| In search of sexual pleasure and fidelity: vaginal practices in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19173098 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Vaginal practices, such as intra-vaginal cleansing, drying and tightening, are suspected of placing women at higher risk of acquiring HIV and STIs. Yet, there is limited understanding of what these practices entail, what motivates women to undertake them and what their socio-cultural and historical meanings are. This paper explores the range of vaginal practices used by women in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and locates these within the context of local patterns of migration and understandings of sexual health and pleasure. Study activities took place at an urban and rural site employing qualitative research techniques: semi-structured interviewing and an additional ethnographic component in the rural site. Vaginal practices were believed to be ubiquitous and a wide range of substances and procedures were described. Strong motivations for vaginal practices included women's desire to enhance men's sexual pleasure, ensure men's fidelity and exercise agency and control in their relationships. The common use of traditional medicines in this quest to maintain stable relationships and affect the course of love, suggests a complexity that cannot be captured by simple terms like 'dry sex'. We argue instead that any interventions to change women's reliance on vaginal practices must recognise and attend to the broader social contexts in which they are embedded. |
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Authors:
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Fiona Scorgie; Busisiwe Kunene; Jennifer A Smit; Ntsiki Manzini; Matthew F Chersich; Eleanor M Preston-Whyte |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Culture, health & sexuality Volume: 11 ISSN: 1464-5351 ISO Abbreviation: Cult Health Sex Publication Date: 2009 Apr |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2009-03-19 Completed Date: 2009-07-09 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 100883416 Medline TA: Cult Health Sex Country: England |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 267-83 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Centre for HIV/AIDS Network (HIVAN), University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. fscorgie@gmail.com |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Culture Female HIV Infections Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice* Humans Interpersonal Relations* Interviews as Topic Risk Assessment Sexual Behavior Sexuality* Sexually Transmitted Diseases Social Control, Informal South Africa Vagina* |
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