The socio-cultural aspects of sexual medicine: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)

This narrative review explores how cultural, historical, religious, legal, and societal factors shape sexual practices and influence clinical care in sexual medicine. Focusing on female genital mutilation/cutting, penile circumcision, and unconsummated marriages, the study highlights the complex interplay between socio-cultural norms and sexual health outcomes. Through extensive literature review and expert discussion, the authors emphasize the importance of patient empowerment, respect for self-determination, and the need for culturally sensitive clinical approaches. The paper advocates for clinicians to adopt cultural humility and for the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM) to integrate strong ethical perspectives into ongoing discourse and practice.

Read More >>>