2 Women’s Health Taboos
In today’s world, women’s health is still surrounded by many taboos, which makes it difficult for many women to discuss their health issues. This poses a significant challenge for gynecologists and healthcare providers to reach out to women and educate them about basic women’s health issues.
Two of the most common issues that women hesitate to talk about are sexual dysfunction and aesthetic gynecology. These are sensitive topics, and many women find it challenging to speak about them openly.
Sexual Dysfunction in Women
Female sexual dysfunction affects 40% of women worldwide. It refers to a wide range of problems that women may experience during any stage of the sexual response cycle. These issues can include a lack of sexual desire, difficulty becoming aroused, and problems reaching orgasm. Pelvic organ prolapse is another common issue that impacts 25-50% of women. It occurs when the muscles and tissues that support the pelvic organs weaken, causing them to drop down into the vaginal canal.
In addition to social media platforms that have their own restricted rules for words and pictures that can be used for captions and posts, many cultural limitations, rules, and regulations in local health authorities make this job tougher. Thus, it’s essential to find ways to cover these subjects that won’t be detectable as sensitive words on social media platforms while still addressing the importance of women’s health.
Sex & Intimacy
One suggestion is to use the word “intimacy” or “intimate” instead of “sex” in education and advertisements. This approach helps to avoid triggering social media platforms’ detection systems, which can ban posts that contain the word “sex.”
It’s important to recognize that sexual dysfunction and intimacy are not the same things. Intimacy refers to the closeness between people in personal relationships. It can include physical or emotional closeness or even a mix of the two. But intimacy is not another word for sex. It’s possible to have sex without intimacy, as well as intimacy without sex. And it shouldn’t be reserved purely for sexual or romantic partners. Intimacy plays a role in other types of relationships, too, including those with family, friends, and other trusted individuals.
The challenge for women’s health may involve addressing the cultural expectations and stereotypes around intimacy and sex and recognizing that intimacy can take many different forms. Additionally, it may involve addressing the stigma and shame around certain types of intimacy, such as same-sex intimacy or non-sexual intimacy between friends.
Different Types of Intimacy and Their Impact on Women’s Health
To figure out what intimacy means to you, consider the following types of intimacy:
- Emotional Intimacy: Emotional intimacy is what allows you to tell your loved ones personal things that you might not necessarily share with an unknown person. It’s the closeness you build over time as you connect with someone, grow to care about each other, and feel more and more comfortable during your time together. When people feel safe sharing their feelings with each other, even uncomfortable ones, they’re experiencing emotional intimacy.
For example, a woman confides in her sister about her body image issues. She trusts her sibling to offer comfort rather than using her insecurities against her. Emotional intimacy can be developed with siblings, close friends, family, partners, or any other trusted person in your life.
- Intellectual Intimacy: Intellectual intimacy involves getting to know how another person’s mind works and sharing the map of your mind. It builds as you exchange ideas and have meaningful conversations. When people feel comfortable sharing ideas and opinions, even when they disagree, they’re experiencing intellectual intimacy.
For instance, two friends debate the meaning of life. They enjoy hearing each other’s opinions and don’t feel the need to “win” the argument. You can have many of these experiences with your teenage children, parents, close friends, and others. These moments bring you closer because you share intellectual intimacy.
- Physical Intimacy: Physical intimacy is not limited to sexual activity but includes any form of touch or closeness between bodies, such as holding hands, cuddling, or kissing. These actions can occur in both romantic relationships and friendships. It is important to note that not all physical intimacies lead to sex.
- Experiential Intimacy: Emotional intimacy is built through spending quality time with someone and bonding over common interests and activities. This type of intimacy can develop through shared experiences, such as playing video games, participating in team sports, or playing board games like Monopoly.
- Spiritual Intimacy: Spiritual intimacy refers to the shared beliefs and values that exist between two individuals. It can involve a belief in a higher power, a greater purpose, or the interconnectedness of all things. Spiritual intimacy can be expressed through a shared sense of purpose, a deep understanding of each other’s beliefs, or a feeling of being soulmates.
Learn with Dr. Mozhgan
Dr. Mozhgan Sayyad is a prolific doctor with over 25 years of invaluable experience and a proud member of prestigious organizations like the European Society of Aesthetic Gynecology [ESAG], the International Society of Sexual Medicine [ISSM], and the European Society of Sexual Medicine [ESSM]. Dr. Mozhgan is well known for her tremendous service in aesthetic surgeries & non-surgeries, female sexual dysfunction, and other gynecology & obstetrics issues [including STD, Menopause treatment, HPV, and more]. With over two decades of exceptional service, Dr. Mozhgan has wonderfully assisted thousands of women on their journey.
Book an appointment with Dr. Mozhgan and say goodbye to your worries.
