The Lessons We Should Take From Sexual Health Week

What is sexual health week? What happens during sexual health week? How often does such a week need to be within a year? This article explains the lessons individuals should take from sexual health week.

Many people avoid talking about sex because they feel shy or afraid of speaking their minds about what they think and know about sex. Young people learn about sexual life when they are already in it, which may not be good as some can mess unknowingly. Sexual health week has tried to cover the difference and come to the rescue of the young people by giving them talks on sexual health, including; reproductive health care, knowing your sexual health status, and rights related to sexuality.

In 2021, the sexual health week decided to include relationships and sex education in schools. It was made compulsory to help expose children to make better decisions regarding sexual decisions and concepts at an early age. They also equipped teachers with the necessary tools and equipment and the knowledge they need to make this a success. It will encourage young people to be free and confident in themselves and acknowledge the vital role of education in life. This article outlines some of the lessons individuals should take from sexual health week.

Lessons Individuals Should Take from Sexual Health Week

Reproductive Health Care

According to Galloway et al. (2017), reproductive health is a state where people are free to make choices related to their sexual life. It shows a complete physical, social and mental well-being in reproductive matters. People should have a healthy sex life and a satisfying one. To maintain your sexual life, you need to access affordable, reliable, safe, and effective methods of contraception. Individuals should dismiss the myths spread about family planning methods to change their general perception. Sexual health workers should inform individuals on how best to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and other diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse. A young couple with a plan to start a family should visit a specialist to be informed on how to have a pregnancy, make their life fit for the changes, and be advised on the better method of family planning. Everyone has a right to make choices concerning their sexual life and health.

Care for Sexual Health

You can not talk about sexual health without mentioning hygiene-related issues. Parish et al. (2019) explained that individuals should learn how to Take Care of their reproductive and sexual-related body parts. Young people should be informed and made to understand the meaning of sex and why people indulge in it. It will let them understand the basics of sexuality; thus, general hygiene is core. Most people think sexual hygiene is just taking a bath and ensuring the genital area is clean, but that is not it; people should understand that being free from diseases and using contraceptives are core. There are so many parts involved in reproduction, and you should learn the advantages and the disadvantages of keeping your sexual health.

Knowing Your Sexual Health Status

Sexual health week talks about informing and enlightening young people on the importance of knowing their health status. It can be HIV & Aids status and sexually transmitted diseases status. Most young people fear getting tested for HIV and Aids. But through the inclusive sexual health education propelled by the sexual health week in schools, young people are exposed to the importance of getting tested. In addition, sexual health workers should inform the individuals of the precautions to take to prevent the contraction of the Human immunodeficiency virus or any sexually transmitted diseases among young people. Being informed on how and where they can get these health services is because most of them do not know how to go about it. Dessalegn et al. (2019) explained that the use of condoms is encouraged for young people to be easily accessed. They should know where to get them and how to use them properly. Also, young girls are told how to identify their pregnancy status. They should know instead of guessing by taking a pregnancy test. When you visit the nearby health facility, you will learn about the sexual services provided hence expanding your knowledge of sexual health.

Rights Related to Sexuality

Everyone has a right to make their own choices related to their sexual health. It is good and healthy to be In a relationship. Constantine et al. (2015) explained that sexual health requires a good approach to sexuality and relationships to have a safe and pleasurable sex life. Young people should stay away from bad sexual relationships as it is their right to be in a reliable relationship, free from discrimination and violence. One’s sexual health can be kept, attained, and maintained when all their sexual rights are protected and respected. Through inclusive sexual and health education in schools, young people can know their rights and take action whenever violated. They will also know where they can present their concern in case of any violation. Some of the rights related to sexual health include; the right to privacy, equality and non-discrimination, the right to attain standard sexual health and social security, and freedom from torture, inhumane treatment, or punishment. 

Sexually Health-related Disorders

There are several related sexual disorders, and it is good for young people to be aware of them. Chou et al. (2015) stated that some of the common related sexual disorders that can affect young individuals include; infertility, reproduction system disorders, erectile dysfunction, loss of sex drive, painful sex, sexually transmitted diseases, and concerns about acceptable sexual lifestyle and behavior. It is good to understand and be aware of these disorders so that you can seek advice and medical help from qualified practitioners.

Conclusion

Sexual health education is vital to every human being, and good sexual health relies on different factors. For example, access to factual and accurate information, environment, and access to sexual health care. It is a personal choice on how you will carry out and deal with your sex life. People are different, which brings the diversity of sexuality that should be respected and protected because every person is entitled to freedom and the right to sexuality. This right gives every person a platform to enjoy their sexuality; acceptance comes with self-confidence and overall wellness, thus healthy sexuality. Reward yourself by having positive regards.

References 

Dessalegn, N. G., Hailemichael, R. G., Shewa-Amare, A., Sawleshwarkar, S., Lodebo, B., 

Amberbir, A., & Hillman, R. J. (2019). HIV Disclosure: HIV-Positive Status Disclosure To Sexual Partners Among Individuals Receiving HIV Care In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Plos One, 14(2), E0211967.

Constantine, N. A., Jerman, P., Berglas, N. F., Angulo-Olaiz, F., Chou, C. P., & Rohrbach, L. A. (2015). Short-Term Effects Of A Rights-Based Sexuality Education Curriculum For High-School Students: A Cluster-Randomized Trial. BMC Public Health, 15(1), 1-13.

Chou, D., Cottler, S., Khosla, R., Reed, G. M., & Say, L. (2015). Sexual Health In

The International Classification Of Diseases (ICD): Implications For Measurement And Beyond. Reproductive Health Matters, 23(46), 185-192.

Galloway, C. T., Duffy, J. L., Dixon, R. P., & Fuller, T. R. (2017). Exploring African-American And Latino Teens' Perceptions Of Contraception And Access To Reproductive Health Care Services. Journal Of Adolescent Health, 60(3), S57-S62.Parish, S. J., Hahn, S. R., Goldstein, S. W., Giraldi, A., Kingsberg, S. A., Larkin, L., ... & Faubion, S. S. (2019, May). The International Society For The Study Of Women's Sexual Health Process Of Care For The Identification Of Sexual Concerns And Problems In Women. In Mayo Clinic Proceedings (Vol. 94, No. 5, Pp. 842-856). Elsevier.