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9 - Menarcheand associated problems
- By Mary Hernon, Victoria Sephton
Edited by Paula Briggs, Gabor Kovacs, Monash University, Victoria
Edited in consultation with John Guillebaud, University College London
Book:

Contraception

Published online:

05 August 2013

Print publication:

11 July 2013, pp 78-89
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Summary

Sexuality in all times has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions that reflect sexual norms and values of that specific time and culture. The majority of these myths and misconceptions stem from norms, values and beliefs aimed at controlling sexuality, women's sexuality in particular. Masturbation in women was regarded as an even graver problem, mainly because from the Middle Ages onwards women were seen as 'raging volcanos of desire' because of the semen sucking capacities of their uteri. With regard to combined oral contraceptive (COCs), the most important myth is that there are serious health risks associated with long-term use and that, therefore, one should not take the pill for too long a period. The most striking myths and misconceptions about sexuality are remnants of the long-lasting denial of the importance of arousal for sexual functioning of women and of bizarre post-Freudian concepts of infantile and adult sexual functioning.