Autoerotism, Homoerotism, and Foreplay in African Women Who Practice Labia Minora Elongation: a Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objectives: Labia minora elongation is a female genital modification in which some women in certain linguistic groups from Africa engage. One of the purposes is to enhance sexual pleasure for their male partners. Methods: The literature has been reviewed to describe how labia minora elongation serves for women to increase their sexual pleasure, both as an autoerotic method and in the context of homoerotic and heterosexual relationships. Results and Conclusions: This aspect deserves to be investigated, as there are narratives from some women practitioners of labial elongation that this practice might contribute to improve the sexual health of some of the women who engage in it.

KEYWORDS:

• Labia minora elongation
• vaginal practices
• genital attitudes
• Africa
• homoerotism
• pleasure
• masturbation