Breaking the Taboo Around Sexual Health – Let’s Discuss

Now that we have your attention, let's talk about why sexual health matters. Serina, a 16-year-old and her mother just had The Talk™. From consent to condoms, much to Serina's growing embarrassment, her mother was intent on covering all bases. She clearly did the research and added in a little segment about lesbian sex for some reason (no idea why she'd do that). Serina, now a 20-year-old in a healthy and happy relationship with her girlfriend, is reminiscing about how her mother broke the taboo of sexual health discussions to give her this happy moment.

In India, Serina is what we call a lucky child. With an open-minded parent, the need to seek the knowledge herself was cut short. Even at 16, differentiating the proper expertise from the stereotypes can be challenging. Add that it has to be done sneakily through an incognito tab in an internet cafe. If your name or likeness is anywhere near THOSE topics, then the only sensible solution is to change your name, dye your hair, and go deep undercover because mission aborts, we're compromised!

According to a recent study of more than 8,000 people across 530 cities in India, only 7.93% of young adults receive sex education from their parents. That's borderline ironic for a country that has a 1.4 billion population. The only way to get the taboo out of the way is to spread awareness from an informed point of view.

So if you are truly curious about 'seggs', at least the knowledge part, we are here to deliver.
Don't Speak of S-E-X

For too long, conversations about sex and sexuality have been drowned in embarrassment, misinformation, and shame. Unlike most children, Serina was given the space to feel this systematically enforced shame and gradually overcome it. In the same way, you, too, can explore your truth and desires in a safe space to better enjoy your sexual life. These discussions allow you to break free from the taboos and sit in for an open talk.

Honestly, it's ridiculous because why is it that we can freely discuss bowel movements, but conversations about sex and sexual health are often met with awkward silence or outright disapproval? This societal taboo has serious consequences. It's the primary cause of misinformation, unhealthy behaviors, and a lack of access to essential healthcare services. The lack of conversation leads to a lack of information, which is dangerous.

The fact that proper sexual health is not standalone and is intrinsically linked to mental health and overall well-being as well is not a secret. Well, if it is, it's not a well-kept secret, at least. Negative experiences related to sex, like unwanted or teenage pregnancy, STIs, or sexual assault, can have a massive impact on a person's emotional and psychological health.

Open and honest conversations about sexual health can help prevent these negative experiences and promote healthy relationships.

The Importance of Early Sexual Education

Children are naturally curious. Before the big Talk, you can answer their questions with age-appropriate truths after they hit puberty. Having some resources as a backup can reduce any floundering that might happen.

It's hard to teach kids about nuances, so start with topics like love, sexuality, gender and puberty. These are pretty much removed from explicit subject matters and are easy to explain. They are also a means to remove the stigma and taboo society places on an exploration of gender identity and sexuality at an early age. Hence, they are better prepared when they get a safe space to do so.

As they grow into their puberty, detailed sex education is critical. For one, it gives them the knowledge and means to make informed decisions about their sexual health. And two, by starting these conversations early, we can help prevent unintended pregnancies, STIs, and negative sexual experiences as a whole.

Two words for the wise and the growing: Consent and Condoms.

The easy accessibility of pornography has always been the leading cause for EPIs - Early porn introduction. EPI is especially dangerous because it is a child's negative sexual experience that can still affect their relationships way down the line, too. According to various studies, it is also a precursor to sexual aggression.

Even now, pornography shapes sexual expectations and behaviors for many people. As adolescents or teens, the ethical ramifications are lost on them, and it's the responsibility of the primary care provider to make sure they understand them. Moreover, early introduction to porn also makes them more accepting of negative attitudes towards women.

While pornography can be a source of pleasure for some adults, it can still create unrealistic expectations about sex, body image, and relationships. It's essential to critically evaluate the content you consume (as silly as that sounds, in terms of pornography) and understand the potential impact it can have on your sexual health and relationships. This is one of the many reasons that hiding away sexual health as a taboo topic can be pretty dangerous.

To break down the stigma surrounding sexual health, we need to start creating a culture of openness and acceptance. This usually involves:

Open and honest communication: Talk to your partners, friends, and family about sex and sexual health.

Challenging stereotypes and misconceptions: Concede to your lack of knowledge on anything and seek to learn it. Constantly battling against all the myths and misinformation on sexual health can be tiring but rewarding.

Openly supporting sex education: Be the loudest supporter of age-appropriate sex education in community schools.

Seeking professional help: Don't hesitate to consult your doctor or a specialist if you have any doubts or questions. It's your body, and you are responsible for caring for it in every way.

Sexual Health and Relationships

A healthy sexual relationship is built on, first and foremost, trust, then open communication, and last but not least, a good amount of respect for each other. It's essential to prioritize safety, consent and pleasure in all your sexual encounters in that exact order. Much like monitoring your sugar BP levels, having regular check-ups and STI testing are essential for maintaining good sexual health. Encourage your partner to keep up with their appointments, too!

Being social animals, our well-being depends on our physical and emotional health and the relational aspects of our lives. Suffering from sexual dysfunction is a serious issue that must be addressed. It includes a range of topics from decreased libido to pain during intercourse and can significantly impact literally your quality of life.

Causes of Sexual Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction can stem from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. Simply put, it can even happen if you're too stressed. Some of the common causes are:

• Physical factors: A 2022 study on North Indian men with type-2 diabetes reported that 32% of them have Erectile Dysfunction. Beyond that, hormonal imbalances, chronic illnesses, meds, and medical conditions like cardiovascular disease can also be the reason for other forms of sexual dysfunction.

• Psychological factors: Depression, anxiety, stress, body image issues, and relationship problems can be less than ideal for sexual desire and arousal.

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and substance abuse can negatively affect sexual function.

Societal Attitudes Towards Sexual Dysfunction

Societal attitudes towards ageing and sexuality often contribute to the stigma surrounding sexual dysfunction in older adults. What we really need is less judgment and more education!

Actively hindering individuals from seeking help or discussing their concerns with healthcare providers is a big no-no. Challenge these stereotypes and promote open conversations about sexual health at all stages of life.

Sexual Health in Later Life

As we age, a lot of things can negatively affect sexual desire and function. However, it's essential to recognise that a fulfilling sex life is possible at any age. You've been together for ages; talk to your partner! Explore different forms of intimacy, and don't forget to seek medical advice if needed so you can help address your sexual challenges.

Safe Sex Practices Among Older Adults

Sure, the risk of pregnancy decreases with age, but practicing safe sex never stops. Older adults can be at risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. So, using condoms and getting regular STI screenings can help protect your sexual health. Early diagnosis and intervention can do wonders.

When it comes to sexual health, India, like many cultures, has a complex relationship with it. Discussions around sexual health are often considered taboo, which has only led to a severe lack of awareness, misinformation, and quite an extensive range of negative consequences.

Cultural and Religious Influences

• Conservative Values: Traditional Indian values often emphasize modesty, purity, and restraint when it comes to sexual matters. Especially in women, it's pretty much a written rule in most places. Open discussions about sex are considered inappropriate and taboo.

• Religious Beliefs: Certain religious doctrines view sexuality as a sacred or private matter, discouraging open dialogue and education. The interpretation varies, and the oppressive extreme of this idea is exercised mainly by fanatics.

• Gender Roles: Society's expectations about gender roles can influence attitudes towards sexuality, with women often facing more restrictions and judgement (courtesy of patriarchy).

The Impact of Taboos

The taboo has resulted in many young people lacking access to proper sex education. This has made Indian communities the breeding ground for misinformation, unintended pregnancies, and a significant rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Worst of all, people living with STIs or facing sexual health challenges often experience discrimination and social isolation. With shame hounding them, they don't seek out a doctor or receive timely medical care.

Breaking the Taboo

To address the challenges posed by the taboo surrounding sexual health, we need to take more proactive actions. A lot of studies, even as recent as the 2023 one titled "Sexuality Education in India Yet Remains a Taboo—An Attempt to Dust-Off", have explored this taboo.

They all agree that right after encouraging parents to talk openly about sexual health with their kids, we need to focus on schools. With age-appropriate sex education that includes info on anatomy, puberty, relationships, consent, and sexual health, the potential to lift the taboo becomes higher and higher.

After that's sorted, it's the hospitals. Getting shame-free sexual health services and making them accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status, can change many minds. Most of all, with all this knowledge at our fingertips, it almost seems a waste not to share it to help people make informed decisions about their sexual health.

By breaking the silence and enthusiastically welcoming open dialogue, we can create a society where everyone has access to the information and support, they need to prioritize their sexual well-being.

Serina, a 55-year-old, is sitting here trying not to laugh out loud as she gives the same talk to her 15-year-old son. He isn't as red in the face as she was, but it's close. He's also asking questions and looks more comfortable discussing than she remembers herself to be. The difference, she realises, is her son is confident enough in his skin. He understands the importance of learning it from a trusted source, but isn't that what any mother wants? To be trusted by their children.

This is a future that we at Kofuku are working towards. Where shame and embarrassment are removed from talks of sex and replaced with curiosity and genuine interest in learning about one's own body.

Suppose you didn't have the opportunity to be the teenage Serina. In that case, we sincerely hope that to someone in your life, you could be older and wiser with intact middle school humor, struggling not to interrupt your own sexual health talk with a "That's what she said" joke.