International Women's Day 2023: Sex is often considered a taboo, because of which people usually refrain from speaking about it. However, it is important to address the various aspects of sex, especially sexual health.
Women's sexual health is either overlooked or associated with myths and stigma. Sex, formally called coitus, is not only a pleasurable activity, but a hormone-driven bodily function designed to create offspring, and a connection that can strengthen the bonds between two people.
According to Harvard Medical School, sexual health is a state of well-being that lets a woman fully participate in and enjoy sexual activity, and is influenced by a range of physical, psychological, interpersonal, emotional, behavioural and social factors.
"Sexual health is more than just the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity," Dr Rashmi Baliyan, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, tells ABP Live.
"Sexual health is a condition of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in connection to sexuality. A positive and respectful view of sexuality and sexual relationships is necessary for sexual health, as is the ability to enjoy pleasurable and secure sexual encounters free from coercion, prejudice and aggression," Dr Baliyan adds.
How can a woman protect her sexual health?
For women to protect their sexual health, they must have proper knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and maintain sexual hygiene.
“Sexual health can be protected by preventing sexually transmitted diseases, sexual hygiene, regular consultations and check-ups,” Dr. Mithee Bhanot, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Apollo 24/7, and Apollo Hospitals, Sector-26, Noida, tells ABP Live.
Sexually transmitted diseases such as human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and Hepatitis B can be prevented through vaccination.
“Women can protect their sexual health by abstinence, and vaccination to protect against HPV infection and Hepatitis B,reducing the number of sexual partners and encouraging condom usage,” Dr. Indrani Salunkhe, Gynaecologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, tells ABP Live.
Usage of barrier methods during sexual activities can also prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
“One effective way of preventing sexually transmitted diseases is to have safe sex using condoms and dental dams while engaging in sexual activities. Vaccines also serve as a preventive measure,” Dr. Manju Wali, Senior Consultant Obstetrics And Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, tells ABP Live.
How can a woman handle her sexual needs and talk about them?
It is essential for women to handle their sexual needs in the appropriate manner and freely talk about those requirements with their partner.
“A woman can handle her sexual needs by communicating with her partner,” says Dr Salunkhe.
“Sharing your thoughts and expectations about sexual experiences can bring you closer and help you achieve better sexual enjoyment. Also, setting aside time for physical intimacy and emotional attachment may be useful,” she adds.
According to Dr Wali, women can start talking about their sexual needs by admitting their discomfort to their partner, and mentioning their emotional intimacy, physical and emotional changes after coitus, and pondering on their differences in sexual desire.
The various aspects of reproductive health and how women can take care of them
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes. It also implies that people have a satisfying and safe sex life and the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide whether they want to reproduce, and when and how to do so.
“The three important aspects of reproductive health are family planning, sexual health and maternal health,” says Dr Wali.
A woman is said to be reproductively healthy when there is well-being in all aspects of reproduction: physical, emotional, behavioural and social.
The reproductive health of women is a responsibility of society as a whole. Sex education is essential to have accurate information about reproductive organs and overall reproductive health.
“A community could be said to be reproductively healthy if its members have reproductive organs that are physically and functionally normal and interact with one another in normal ways emotionally and behaviorally in all areas of sex. Promoting sex education in schools is another important step in ensuring that the next generation has access to accurate information and avoiding myths and misunderstandings about sex-related topics. People, particularly those in the adolescent age group, would benefit from proper education regarding reproductive organs, adolescence and related changes, safe and hygienic sexual practices, sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, among others,” says Dr Baliyan.
According to Dr Bhanot, women can take care of their reproductive health by consuming a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, having a healthy routine, and with a good support system.
“Women can take care of the three aspects of reproductive health by getting treated for sexually transmitted diseases immediately in case they contract these infections, quitting smoking and alcohol use, keeping their weight under control, always using contraception during sexual activities, taking supplements to boost their health, practising safe sex, and increasing consumption of calcium and magnesium,” says Dr Wali.
“Women can take care of their reproductive health by ensuring they are using protection while having sex, indulging in safe sex, protecting themselves against sexually transmitted disease and unplanned pregnancy, being aware of birth control or contraception techniques, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure physical and mental well-being. In addition, women should go for routine health check-ups such as mammography and pap tests to tackle potential threats to their reproductive or gynaecological health,” Dr. Akta Bajaj, Senior Consultant and Head – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals, tells ABP Live.
Mammography is an X-ray imaging technique used to examine the breast for the early detection of breast cancer.
A pap test is a procedure in which a small brush is used to gently remove cells from the surface of the cervix and the area around it so that they can be checked under a microscope for cervical cancer or cell changes that may lead to cervical cancer, and could help find other conditions such as infections or inflammations, according the United States National Institutes of Health (NIH).