Sexuality Research Articles

Women’s perceptions of hysterectomy and alternative surgical treatments for benign pelvic pathologies: A Literature Review

Background: The evolving landscape of new technologies offering minimally invasive options for the treatment of benign pelvic diseases present with varying effectiveness and safety profiles. This raises questions regarding how patients make treatment decisions. Patients may perceive risk or benefits of a device/treatment differently than physicians or regulators responsible for determining whether a new device can be marketed. Methods: We reviewed publications in PubMed investigating patients’ perceptions of surgical treatments for benign pelvic pathology, including perceived benefits and risks. In addition, we explored the social and cultural factors influencing these perceptions and treatment decisions. Results: We included 16 studies in our literature review. Factors which were identified to influence women’s perceptions include: symptom relief; surgical complications and recovery times; impact on periods; child-bearing capacity; femininity; sexual desire and sexual dysfunction; cosmetic effects; emotional effects and risk of cancer. Our review revealed some heterogeneity in patients’ perspectives on factors (including benefits and risks) associated with surgical treatments for benign pelvic pathology. Women’s intrinsic factors including age, race, sexuality and child-bearing status may influence how they perceive the potential effects of their surgical options and influence their treatment decision. Conclusions: It is important to understand the trade-offs patients make as they consider competing surgical treatment options. Patient preference information from future patient studies could quantify patient perspective thereby providing additional information to patients, clinicians, current and prospective device developers. In addition, it may be used by regulators in their evaluation of surgical devices for the treatment of benign pelvic disease.

As folhas de videiras das Evas da Ilha de Marajó e a (des)construção de narrativas arqueológicas

A teoria queer tem possibilitado uma auto-reflexão à Arqueologia sobre a maneira como constrói a sua definição sobre o “outro” do passado a partir do espelhamento de valores e conceitos hegêmonicos. Diante disto, interpretações cisheteronormativas sobre as sociedades pretéritas têm sido questionadas, visando construir maneiras alternativas de representar o passado, sobretudo, no que diz respeito a gênero e sexualidade. Interpretações arqueológicas têm sugerido, desde a segunda metade do século XIX, que as tangas de cerâmica da fase marajoara eram usadas exclusivamente por mulheres e isto tem sido reproduzido até os dias de hoje. Este artigo revisita, a partir da crítica da Arqueologia Queer, a bibliografia referente às tangas cerâmicas com o intuito de compreender como esta ideia foi formatada, visando também confrontar os dados contextuais disponíveis.

Book Review: Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible

Book Review: Vindicating the Vixens: Revisiting Sexualized, Vilified, and Marginalized Women of the Bible

Sexualidade e envelhecimento da mulher: uma intervenção da Terapia Ocupacional

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar a percepção de mulheres adultas mais velhas e idosas acerca de sua sexualidade, por meio da utilização de um grupo de atividades. Estudo longitudinal, exploratório, descritivo, intervencional e qualitativo. Participaram seis mulheres com média de idade de 61,3 anos. A análise geral evidenciou que as participantes acreditam ser possível manter a sexualidade no envelhecimento, assim como acreditam que o conceito de sexualidade vai muito além do ato sexual em si.

Adolescent sex education: Prevalence, sources and perspective among senior secondary school students in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State

Background: Adequate sex education is an essential tool for all adolescents. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of adolescents who have had access to sexuality education, their source and their perspective to sexuality education in Obio/Akpor local government area (LGA) of Rivers State. Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive school based study. A multistage sampling method was used to select four secondary schools (two public and two private) in Obio/Akpor LGA of Rivers State. The study participants were recruited by simple balloting from the senior secondary classes. The study instrument was a pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were analysed with Epi Info version 7.2.2.16 statistical programme. In all cases, a value of P Results: One thousand one hundred and ten participants were recruited for the study, ages ranged from 13 to 19 years with a mean age of 15.5 ± 1.6 years. Majority (91.9%) of the participants have been taught sex education. More males and students from public schools had not been taught sex education. Sources of sex education were school (58.3%) and parents (13.5%). Most (74.0%) of the students preferred a school-based sex education taught by their teachers and 96.5% supports sex education to be incorporated into the school curriculum. Furthermore, majority of the students acknowledged that sex education will help them prevent sexually transmitted infection and HIV/AIDS, pregnancy and help them relate better with the opposite sex. Conclusion: It is concluded that every child irrespective of the gender, school type be given access to adequate sex education. Parents and teachers are encouraged to ensure that the appropriate age-specific information is given to the children to prevent them from accessing wrong information from unreliable sources. There is need to incorporate sex education into the secondary school curriculum.

Race and Sexuality

Race and Sexuality

남자 대학생의 섹슈얼리티에 대한 근거이론적 연구 : 이중적 성규범에 기반 한 성경험을 중심으로

본 연구의 목적은 근거이론을 활용해 남자 대학생의 섹슈얼리티를 구성하는 핵심적인 경험과 이에 영향을 미치는 조건들을 살펴보고, 남자 대학생의 섹슈얼리티를 유형화하는 것이다. 남자 대학생의 섹슈얼리티를 분석한 결과 개방코딩에서 142개의 개념과 48개의 하위범주, 24개의 상위범주를 도출했다. 패러다임 모형에서 남자 대학생의 섹슈얼리티의 중심현상은 ‘이중적 성규범에 기반 한 성경험’이었으며, 인과적 조건은 성적 호기심과 성적 욕구, 남성집단 내 인정욕구였다. 이중적 성규범에 영향을 미치는 맥락적 조건에는 야동 보기, 자위하기, 남학교 및 군대 성문화가 포함되었고, 중재적 조건에는 성교육의 부족이 포함되었으며, 작용/상호작용 전략에는 대학 성교육 수강, 현실적이고 진정한 사랑, 성적자기결정권이 포함되었다. 그 결과 올바른 성인식과 이성관계의 변화가 나타났다. 선택코딩에서 남자 대학생들의 섹슈얼리티는 ‘통합적 유형’, ‘성찰적 유형’, ‘혼란 유형’, ‘현실타협적 유형’, ‘강화 유형’으로 나타났다.

With or without you? Dreaming about the romantic partner – A case study

Romantic relations do not only play a major role in pop songs like the U2 song “With or without you” but also in “real” life. Empirical data support the continuity hypothesis of dreaming as romantic partners are quite prominent in dreams; however, content analytic studies of partner dreams are quite scarce. The present dream series over a four-year time period (included a romantic relationship) of a female dreamer included 132 dream reports. Partner-related activities (sexuality, friendly interactions) are more prominent in dreams with the partner compared to dreams without the partner. After separation, the friendly interactions in partner dreams decreased and negative emotions increased. This single-case study might stimulate research to take a closer look on ex-partner dreams and test whether they are helpful – also within a clinical context (psychotherapy) – in coping with the separation.

The Cultural Importance of Diachronic Analysis of Literary Texts in Relation to Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language: Sexuality and Gender in The Ring of the Dove

espanolEsta investigacion surgio de la necesidad de reflexionar sobre temas relacionados con el genero, especialmente en relacion con la teoria Queer, la inversion y la polarizacion de genero, en El Collar de la paloma de Ibn Hazm de Cordoba. El objetivo de este estudio es ofrecer perspectivas mas amplias en la ensenanza del arabe, con enfasis en la importancia de la conciencia cultural con respecto a las cuestiones relacionadas con el sexo y el genero. La metodologia aplicada en la investigacion consiste en analisis literario selectivo, comparacion, yuxtaposicion y contraste de hallazgos previos sobre el tema contrastando el texto principal en diferentes versiones. Como resultado de nuestra investigacion, podemos reafirmar algunos hallazgos ya establecidos y tambien contribuir con nuevos sobre la autonomia sexual presentados en el tratado. En conclusion, hasta cierto punto, El collar de la paloma esta liberado de las cadenas dogmaticas medievales con respecto a la sexualidad y la afiliacion de genero. EnglishThis research emerged out of the need to reflect on gender-related issues, especially regarding Queer Theory, gender inversion and gender polarisation, in The Ring of the Dove by Ibn Hazm of Cordoba. The objective of this study is to give broader perspectives in teaching Arabic, with emphasis on the importance of the cultural awareness regarding issues related to sex and gender. The methodology applied in the research consists of selective literary analysis, comparison, juxtaposition and contrasting of previous findings on the matter as opposed to the actual text in different versions. As a result of our investigation we can reaffirm some already established findings and also contribute new ones concerning sexual autonomy presented in the treatise. In conclusion, to some extent The Ring of the Dove is liberated from its medieval dogmatic shackles with respect to sexuality and gender affiliation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Sexual Dysfunctions

Objectives: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a very common endocrine disorder affecting 5% to 10% of women in reproductive age all over the world. Many comorbidities have been associated with PCOS including infertility, obesity, depression, anxiety, hirsutism, alopecia, and sexu al dysfunctions. In this paper, we have reviewed the available Indian and international literature regarding psychiatric and sexual comorbidities of PCOS. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, and other databases were used to conduct the search. Research published in English was included. We searched the databases using the terms ‘polycystic ovary syndrome’, ‘PCOS’, ‘infertility and PCOS’, ‘sexual dysfunctions and PCOS’, etc. Results: For this review, we could find about 90 papers pertaining to the subject. Most of them focused on the effect of infertility and symptoms of PCOS such as hirsutism on body image and sexual dysfunctions. Meta-analyses showed that women with PCOS had poor rates of sexual desire, orgasm, and lubrication. Body image often had a negative impact on sexual thoughts and fantasies. Conclusion: Focus on sexual dysfunctions in PCOS has been emphasized only recently after high rates of its prevalence have been found. Hence, management of PCOS involves a multidisciplinary approach where proper assessment and management of sexual dysfunctions should be given its due importance.

Linn MarieTonstad, God and Difference: The Trinity, Sexuality, and the Transformation of Finitude. New York: Routledge, 2016, 302pp. $49.95

Linn MarieTonstad, God and Difference: The Trinity, Sexuality, and the Transformation of Finitude. New York: Routledge, 2016, 302pp. $49.95

Rezension zu: Adrian de Silva: Negotiating the Borders of the Gender Regime. Developments and Debates on Trans(sexuality) in the Federal Republic of Germany. Bielefeld: transcript Verlag 2018.

Die Geschichte der Trans(sexualitat) in der Bundesrepublik ist eine Geschichte sich wandelnder Verstandnisse von Geschlecht und Geschlechterordnung. Adrian de Silva betrachtet in seiner Dissertation die Entwicklungen und rechtlichen Auswirkungen dieser Verstandnisse in Sexualwissenschaft, Rechtsprechung, Gesetzgebung und der Transgender-Bewegung. Er analysiert die Entstehungs- und Reformprozesse des Transsexuellengesetzes (Gesetz uber die Anderung der Vornamen und die Feststellung der Geschlechtszugehorigkeit in besonderen Fallen) und seine folgenreiche Verquickung von Recht, Medizin und Geschlechterpolitik. Historische und aktuelle Debatten um die „Borders of the Gender Regime“ in Deutschland lassen sich auf der Basis von de Silvas Buch neu verstehen und einordnen.

A Qualitative Study of Sexual behaviour and practices of school going adolescents in a rural area of Panvel Taluka

Introduction: Adolescents constitute nearly 22% of India’s population of which 72% reside in rural areas. While there is limited evidence available on the nature and formation of premarital relationships in India, there is a trend that despite strict norms, partnerships are formed with the opposite sex. There is growing evidence of sexual activity before marriage, amongst both boys and girls. Aims and Objectives: i) To understand perceptions and beliefs of adolescents regarding their sexual behaviour. ii) To study their sexual practices. iii) To understand the perception and opinion of teachers regarding sexual behavior and practices of adolescents. Methodology: Qualitative study using different methods like free listing, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Free listing regarding sexuality behavior and practices was done with 30 girls and 30 boys who were purposively chosen. Further FGD’s were conducted with girls, boys and teachers. Key informant interviews were conducted with 6 adolescents who were considered as their peer leaders. Results: Results are organised around three main themes that arose: sexuality (sources of information, sexual practise, knowledge and attitudes) studies (schooling and careers) and relationships with parents and teachers. Conclusions: Although relatively low there is a clear indication that students are indulging in some form of sexual activity. They have incorrect and incomplete knowledge regarding sexual health. Barriers of communication exist between adolescents, parents and teachers. Key words: Adolescents, sexual behaviour, sexual practices

A Border-Crossing Pedagogy to Disrupt LGBTIQ+ Bullying and Violence in Schools.

Many primary, secondary and tertiary educators need support to engage in inclusive pedagogical practices that challenge homophobia, transphobia and heteronormativity. We present a border-crossing pedagogy (BCP) designed to assist English language arts educators in translating knowledge into action to demolish deeply engrained anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and intersex (LGBTIQ+) bigotry, discrimination and violence. This model is timely given the rise in anti-LGBTIQ+ bigotry as governments pass LGBT-inclusive hate crime laws, executive orders prohibiting LGBT discrimination and marriage equality. We illustrate how the BCP can be used to explore affordances and barriers located in the English curriculum, and beyond, to teach about diverse genders and sexualities, positively recognising and affirming LGBTIQ+ identities.

Sexualidade do Adolescente com deficiência: Ancoragens na literatura

Objetivos: Investigar as publicações acerca da sexualidade do adolescente com deficiência considerando todos os tipos de deficiências e suas inter-relações e discutir a dificuldade na abordagem da temática. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica de cunho qualitativo em que a coleta de dados ocorreu entre janeiro e março de 2018, com a consulta de artigos indexados na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) publicados em periódicos no período de 2003 a 2018. Resultados: Observou-se a perpetuação de conceitos e práticas conservadoras que envolvem o assunto, sendo enfatizadas as infecções sexualmente transmissíveis ou questões biomédicas, com reduzida abordagem da temática sociocultural. Dentro dessa temática sociocultural, foram selecionados 13 artigos nos quais emergem como destaque o conflito do assunto para os pais, que em geral tendem a superproteger os filhos com deficiência; os valores familiares e sociais que tendem a negar a sexualidade entre adolescentes e a sexualidade do adolescente com deficiência, ainda estigmatizada como ausente ou como anormal, e com isso caminha-se para a negação o que potencializa e dificulta a abordagem da temática. Conclusões: A concretização da sexualidade do adolescente com deficiência necessita de uma ruptura de conceitos conservadores e estigmatizados. Na perspectiva da saúde, desde que seja tratada com respeito, pode proporcionar um melhor cuidar superando assim modelos supressores, permitindo um olhar para a inserção desse adolescente nesse mundo de descobertas e superando a subjetividade das práticas observadas nas inter-relações pessoais. Sendo necessário pensar em mecanismos que minimizem as barreiras existentes para o pleno desenvolvimento desses indivíduos.

Their story: Carnival, Women, Sexuality and Sex in the Caribbean

Their story: Carnival, Women, Sexuality and Sex in the Caribbean

“In the Gothic Mirror”: Reflections of Female Monstrosity in “The Long Arm”

The story of Lizzie Borden has served as a creative impetus in the American imagination; following the hundred years after the Borden murders, a remarkable body of creative work has been produced. Ann Schofield asserts that the Borden story has become an “ur-text for the contemplation of power, of patriarchy, [and] of sexuality” (92). In reading Mary Wilkins Freeman’s “The Long Arm” (1895), this essay re-considers Schofield’s claim that the Borden story and its subsequent renditions enable a revisionary take on female subjectivity and resistance to patriarchal order. More specifically, this essay examines how Freeman’s text (one of the first to fictionalize the saga of Lizzie Borden) reflects back the gendered subjectivity in the in the gothic mirror for us to consider whether that reflection began as an image of subjection or that of autonomy.

A Convergence of Effects of the Sexuality Recognition on the Level of Life Satisfaction of the Elderly

A Convergence of Effects of the Sexuality Recognition on the Level of Life Satisfaction of the Elderly

El proyecto hshouma, el arte como motor de cambio social

espanolEl proyecto Hshouma, liderado por la activista feminista, Zainab Fasiki, propone recurrir al arte como herramienta para romper los tabues existentes en la sociedad marroqui. Mediante una plataforma digital, novelas graficas, comics, ilustraciones y textos expresados en el dialecto marroqui −el darija−, en ingles o en frances, se abordan cuestiones ligadas al cuerpo, a la sexualidad, a la discriminacion, a la violencia y a la libertad y se invita a cualquiera a participar para ser «parte del cambio». En sus ilustraciones la artista muestra el cuerpo femenino al desnudo como medio de hacer frente a los convencionalismos y reivindicar la libertad personal, pero tambien como forma de «desnudar a la sociedad» y visibilizar estas cuestiones EnglishHshouma project, led by the feminist activist, Zainab Fasiki,uses art as a tool to break Moroccan society’s taboos. Through a digital platform, graphic novels, comics, illustrations and textsin Moroccan Arabic –darija−, in English or in French, it addresses issues such as the body, sexuality, discrimination, violence and freedom. The project also invites anyone to be part of the change. The artist shows the naked feminine body in her illustrations as a way to face social conventions and to claim personal freedom, but also as a way to undress society and to make these topics visible

The control of the body and sexuality: A sign of submission or liberation?

Este articulo tratara de analizar la tension entre tradicion y modernidad y como estas dos narrativas convergentes revelan un tenso debate sobre el cuerpo de la mujer en la region de MENA en general y en Marruecos en particular. Se describe como las mujeres tienen mas oportunidades de educacion y de disfrutar de derechos legales mas fuertes y como algunas han adquirido liderazgo en diversos campos, incluso en aquellos dominados principalmente por hombres. Sin embargo, las mujeres siguen enfrentandose a la opresion, alimentada por una mezcla de cultura y religion que las degrada. Trataremos como en los ultimos anos las distintas formas de llevar el velo por parte de las mujeres musulmana ha estado en el epicentro de muchas disputas y controversias en el mundo occidental. Mientras que muchas mujeres musulmanas deciden usar el velo de acuerdo a su interpretacion del Coran, o la de su imam, otras lo hacen como una sena de eleccion personal. Sin embargo, los no musulmanes a menudo ven el velo, particularmente los que cubren la mayor parte del cuerpo y/o el rostro, como una senal de opresion religiosa. Otros creen que el velo es una senal de radicalizacion, un movimiento hacia el islamismo.