Background: Female sexual dysfunction is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. Despite the high prevalence of this disorder, few qualitative studies have examined how Iranian women experience and make sense of this issue within their specific sociocultural context.



Objective: The present study aimed to qualitatively explore the impact of gender beliefs and cultural norms on female sexual dysfunction in Iranian women.



Method: This study employed a qualitative approach using interpretive phenomenological analysis. Informants included 9 Iranian women diagnosed with female sexual dysfunction, who were selected through purposeful sampling from among clients attending a private counseling center in Tehran. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Smith's method.



Findings: Data analysis yielded three main themes: (1) cultural pressures and social norms; (2) lack of awareness and agency; and (3) coping strategies. Sub-themes included social norms related to gender and expectations of traditional female roles within the first theme, the taboo of sex education in the family and forced marriage and child marriage within the second theme, and physical changes to adapt to norms and empowerment and resistance against stereotypes within the third theme. The findings indicated that the experience of sexual dysfunction in Iranian women is shaped within a sociocultural context, such that gender norms and social expectations influence women's perceptions of their bodies, sexual needs, and marital relationships.



Conclusion: Gender beliefs and cultural norms play a fundamental role in the formation and exacerbation of female sexual dysfunction in Iranian women. The findings emphasize the necessity of designing culturally sensitive interventions, providing comprehensive sex education within families and the educational system, and empowering women to resist gender stereotypes. By offering a deep understanding of women's lived experiences, this study represents an effective step toward reducing taboos and improving sexual health services in Iran. Attention to these findings can assist policymakers and therapists in designing culturally sensitive programs.