Part 5/6:
In stark contrast to the elevated ideals surrounding farcical notions of purity, the reality of women’s sexual experiences was shrouded in ignorance. The existence of female pleasure—specifically the clitoris—was largely unacknowledged. Society's understanding of female sexuality dictated that women should experience little to no pleasure during sex, and any pleasure they did experience was considered sinful.
This suppression extended to even the most basic aspects of personal hygiene. Maintaining cleanliness was frowned upon, as it could imply self-pleasure. Women were advised to use cold sponges for hygiene to avoid the potential for stimulating pleasure, given that hot water could be seen as inciting sinful enjoyment.