Challenges to Practicing Sexual Medicine in the Middle East

Introduction: The Middle East is a vast region that includes the Arabian Peninsula, Turkey, Iran, the Levant, and North Africa. Some of the world's earliest civilizations appeared in this region and major religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam originated there. It is an influential region in politics, economy, and resources, but it remains largely enigmatic to those outside the region. The various ethnicities, religions, traditions, and customs in the region have made it unique and diverse at the same time. Among the most controversial topics that have emerged about the Middle East is sex and sexuality. Images of women wearing veils and black abayas come to mind. However, in this region, sexual freedoms such as polygyny are permitted. It is in these settings that are unlike anywhere else that regional sexual medicine physicians must practice and produce results.

Aims: To present some factors challenging to the practice of sexual medicine in the Middle East.

Methods: The literature was reviewed for studies that addressed sexual medicine in the Middle East. This was supplemented by studies that investigated certain patterns of practice and behaviors that are often encountered in medical practice in the region.

Main outcome measures: Factors contributing to the difficulties in practice faced by sexual medicine physicians in the Middle East.

Results: Several societal, environmental, and patient- and physician-related factors were identified.

Conclusion: It can be particularly challenging to practice sexual medicine in the Middle East. However, the region needs qualified sexual medicine specialists to debunk many myths concerning sexuality and sexual health, in addition to the day-to-day practice of this specialty.