Sexual & Reproductive Health Awareness Day
Awareness Comes With Responsibility And Choice
Break The Taboo!
Every year on February 12, we celebrate Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day. This day gives a chance to promote knowledge about issues related to sexual and reproductive health as well as STI prevention. One of the main public health issues continues to be sexually transmitted illnesses. Sexual health awareness events draw attention to health problems, attempt to improve the situation and save lives, and occasionally advocate the prevention of diseases getting worse. So, this would be a perfect time to discuss why sexual and reproductive health awareness day is so important.
Importance Of Sexual And Reproductive Health
Healthy Me! Healthy We!
What is sexual and reproductive health? Simply expressed, it is the ability to have a healthy and satisfying sexual life as well as the ability to reproduce. It encompasses all aspects of sexuality, including feelings and desires, physical activity, and reproduction. Sexual and reproductive health are important components of general health and well-being. However, discussing this openly cannot be easy for various reasons.
It is essential to remember that sexual and reproductive health is about more than just sexually transmitted illnesses and neglecting unwanted pregnancy. It is also about feeling safe and comfortable with your sexuality, having access to quality information and services, and making knowledgeable health decisions.
Significance Of Sexual & Reproductive Health Awareness Day
Sexual & Reproductive Health Awareness Day brings everyone to learn more about sexual and reproductive health, debate issues that are important to people, and raise awareness about the importance of these health concerns.
Sexual health issues should be highlighted from puberty to menopause. It also helps in learning about the use of various forms of contraception, how to protect yourself from STIs, and how to have a healthy and comfortable sexual life. By providing new ideas and insights, SRH (sexual and reproductive health research) collaborates with partners worldwide to change global thinking on sexual and reproductive health.
Reasons For Nescience
Child Marriage & Early Childbearing - India ranks fourth in the prevalence of child marriage. A high percentage of girls are victims of child marriage or underage marriage (below 18). Early marriage and childbearing are most common among poverty-stricken families and those with limited education in every developing country. These two factors are inextricably linked to poor knowledge.
Decline In Family Planning - The main factor contributing to the lack of family planning in the nation is a lack of knowledge about sexual and reproductive health.
Lack of Sex Education - Most people lack appropriate knowledge about safe and correct sexual behaviours due to a lack of sex education.
A lack of awareness about contraception and how to acquire health care, a high risk of sexual violence, and little independence in deciding on the timing of births are other reasons.
Sexual And Reproductive Health Awareness Initiative
A wide range of issues and challenges linked to sexual health should be addressed. Human rights concerning sexual health, sexual pleasure, eroticism, satisfaction, infections (HIV/AIDS, STIs, and RTIs), violence, female genital mutilation, sexual dysfunction, and mental health concerning sexual and reproductive health are important topics and causes for concern. By introducing several programs under the auspices of RMNCH+A (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health), the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India has made it possible for people to obtain quality healthcare services for sexual and reproductive health.
Actions to Prevent
1. Use condoms consistently to prevent transmission of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. Practice fidelity to a single partner and avoid engaging with commercial sex workers to reduce the risk of contracting STIs.
3. Maintain proper genital hygiene to minimize the risk of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems.
4. Regularly undergo medical checkups to detect and address SRH issues early on. If you engage in sexual activity, being tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) is strongly advised. Receiving routine laboratory tests is a standard procedure to maintain good sexual hygiene, even if you regularly use condoms.
5. Consider premarital SRH screening to safeguard the health of both partners before marriage. A beneficial habit for sexually active women is annual cervical screenings (Pap smears). Even if you don't have any symptoms, you should still get these tests because most STIs don't manifest any symptoms.
Actions to Contribute
Every individual must contribute equally from their end as a token of support and awareness by following certain ways to enhance sexual and reproductive health:
- More than 30 minutes of exercise each day releases the feel-good hormone, which improves both men's and women's overall sexual performance.
- Ensure proper personal hygiene; eat a wholesome, balanced diet; enable the body to get enough sleep.
- Manage stress by getting medical advice and taking supplements as directed by the physician.
Sexual And Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR)
The right to sexual and reproductive health is universal. The term "sexual and reproductive health rights" (SRHR) is used to ensure that both men and women have the same rights to enjoy the highest achievable standard of sexual and reproductive health and make decisions regarding their sexuality and reproduction, including the number, timing, and spacing of their children,
SRHR refers to human rights related to sexuality and reproduction that include civil and political rights as well as economic, social, and cultural rights. Everyone has the right to SRHR, including children and teenagers, and it is an essential component of universal health care, which involves the prevention of diseases and physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Measures Everyone Should Follow
Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day is an important subject generally overlooked. However, it is a topic that deserves attention and should be discussed more openly. Global public health issues, including the rise in STDs and infections and the decline in sexual health, shouldn't be neglected. A range of negative health consequences, including deaths, can be avoided with the prompt delivery of following healthcare services.
- Inform those who are unaware of healthy sex habits by spreading the word.
- It is advised that parents teach their kids to appropriate sexual behaviour and provide accurate information about sexual health.
- It is important to convey to teenagers the value of sexual health.
- Schools must implement sex education for adolescents. Equal sex education for all genders must be provided. Boys and girls in their teens and adolescence should receive sex education.
- Participate in workshops, assist those who are suffering from STDs or STIs, and provide them with emotional support.
- Educate males and females about puberty, menstruation, reproductive organs and life, sexually transmitted illnesses, infertility, and menopause.
- Inform people about healthy and safe sexual and contraceptive behaviours.
- Visit family planning clinics or institutions where people can discuss their options privately with a doctor.
- Encourage people to feel at ease discussing healthy sex with their partners.
Remember, Education Is The Most Powerful Weapon!
