Sexual behavior is often considered taboo among many religions, especially when it comes to menstruating women. Menstruation is seen as an unclean state that requires purification rituals before resuming sexual activity. This belief is rooted in ancient traditions where women were thought to be impure during their periods, and having sex with them would lead to divine punishment. Religious practices around this time are still prevalent today despite advances in science. In some cultures, women are banned from entering temples, mosques, churches, or synagogues while they are on their periods. Some communities forbid sexual intercourse or even touching between spouses during this time. These restrictions impact both sexual autonomy and relational negotiation for women.
The first effect of these prohibitions is that women may experience physical discomfort due to abstaining from sex. Sexual pleasure is part of the human body's natural response mechanism and denying it can cause tension. This tension can manifest physically and emotionally, leading to irritability, stress, anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Women who are used to frequent intimacy with their partners may find themselves missing out on a significant aspect of their relationship. They may also have trouble communicating their needs and desires without fear of judgment or rejection.
Another consequence is that women may feel like they are being objectified by religious laws. The emphasis on cleanliness suggests that menstrual blood is dirty and must be contained or removed. This stigma creates a culture where women are seen as objects of pollution rather than equal participants in relationships. It can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and low self-esteem, which can affect all areas of life. Women may not want to engage in other activities, such as swimming or going to public spaces, because they fear what others might say or think about them. This isolation can further harm mental health.
Religious practices around menstruation also limit opportunities for communication and compromise within a couple. If two people cannot talk openly about sex, intimacy, and desire, then how can they create a healthy and fulfilling relationship? Couples need to negotiate boundaries, preferences, and limits for a balanced sexual life. Without this negotiation, there may be frustration, misunderstandings, and resentment, potentially leading to breakdowns in the relationship. These restrictions can also make it challenging for couples to discuss fertility planning, contraception, and other reproductive matters that affect the entire family.
Despite these negative effects, some religions offer guidance on how to cope with menstruation during sex.
Islamic law encourages spouses to wash themselves before and after intercourse to reduce the risk of infection. Judaism recommends avoiding certain positions or clothing during menstruation, but not outright abstaining from sex. Hinduism suggests using herbs or cleansers to purify the body before and after sex. While these suggestions are helpful, they still reinforce the idea that women are impure and require special treatment during their periods. The belief that sex is unclean during this time perpetuates patriarchal attitudes and damages female autonomy and relationships.
How do religious prohibitions surrounding menstruation affect sexual activity, autonomy, and relational negotiation for women?
The practice of observing religious restrictions during menses is not new as it dates back centuries ago and has been practiced by various religions such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, etc. , (Ramzan et al. , 2015). These beliefs are often accompanied by social norms that dictate how females should behave when they are on their periods which can impact both their sexual activities and relationships with others.