A Qualitative Assessment of the Sex Education Needs of Married Iranian Women

Abstract

Despite a comprehensive reproductive health program there is little sex education available in Iran. In this article we present results of a study conducted to identify content area for a proposed sex education program for married Iranian women. Twenty-one married female clients (23-45 years) and 18 reproductive health providers, recruited from urban health clinics in Tehran using non-probability sampling, participated in four focus group discussions. Sexual health information needs related to reproductive tract and sexually transmitted infections, ''acceptability'' of certain sexual practices such as oral and anal intercourse, and the sexual response cycles and physiology of men and women. Women's sexual concerns related to communication, incompatibility of sexual interests and desire, and their ability to maintain a strong marriage. Two themes cut across women's responses to all questions: modesty and maintaining a strong marriage. Results contributed to the design of a sex education program that addressed the specific information needs and concerns of Iranian women.

Sexual Dysfunction(s) in Iran: Imaginary Encounters with Otto Gross and Wilhelm Reich

“…In Iran, normative mores, values and classifications are being challenged by an insistent collective voice which is demanding a sexual revolution ( enqelab‐e‐jensi ) outside and against theocratic structures of power (see Mahdavi, , ). The movement opposing the mullah‐bourgeoisie is scaling ancient cultural and political barriers in everyday skirmishes ranging from demands for gender equality in sports (Fozooni, ), sex education training (Shirpak et al, ) and egalitarian child‐rearing arrangements (Hojat et al, ), to the acknowledgment of hidden female labour (Moghadam, ), as well as demands for an end to sexual harassment at work (Lahsaeizadeh & Yousefinejad, ). To this list we must add attempts to reclaim private bodies and public spaces (Rejali, ), as well as the expression of a wider range of sexual identities including homo‐, bi‐ and trans‐sexualities (Najmabadi, ).…”

Women's perceptions of quality of family planning services in Tabriz, Iran

“…Multiple means of communication have a cumulative and reinforcing effect. 28 Other studies from Iran report eagerness to receive information from a wider variety of channels, 29,30 reflecting the rapid social changes taking place in Iran. The new generation is increasingly exposed to mass media and the outside world, and their parents' generation are seen as a less important source of knowledge and advice.…”

Sexual Problems Amongst Married Females

“…In the study by Shirpsk et al, although most women believed that sex was a bilateral relation and a woman could ask her husband for sexual relations, yet they did not even consider to do so, believing that they might face unexpected reactions from their husbands. 16 In assessing demographic factors as the risk factors for female sexual dysfunction, age, addiction and the type of marriage were identified as the significant risk factor for the development of sexual dysfunction in this study. The other sociodemographic variables when assessed as risk factors for FSD did not contribute significantly to the development of sexual dysfunction from this study.…”