Cultural misconceptions and traditional healing practices for sexual problems: a mental health perspective

Abstract

The belief that semen loss is dangerous and harmful for sexual and physical health is widely prevalent and it dates back for hundreds of years. Faith healers, quacks and self-acclaimed sex specialists have been conducive in reinforcing these myths and sexual misconceptions. Faith healing effectively delays medical intervention as well as possibly precipitating other psychiatric complications. We report a case of an adolescent in whom traditional healing practices were traumatizing and precipitated obsessive compulsive disorder.

Keywords:

• Faith healing
• cultural misconceptions
• obsessive compulsive disorder
• adolescent

Notes on contributors

Vivek Agarwal MD, Associate Professor, Satyakam Mahapatra MBBS, Junior resident 3rd year.