Unconsummated marriage between tradition and new ways of appearance

Unconsummated marriage (UM) is the failure to perform successful intercourses at the beginning of marriage. Vaginismus has been traditionally reported as the leading cause, although Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a possible cause too, frequently depending on vaginismus. These conditions appears in a rigid socio-educative context. One could think that according to major sexual freedom and information, UM is now disappearing, but the number of observed cases by the authors in 2009-2010 was noted as relevant. These cases were reviewed in order to evaluate any new features of the phenomenon.
10 couples consulting for UM were evaluated. Women received gynaecological assay to confirm their virginity and the possible presence of vaginismus. In males, typical andrological assay was performed to verify normal erectile function. Age, schooling, job, anatomo-physiological knowledge, sexual experiences, way of approach to sex of both partners were all analyzed.

15 out of 20 patients were graduates. Mean age was 39. In just one woman there was a plain vaginismus. The other women showed only poor sexual experience but no fear of penetration. No men suffered from organic ED. 6 out of 10 did not maintain, 3 never had hard erections and reported “ante portas” ejaculation. 4 men never watched images of coitus and 5 ignore everything about sex and reported fear of pain during penetration.
In our series, traditional appearance of UM is no more effective, while males nowadays have the priority, because of their frailty, lack of self-confidence and ignorance, expressing social and cultural change of man’s role in the couple.

No relevant conflicts of interest declared.