Get Clued in Sexual and Reproductive Health Day

Have you ever wondered what sexual and reproductive health days are about? What does such a day involve? What are the main aspects that are discussed during such a day? This article the aspects involving sexual and reproductive issues within the society that one needs to know.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Day is celebrated once a year on February 12. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues and reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs are among the major public health concerns. Health awareness events are important because they create publicity and aim to save lives. Sexual and reproductive health day events and activities include conferences, social media contests, lectures, breakfasts and luncheons, and free counseling. 

Sexual and reproductive health is a human right, and it's essential to human development as it accounts for about 20 percent of ill-health for women of reproductive age and 14 percent of men. Sexual and reproductive rights are important because they ensure people get safe, affordable, and effective methods of contraception, and it provides women with the opportunity to make informed decisions about their lives.

Main Objectives of Sexual and Reproductive Health Day

Muhwezi et al. (2015) stated that sexual and reproductive health day aims to educate people about sexual health and reproduction issues, such as STDs, infertility, puberty, and unsafe abortion. It also advocates for safe sex and creates awareness about sexually transmitted diseases and how to prevent them. This day is also meant to educate women about birth control and family planning.

Creating Awareness and Preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases

All infections transmitted by sexual intercourse are called sexually transmitted illnesses (STI), including HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital warts, herpes, and Chlamydia. These infections are common due to a lack of awareness and sex education being taboo in most societies. According to Bell et al. (2020), creating awareness about STIs and safe, healthy sexual practices is the one way to reduce STI cases.

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of STIs and seek the necessary medical attention if you think you might be having one. The signs and symptoms of STIs include:

• Ulcers or sores in the genital areas.
• Itching in the genital areas.
• Abnormal discharge.
• Pain in the lower abdomen.
• Pain while passing urine.

When an individual is experiencing the above signs and symptoms, they should seek advice and treatment from a sexual health doctor. 

How to Help to Spread Awareness about Sexual and Reproductive Health

You can help spread awareness about sexual and reproductive health by:

• Using social media platforms to post and share messages about sexual and Reproductive Health day.
• Organizing radio programs that can inform people about STDs, how to prevent them, and the importance of family planning.
• Featuring articles or adverts about STIs and common sexual and reproductive issues in newspapers.
• Creating or being part of organizations to spread sexual and reproductive health awareness.
• Organize awareness campaigns at well-known locations in your community to hand out pamphlets and put up short skits for the audience.
• Doctors can volunteer to give free counseling about sexual and reproductive health issues.
• Schools and other institutions can organize and facilitate talks and seminars to educate adolescents and youth about sexual and reproductive health.

Need for sexual and Reproductive health education

Yohannes & Tsegaye (2015) noted that in some countries, discussing sexual and reproductive health issues openly is taboo, and due to this, many health issues go unidentified for years. Celebrating this day aims to make this subject a comfortable topic. Sex education on what one should expect and safe sex are the main health promotion elements since STIs remain a major concern. Other health issues like HIV/AIDS and Reproductive tract Infections (RTIs) affect many people. Tanabe et al. (2015) stated that lack of awareness and guidance on sexual and reproductive health puts adolescents at risk of getting sexually exploited, early and unwanted pregnancy, STDs, and other health issues.

Most patients are reluctant to talk about sexual health with their physicians due to fear of being judged or insufficient knowledge. Even health care professionals don't speak openly about these topics, which makes their patients feel neglected or unrecognized. Other existing issues include: girls being unaware of proper hygiene maintenance during menstruation and teenagers being unaware of what changes to expect during puberty, which may lead to mental health issues.

Actions are Taken Towards Sexual and Reproductive Health

Atuyambe et al. (2015) explained that most countries had started a helpline to counsel people and give them immediate answers about sexual and reproductive health. The helpline also aims to get rid of misconceptions about sex. The teams consist of health officers and doctors ready to answer questions on sexually transmitted infections and diseases, sexual health concerns, pregnancy, contraceptives, infertility, abortions, puberty, menopause, and the reproductive system of males and females.

What Should be Addressed?

Sexual and reproductive health education should address physical and emotional changes during puberty, gender standards, moral codes, and sexual problems. 

How to Maintain proper Sexual and Reproductive Health

Good sexual and reproductive health improves the quality of one’s life. Below are some tips to have a healthy sexual and reproductive life.

• Practice safe sex.
• Women aged 11-26 should get HPV vaccination to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts.
• Talk to your doctor about birth control and opt for the one that best suits you.
• Staying well hydrated
• Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Reducing stress by relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga.
• Avoid toxins like cigarettes and alcohol.
• Getting regular pap smear examinations and performing regular breast self-examinations.

Conclusion

Sexual and reproductive health is important for everyone. It does involve physical well-being and the right to a healthy and respectful relationship and treatment. Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, all persons should be well informed and access inclusive health care.

References 

Atuyambe, L. M., Kibira, S. P., Bukenya, J., Muhumuza, C., Apolot, R. R., & Mulogo, E. 

(2015). Understanding Sexual And Reproductive Health Needs: Evidence From A Formative Evaluation In Uganda's Wakiso District. Reproductive Health, 12(1), 1-10. 

Bell, S., Aggleton, P., Ward, J., Murray, W., Silver, B., Lockyer, A., ... & Maher, L. (2020). 

Young Aboriginal People's Engagement With STI Testing In Australia's Northern Territory. BMC Public Health, 20(1), 1-9.

Muhwezi, W. W., Katahoire, A. R., Banura, C., Mugooda, H., Kwesiga, D., Bastien, S., & 

Klepp, K. I. (2015). Perceptions And Experiences Of Adolescents, Parents, And School Administrators Regarding Adolescent-Parent Communication On Sexual And Reproductive Health Issues In Urban And Rural Uganda. Reproductive Health, 12(1), 1-16.

Tanabe, M., Nagujjah, Y., Rimal, N., Bukania, F., & Krause, S. (2015). Intersecting Sexual 

And Reproductive Health And Disability In Humanitarian Settings: Risks, Needs, And Capacities Of Refugees With Disabilities In Kenya, Nepal, And Uganda. Sexuality And Disability, 33(4), 411-427.

Yohannes, Z., & Tsegaye, B. (2015). Barriers Of Parent-Adolescent Communication On 

Sexual And Reproductive Health Issues Among Secondary And Preparatory School Students In Yirgalem, Town, South Ethiopia. Fam Med Med Sci Res, 4(4), 181.