In many parts of the world, conversations about women’s sexual pleasure are either muted or shrouded in stigma.
Yet, addressing this topic is vital for understanding the deep-rooted causes of why many women struggle to experience orgasm during intimate moments.
In Ghana, two strikingly overlooked practices and societal patterns contribute to this issue, undermining the potential for fulfilling intimacy.
Let’s delve into these factors;
Harmful Early Practices and Sensitivity Loss
A pervasive but often unexamined cultural practice involves pouring warm or hot water on the private parts of female babies during baths.
While this is intended as a cleansing ritual, its unintended consequences may be profound. Heat exposure, especially during early developmental years, may alter nerve sensitivity in the vaginal area.
The delicate nerve endings that contribute to sexual pleasure may become desensitized over time, similar to how burns leave scars and numbness on other parts of the body.
By the time these girls grow into women, they may find it harder to experience sexual sensations.
This diminished sensitivity, though not immediately apparent, can have lifelong consequences on their intimate relationships, making orgasm more elusive.
Such practices warrant deeper investigation and public education to promote alternatives that safeguard the body’s natural sensitivity.
Early Sexual Activity and Unrealistic Expectations
Another overlooked factor is the trend of early sexual debut among young girls, often before they reach the legal age of consent.
The modern influence of media, peer pressure, and societal shifts has made it common for young girls to engage in sexual experimentation with multiple partners early on.
This pattern can lead to a warped perspective of sexual intimacy by the time they reach
adulthood.
As these girls grow older, they may struggle to find partners who meet the “standards”
unconsciously set during their formative years.
The variety of experiences, including different partner sizes and endurance levels, can create unrealistic benchmarks for future relationships.
This can result in dissatisfaction, as the unique dynamics of a long-term partnership often do not mirror the excitement or diversity of early sexual exploration.
The “Marathon” Myth
Another critical issue is the expectation that women need prolonged or marathon intimacy to achieve orgasm.
While it’s true that female arousal and climax can take longer to build than
men’s, this belief often places undue pressure on both partners.
For women, it perpetuates the myth that their bodies are “difficult” or “complex,” while for men, it creates performance anxiety.
What’s often missing from the conversation is the critical role of emotional intimacy,
communication, and foreplay in sexual satisfaction.
A woman who feels mentally and emotionally connected to her partner is more likely to relax, enjoy the experience, and achieve climax.
Lack of Comprehensive Sex Education
Many young people in Ghana and beyond grow up without adequate education on sexual health and relationships.
Misconceptions about anatomy, pleasure, and consent persist, leading to
frustration and disappointment in adulthood.
For example, many men are unaware of the clitoris’s role in female pleasure, and many women may not know how to communicate their
needs effectively.
The taboo surrounding open discussions about sex only deepens this gap.
The Weight of Cultural Expectations
Cultural norms also play a significant role in sexual dissatisfaction. Women are often
conditioned to prioritize their partner’s pleasure over their own or to view sex as a duty rather
than a shared experience. This conditioning can lead to suppressed desires and unspoken
frustrations, making orgasm a distant dream for many women.
A Call to Action
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach:
Community Education: Encourage conversations about harmful cultural practices, like
the use of hot water on infants, and advocate for alternatives that prioritize health and
well-being.
Comprehensive Sex Education: Equip young people with the knowledge to make
informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and sexual health.
Promoting Emotional Intimacy: Highlight the importance of communication and
emotional connection as critical components of fulfilling sexual relationships.
Challenging Cultural Norms: Empower women to embrace their sexuality and advocate
for their own pleasure without guilt or shame.
Breaking these barriers isn’t just about improving sexual satisfaction; it’s about fostering
healthier, more equal relationships that allow both partners to thrive.
By shining a light on these hidden obstacles, we can begin to dismantle them and build a future where women’s pleasure is no longer an afterthought but a celebrated part of intimacy.
Conclusion:
A Better Path Forward Understanding and addressing the root causes of women’s
sexual dissatisfaction is long overdue.
Whether it’s rethinking early childhood practices or challenging harmful societal norms, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to create a culture where pleasure, respect, and connection are prioritized for all.
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: ISAAC SAKYI-DJAN
