SEXUAL health and mental health vulnerabilities of female partners of Men who have sex with men (MSM).

Friday, 02 September 2011 13:29

Women in India as in most of the South Asian countries stand marginalized. Objective of this study was to explore sexual health and mental health vulnerabilities of female partners of Men who have sex with men (MSM) with 15 In depth interviews of female partners of self identified homosexual and bisexual men and 1 Focus Group Interview (FGI) Heterosexual marriages result into increased vulnerability of MSM and their female partners to STIs including HIV and mental health. Such unions lead to increased Mental Health and sexual health vulnerabilities such as incidences of Depression (4), feelings of emotional dissatisfaction (6), frustration (3) and increased irritability due to the partner’s sexuality(7), Feelings of being cheated upon and betrayal (5). Some of them (4) are forced for anal sex. Other 2 female partners reported that their husband asked for oral sex and performed even they disliked. 7 participants reported non-treated STIs in last 6 months. 3 participants had STI in the past went to traditional healer “Bhuva”. Six participants had STIs symptoms during interview but not considered as significant for treatment. 8 of the participants including five participants having STI symptoms did not know about STIs and its treatment. Sexual and mental health vulnerabilities of female partners of MSM need to be recognized and addressed strategically in Sexual Health Interventions.

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