Is there a difference in female sexuality in urban and rural areas: an Egyptian experience

Abstract

Background There are known variations in social, cultural, demographic, and health characteristics across urban and rural residence areas that affect the sexual behavior and degree of sexual knowledge and beliefs between urban and rural couples. Objective The aim of our work was to compare female sexuality among urban and rural married women in a sample of Egyptian women. Patients and methods The study included 404 women, who were equally distributed regarding residence between rural and urban areas. All the women answered a self-report questionnaire including 25 questions, and other questions were added to suit the purpose of the study. Privacy was guaranteed for all the participants. Results No significant differences were observed in sexual activity between women living in urban areas and those living in rural areas. However, four statistically significant differences were observed. Urban women reported more initiation of coitus, preferred more man on top as a sexual position, more of them reported not having enough time for foreplay as a cause of inability to have orgasms, and more of them stated that the purpose of intercourse was having pleasure for them and their husbands. Conclusion Rural and urban communities in Egypt differ from each other in a few sexual aspects. A significantly high percentages of Egyptian women are still exposed to female genital cutting.