We talk about physical health, spiritual health, and even mental health when we talk about a healthy being, but what about sexual health? In this era, we still feel ashamed to speak or talk about sexual health.
Sexual health issues are highly prevalent but are unreported due to social stigma.
A study shows that around 60% couple do not use any type of contraceptive method, leading to unwanted pregnancy.
Why are we still ashamed?
In this large and growing population, one of the most important topics to discuss is sexual health. Yet still we are unable to do that, but why?
- Poor sex education: when we were in school 1 sex education class used to take place in the entire year, where boys and girls were asked to sit separately. After approx a decade or more, it’s still the same.
I went to a rural government school for menstrual and sex education. The first thing they did was separate the boys from the girls and ask the girls to attend the class. I asked the boys also need to learn all these things, they said, “It doesn’t look good,” it’s still the same! - Social stigma: sex is still one of the topics that is considered shameful. People prefer to go to an unqualified practitioner silently rather than to visit a doctor for sexual issues. It is ironic that with this number of people in the population, people feel ashamed to talk about it.
- Gender inequality: women face a lot of problems when it comes to sexual health and emotions. Women still have limited autonomy in sexual decisions.
- Lack of awareness of contraceptive use: All CHC, PHC, sub-center, and other government hospitals provide free condoms and contraceptive pills, which you don’t have to ask for, just pick up from the anonymous box present in the corner of the hospital. Still, there is a lack of awareness.
We need to come forward, break the taboo, and educate the upcoming generation regarding sexual health and safe sex.
Do you think sex education is important and should be taught in schools?
MBH/PS