Perceptions of Men on Puxa-Puxa, or Labia Minora Elongation, in Tete, Mozambique

ABSTRACT

Labia minora elongation has been documented as being practiced by 98.6% of the women in Tete province, Mozambique. Women engage in this procedure before the first menstruation. In this article we report on the findings from the male respondents from Tete province that participated in the qualitative component of the World Health Organization–supported multicountry Gender, Sexuality, and Vaginal Practices study. The men reported that the main motivation behind labia minora elongation is to enhance the sexual pleasure for both female and male partners. Researching what men know and perceive of labia minora elongation is crucial to understanding the contribution of this practice for sexual health. This knowledge is helpful to inform the development of new human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention technologies and culturally appropriate information, education, and communication interventions.

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Adriane Martin Hilber of the Department of Health and Reproductive Research of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva for coordination of this research project at the international level. Our particular thanks are directed to Dr. Ana Dai (MISAU); Dr. Filipa Gouveia; and Dr. Frederico Brito, Tete provincial health director. A big “thank-you” is addressed to Dr. Touré Boukar, WHO representative in Mozambique, and to Dr. Alicia Carbonel for the immense support they provided.