Psychiatry Research EG

Background Sex is one of the basic drives. Genophobia is the fear of sexual intercourse. Like all phobias, the main cause is exposure to severe trauma, especially sexual assaults or abuse. Another possible cause of genophobia is the cultural upbringing and religious teachings that increase the feeling of intense shame and guilt about sex. Aim The aim of this study was to assess the association between female circumcision and genophobia. Methods This study was carried out in the Outpatient Gynecology Department, Mansoura University, for 1 year. All patients (166 patients) were examined by a gynecologist to exclude organic causes of genophobia. The remaining patients were referred to a psychiatrist. The patients were diagnosed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed., text revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for specific phobia (genophobia). IQ of the patients was assessed using the WAIS-R; anxiety was assessed using the Arabic version of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale; depression was assessed using the Arabic Form of Hamilton Depression Scale; and self-esteem was assessed using the Arabic translation of the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index. Results Anxiety and depression scores were statistically significantly higher in circumcised than in noncircumcised women. In addition, all sexual functions (libido, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) were better in noncircumcised than in circumcised women. Conclusion Female circumcision increases anxiety and depression and decreases the self-esteem of the women. All these factors could play a vital role in the development of genophobia.