NOT A CULTURAL PATHOLOGY EXACTLY.....
Cases of Nonconsummation of marriage was another unique phenomenon I came across in Indian society through the psychiatry department clients. On taking the case history and detailed interviews, I realized that
most of the marriages were arranged by the parents of the man and woman, there had been little or no courtship or interaction or even communication during the period they knew each other before the marriage.
Causes for non-consummation: Often the man or woman, were not interested in the marriage but were forced to marry by the parents.
In more than one case the man was gay and had not revealed to his parents or wife and the homosexuality was disclosed only when the medical team interviewed him at length.
In some cases, one of the spouses already had a lover, but had neither told the parents nor tried strongly enough to resist marriage to this person. After marriage, the other spouse was left wondering why, the partner refused to have sex.
There was one case of impotence, one case of schizophrenia (parents had not disclosed that he was mentally ill either to the bride or her parents) and one case of severe alcohol dependence for non-consummation of marriages.
It was very sad for me to see the lives of these young men and especially women, affected by this web of lies and deceit which could have been avoided, if the spouse/his family was upfront before the wedding and prevented teh wedding from ever taking place!
I do not know if any of the cases I saw went through divorce or got counseling or got some sort of help. The person with schizophrenia did get help but the others did not return after a few sessions.
In India, with arranged marriages still prevalent, I do not know how many other types of problems are lurking.
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