ABSTRACT
In the United States, the messages Black women receive about vaginal hygiene are often rooted in misogynoir. As a result, Black women across multiple generations may engage in extensive vaginal hygiene practices that are harmful to their health as a means of decreasing the potential for dehumanization or confirming racist stereotypes. The purpose of the current qualitative study is to explore the messages four generations of Black women (n = 12) received about genital hygiene and grooming and the sociocultural factors that influence these messages. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the semi-structured interview data. The following themes were identified: (1) a culture of silence, (2) knowledge acquisition, (3) pressure to maintain Black cleanliness standards, and (4) gendered racist messaging. Subthemes emerged within the knowledge acquisition theme, including learning through word-of-mouth, observation, deduction, trial and error, and direct messaging. Overall, themes and subthemes were consistent across generations; however, some differences were discussed. Participants highlighted the importance of intergenerational conversations in promoting safe vaginal hygiene practices. Recommendations for sexuality educators and healthcare professionals are discussed.
ABSTRACT
Women with negative genital self-image are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction , but the processes underlying this association are unknown. We theorized that this association is mediated by distraction from the arousing sexual cues that foster pleasure and orgasm . In a sample of 1,619 women who had sex in the previous four weeks, women with negative genital self-image were more likely to be distracted by self-critical concerns (i.e., appearance- and performance-based distraction and embarrassment) during sex, and in turn, experienced less sexual pleasure and worse sexual function. Additionally, this indirect effect via appearance-based distraction was strongest among women with trait-level anxiousness and social anxiety. We found a similar pattern of results when investigating the indirect effect of genital self-image on sexual function. Implications for understanding sexual function and therapeutic approaches are discussed.