Breaking the stigma around sexual health: Why it matters

The stigma surrounding sexual health prevents individuals from accessing the care and information they need. For example, a woman experiencing irregular periods or pain may avoid seeking help due to embarrassment, which could delay the diagnosis of a more serious issue like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Breaking the stigma is crucial in fostering a society where everyone feels empowered to talk about and address their sexual health needs.

Understanding sexual health
Sexual health is not limited to the absence of disease; it encompasses a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being about sexuality. It involves a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, ensuring that individuals can have pleasurable, safe experiences free of coercion, discrimination, or violence. For example, a healthy sexual relationship is one where both partners openly communicate about contraception, sexual preferences, and boundaries.

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding sexual health hinders access to necessary services and information. In some cultures, even discussing menstruation or contraception is taboo. Imagine a young woman who fears buying contraceptives because of societal judgment, putting her at risk of an unplanned pregnancy. This stigma manifests in various ways, from shame and embarrassment to outright discrimination.

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The consequences of stigma
The stigma around sexual health has far-reaching consequences. Many individuals feel uncomfortable discussing sexual health issues with healthcare providers, leading to undiagnosed and untreated conditions. For example, someone who experiences symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) but is too embarrassed to seek help may unknowingly spread the infection to others. Untreated STIs can lead to infertility, chronic pain, or even life-threatening conditions like cervical cancer.

Stigma also impacts mental health. A person who feels ashamed of their sexual health may suffer from anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Imagine a teenager who is exploring their sexuality but feels immense guilt due to societal pressures - this emotional burden can lead to a cycle where they avoid seeking help, worsening both physical and mental health.

Moreover, stigma fuels misinformation. When people are reluctant to talk about sexual health openly, they turn to unreliable sources of information, such as peers or unverified online forums. For instance, a common myth is that douching after intercourse can prevent pregnancy, leading some women to engage in harmful practices instead of using reliable contraception.

Opening up the conversation
One of the most effective ways to break the stigma is to foster open conversations about sexual health. These discussions can take place in a variety of settings, including schools, workplaces, and homes. For example, an educational workshop at a workplace could cover the importance of regular health screenings, including STI testing, making it easier for employees to seek care without embarrassment.

Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in this process. By engaging in honest conversations with their children about sex and sexual health, they help them make informed decisions later in life. Consider a parent who, instead of dismissing their child's curiosity, explains the importance of consent and safe sexual practices. This openness lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy attitudes toward sexuality.

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Education as a tool for change
Education is a powerful tool for dismantling stigma. Comprehensive sex education in schools offers young people accurate information about their bodies, relationships, and sexual health. These programs should go beyond basic reproduction and STI prevention to include discussions about consent, healthy relationships, and respect for boundaries.

Adults also need access to reliable information about sexual health. Community-based workshops, healthcare consultations, or even well-researched online resources can help adults navigate issues like family planning, menopause, or safe sex practices. For example, a community health centre might hold a seminar for newlyweds, offering information about contraception options and how to maintain a healthy sexual relationship. This kind of education empowers people to take control of their sexual health and challenge the societal stigma.

Removing barriers to healthcare
Access to sexual health services is vital for maintaining and improving well-being. These services include contraception, STI testing and treatment, and routine screenings for conditions such as cervical and prostate cancer. However, many individuals face barriers to accessing these services, ranging from high costs to the fear of judgment. For instance, a college student might forgo STI testing because they cannot afford it, potentially leading to untreated infections and further complications.

Healthcare providers have a responsibility to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for patients seeking sexual health services. Respecting patients' privacy, actively listening to their concerns, and providing bias-free care encourages individuals to seek the help they need. Consider the difference a compassionate doctor can make: a young man who is too embarrassed to ask about condom use might feel comfortable opening up to a healthcare provider who is patient, informative, and non-judgmental.

Challenging misinformation
Misinformation about sexual health is widespread and contributes to the stigma. For instance, many believe that only promiscuous individuals contract STIs, which causes shame and prevents people from seeking treatment. Similarly, misconceptions about contraception, such as the belief that long-term use of birth control pills can cause infertility, prevent people from using reliable methods to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

To challenge these myths, it requires a joint effort from individuals, communities, and media. Public health campaigns, social media outreach, and community-based education programs can help spread accurate information. For example, a campaign that emphasises that anyone, regardless of sexual activity level, can contract an STI might encourage more people to get tested. Similarly, a media campaign highlighting the safety and efficacy of different contraception methods could help debunk the myth that birth control causes infertility.

Advocacy and policy for change
Advocacy and policy change are crucial in breaking the stigma surrounding sexual health. Advocating for comprehensive sex education in schools ensures that young people are well-informed from an early age. For example, a school that teaches about consent and healthy relationships fosters a generation of individuals who approach sexual health with knowledge and responsibility.

Pushing for laws and policies that guarantee access to affordable healthcare can make a substantial difference. For example, advocacy groups might lobby for lower-cost contraceptives or increased funding for STI testing and treatment centres. Policymakers also have a responsibility to protect the rights of marginalised communities, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face additional challenges in accessing sexual health services.

The role of the media
Media has a significant role to play in breaking the stigma surrounding sexual health. When media platforms promote positive representations of sexual health and challenge harmful stereotypes, they help reduce stigma and encourage open discussions. For example, a popular television show that includes a storyline where a character openly discusses their choice to get tested for STIs can normalize these behaviours for viewers.

The media can also play a crucial role in dispelling myths. For instance, articles, documentaries, or social media posts that focus on real-life stories of people managing their sexual health responsibly can provide a powerful counter-narrative to the stigma. Promoting accurate information about contraception, STI prevention, and the importance of consent can contribute significantly to a more open and educated society.

Conclusion: Working together to end the stigma
Breaking the stigma around sexual health is a challenging but necessary endeavour. It requires open conversations, comprehensive education, access to healthcare, challenging misinformation, and advocacy for policy change. By working together as individuals, communities, healthcare providers, policymakers, and the media, we can create a society where everyone feels comfortable seeking the care and information they need to maintain their sexual health. This is not only about disease prevention but also about promoting overall well-being and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Imagine a world where discussing sexual health is as routine as talking about general physical health - this is the society we should strive to build.

Prof. Dr. Rajan Bhonsle, M.D. is a Senior Sex Therapist and Counsellor from Mumbai, practicing for more than 35 years. He is a Hon. Professor and Head of the Department of Sexual Medicine at K.E.M.Hospital and G.S.Medical College Mumbai.

The views expressed here are the individual's and don't represent those of the paper.