(580) How Restricted Education and the Lack of Support for Female Sexual Pleasure Affect the Health of Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women in the Middle East

Introduction Anti-hedonistic and sexually restrictive cultures impact women's overall health throughout their lives. These cultural dynamics often lead to significant health consequences in later life stages. Objective To raise awareness about the effects of restricted sexual education and the lack of support for female sexual health, particularly in contexts where women's sexual pleasure is stigmatized or ignored. The aim is to highlight the physical and mental health consequences for premenopausal, perimenopausal, and menopausal women, especially those who have undergone genital mutilation procedures. Finally, the study advocates for improved educational systems, clinical interventions, and support networks that promote healthy sexuality at all stages of life. Methods This study utilized a detailed review of medical and psychological literature. This was accompanied by the collection, description, and analysis of personal and familial experiences in cultural contexts where female sexuality is systemically repressed. Results Limited sexual education, combined with cultural shame surrounding female sexual pleasure, contributes to a high prevalence of sexual dysfunction in later life stages. Documented rates of sexual dysfunction include hypoactive sexual desire disorder (35–50%), orgasmic dysfunction (25–40%), dyspareunia (15–45%), vaginismus (5–42%), and vulvodynia (8–10%). Psychological consequences are also significant, with reported depression (20–40%) and anxiety disorders (30–50%). Personal testimonies reveal oppressive practices such as the suppression of childhood sexual expression, stigmatization of menstruation, and genital mutilation aimed at eliminating sexual pleasure. Furthermore, many women face extreme pressure to preserve virginity until marriage under the threat of abuse and are forced to accept conjugal sexual and physical violence. Conclusions Appropriate sexual education and the promotion of sexual pleasure as an integral part of overall health are essential. Addressing these culturally restricted environments is crucial for mitigating high rates of sexual and mental health dysfunction in perimenopausal and menopausal women. Disclosure No