just like a vestibule of a building is the entrance.
Vestibulodynia is a general term used to describe pain in the vestibule. The vestibule is the tissue within the vulva that sits at the opening of the vagina. The vestibule is the transition between external and internal, just like a vestibule of a building is the entrance.
Dyspareunia is a general term for pain with penetration during intimate sexual contact (fingers, toy, penis). Deep pelvic pain, or deep dyspareunia, usually emerges because of other existing disorders deep in the pelvis adjacent to or touching the deeper portions of the vagina.
Lichen sclerosus is a common inflammatory disorder that affects the skin in the areas of the anus and genitals, and the most common condition among women seen in specialty clinics.
Vulvar dermatoses are skin disorders that affect the vulva, causing itching, burning and discomfort. These dermatologic conditions may include a type of vulvodynia, or chronic pain in the vulva. Unlike other types of vulvar pain in which there are no visible symptoms, with vulva dermatoses there ar
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a condition characterized by several signs and symptoms attributed to low estrogen levels, often associated with menopause. GSM is a very common problem that can result in vaginal dryness, sexual pain, and urinary concerns.
Persistent genital arousal disorder was first described by Leiblum and Nathan in 2001 and was initially called Persistent Sexual Arousal Syndrome (PSAS). The name was changed to PGAD in 2006 because the condition was due to a genital arousal problem rather than a sexual arousal problem. Genitop
Lichen planus is an uncommon inflammatory disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth and genitals.
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The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is established to promote research and exchange of knowledge in the field of female sex
uality. ISSWSH is on the cutting edge of research and education in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s sexual health concerns. Visit ISSWSH.org to learn more.
This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The materials on this website are for general educational information only and are not a substitute for a patient-healthcare professional relationship. Your use of this website does not establish a relationship with a healthcare professional.
The International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) is established to promote research and exchange of knowledge in the field of female sexuality. ISSWSH is on the cutting edge of research and education in the diagnosis and treatment of women’s sexual health concerns. Visit ISSWSH.org to learn more.
This website does not provide medical advice. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. The materials on this website are for general educational information only and are not a substitute for a patient-healthcare professional relationship. Your use of this website does not establish a relationship with a healthcare professional.