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Pleasure, Orgasm, and Sexual Mutilations in Different Cultural Settings

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Cultural Differences and the Practice of Sexual Medicine

Part of the book series: Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine ((TASM))

Abstract

Female genital mutilation (FGM), perhaps among the most culturally determined surgical practices in the world today, profoundly impacts quality of life in women. However, in some women who have undergone FGM, sexuality—specifically pleasure and orgasm—might be spared. Such controversial and paradoxical outcomes may be explained by adopting a dutiful sociocultural and historical perspective, allowing the clinician to manage sexual problems related to FGM while also showing respect for a woman’s cultural beliefs, needs, and expectations. While, on the one hand, it is critically important to advocate strongly for the abolition of FGM, on the other, healthcare professionals should understand the impact of FGM on women’s well-being and be trained to assess and treat possible sexual complications with a prejudice-free attitude.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Systems Medicine, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Erika Limoncin

  2. Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Filippo M. Nimbi

  3. Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Emmanuele A. Jannini

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  1. Erika Limoncin
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  2. Filippo M. Nimbi
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  3. Emmanuele A. Jannini
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Department, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA

    David L. Rowland

  2. Chair of Endocrinology and Medical Sexology (ENDOSEX), Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy

    Emmanuele A. Jannini

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Limoncin, E., Nimbi, F.M., Jannini, E.A. (2020). Pleasure, Orgasm, and Sexual Mutilations in Different Cultural Settings. In: Rowland, D., Jannini, E. (eds) Cultural Differences and the Practice of Sexual Medicine. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-36222-5_14

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