International holidays - Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day
The phrase “sexual health” comes up quite often in the media today
Many people mistakenly give it the wrong meaning, believing that the term denotes a condition in which there are no diseases or mental disorders associated with sexuality In fact, the key to sexual health is emotional, mental and physical harmony
It’s wonderful when a person is not sick, but this is clearly not enough to call himself sexually healthy The main hallmarks of good health include a respectful, positive attitude towards sexuality and sexual relationships February 12th is International Sexual and Reproductive Health Day
Sexual health is an important component of a person’s overall health, which is recognized by official medicine A person with good sexual health values himself and his sexuality, is responsible for his own behavior and shows respect for people of both sexes He has the opportunity to have a safe sex life that brings him satisfaction The presence of elements of discrimination, violence or coercion are signs of poor sexual health In 2008, WHO specialists conducted a study which found that reproductive and sexual ill health is observed in 14% of men and almost 20% of women
Why did this problem affect women more deeply? In many countries, traditions and sometimes laws deny people the right to make decisions about their own bodies They do not want to have children, but cannot use contraception or safely terminate a pregnancy They do not want to get married, but are forced to do so under family pressure (a similar situation occurs with many men) Subsequently, women give birth to unwanted children and are reluctant to raise them, which affects the well-being of their families Reproductive health is directly related to gender equality
In some states where the terrible custom of castrating boys or girls is still practiced, people's sexual rights are being maliciously violated They lose their right to satisfy sexual needs, which are natural for any person Many experts link poor sexual health with rising poverty - one of the most serious problems of our time
The concept of sexual health is closely intertwined with sexual rights, which, unfortunately, not everyone knows about This code is not strictly regulated Lists of sexual rights in different international organizations may differ, as well as definitions of this term The International Planned Parenthood Federation has unconditional authority in this area, which has made the greatest contribution to the promotion of sexual rights in the world
The first and most important right of any person is the right to be himself Each of us can make our own decisions about our own bodies We can express our sexuality, choose partners, and marry in different ways No one has the right to force us or force us under pressure Every person has the right to make decisions regarding their sexual activity and the birth of children
The second, but no less important right is the right to knowledge Every person should receive basic sexuality education during adolescence In many schools around the world, special lessons are held in which teachers or medical specialists tell children how important it is to use contraceptives and what diseases can be contracted through sexual contact Unfortunately, in some educational institutions such classes are conducted solely “for show” with the caveat that children grow up early and already know everything themselves Control over the introduction of sex education lessons is one of the problems of our time Every person must be aware of their sexual rights - this is also an integral part of sexuality education
Another important right is the right to defense This means protection not only from diseases or unwanted pregnancy, but also from sexual violence Women have two additional rights - the right to a safe pregnancy and the right to a safe termination, which are often violated