Abstract

SILVA, Ana Carolina de M.; SEI, Maíra B.  and  VIEIRA, Rebeca B. de A. P.. Family, religion, and sex education among women with vaginismus: a qualitative study. Psicol. teor. prat. [online]. 2021, vol.23, n.3, pp. 1-24. ISSN 1516-3687.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/1980-6906/ePTPCP13276.

The diagnosis and treatment of vaginismus are complex, involving biopsychological factors and insufficient etiological assessment. For this reason, we discuss the aspects implicated in vaginismus concerning religion, family, and sex education from the perspective of women affected by vaginismus. This qualitative, exploratory study addressed nine women who experienced vaginismus, accompanied by dyspareunia or not. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using content analysis. The results are distributed into two categories: learned concepts about sex and searching for knowledge to fill in information gaps concerning sexuality and sexual dysfunctions. Inadequate sex education leads to ignorance, rigidity, and misconceptions, generating insecurity. Thus, it is relevant to instruct and sensitize families, workers, and those in religious contexts regarding a healthy and constructive way to address sexuality while respecting beliefs and values. There is also a need to improve the health care services provided to this population.

Keywords : vaginismus; sex education; religion; family relations; sexuality.

        · abstract in Portuguese | Spanish     · text in English | Portuguese     · English ( pdf ) | Portuguese ( pdf )