epublishing store: Intro
Sexual Health eBook Volume3
Chapter 11Sex and Sexual Dysfunctions in the Middle Eastern Culture, Hussein Ghanem and Ahmed El-SakkaThe Middle East comprises a diverse group of nations with varied religious
and social backgrounds. Attitudes toward sex are diverse and greatly influenced
by interactions with Western and Eastern civilizations. An issue like polygamy,
which is completely accepted in several gulf Arab states, is quite unusual
and frowned upon by intellectuals in Arab north African states, Lebanon, Syria,
and Iraq. On the other hand, issues like virginity at marriage are uniformly
similar in almost all Arab countries. Sexuality education is quite limited
and desperately needed.
A simple issue like masturbation is still surrounded by myths about its potential
dangers. Male circumcision is a standard practice of all three major religions
(Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) in all Middle Eastern countries. Female
genital mutilation (female circumcision) has been perpetuated by myths surrounding
the practice and is still common in Egypt and African countries—despite many
governmental and nongovernmental efforts to stop the practice. Male circumcision
and conservative sexual attitudes have been suggested as factors explaining
the low HIV-virus prevalence in the
Middle East.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) risk factors and comorbidities are also quite prevalent
in these communities. Erectile dysfunction is being recognized as a health
issue. With psychogenic factors comprising 20 percent of cases, and organic
factors comprising 80 percent (El-Sakka, 2004; Feldman, Goldstein, Hatzichristou,
Krane, & McKinlay, 1994).
Multiple regional factors and social backgrounds contribute to the attitudes
toward sex in the Middle East. This chapter will focus on Arab family structure,
sexuality education, social norms and gender differences, marriage and polygamy,
sexual practices, masturbation, circumcision, and unconsummated marriages.
We will end the chapter by discussing medical issues such as male sexual dysfunction
and sexually transmitted infections in the Middle Eastern population. Sexual Health eBook Volume3 Chapter 11 $20 http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=104436&ProductID=3537181
Back to the list
|
