“Practical self-love”—A qualitative interview study on women participating in Self:Cervix: an online sexual mindfulness and sensitivity course

Abstract

There seems to be an increase in online programs offering courses for women to explore their sexuality and to attain more satisfying sexual experiences beyond the stereotypical penetrative sexual experience. One of these online programs is Self:Cervix (S:C). The pillars of S:C are sexual education about genital anatomy, self-massage to release pain and numbness in the genital area especially the cervix (called “de-armouring”), mindfulness techniques to increase pleasure, and learning about consent. Aim of the study was to analyze in-depth the experiences of S:C participants. Six women (35–41 y) participated in the semi-structured interviews. The transcribed interviews were then analyzed with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four overarching themes were identified: S:C as a desire for change and a challenge, S:C strengthens the awareness for own needs, S:C enhances sensitivity and sensations, and S:C promotes self-compassion. The participating women described not only an increase in sensitivity and orgasmic experiences but also a heightened sense of empowerment and self-compassion. Female sexuality is complex and diverse, thus it seems important to educate about sexuality and empower self-exploration which is central to S:C. Additionally, it seems possible to reduce cervical pain and numbness through self-massage called “de-armouring”.