The Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day, observed annually on February 12, serves as a crucial reminder of the significance of sexual wellness and reproductive health. This day is dedicated to raising awareness, providing education, and reducing the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Sexual health plays a pivotal role in an individual’s overall well-being, impacting them from adolescence through old age. Beyond the reproductive years, a person’s general health is profoundly influenced by their sexual health. The delicacy of the human reproductive system underscores the importance of making informed lifestyle choices to safeguard fertility and overall health.
In today’s context, STIs continue to pose a substantial public health concern globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 30 different bacteria, viruses, and parasites can be transmitted through sexual contact. Some STIs can be passed from a mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Shockingly, over one million STIs are acquired daily worldwide, with many infections being asymptomatic.
The impact of STIs extends beyond physical health, contributing to issues such as stigmatization, infertility, cancers, and pregnancy complications, while also elevating the risk of HIV, as stated by WHO.
The essence of sexual well-being extends beyond physical health to encompass mental health and involves the ability to engage in responsible and safe sexual activities. This includes autonomy in choosing when and how often to engage in sexual activity, access to comprehensive healthcare services, affordable and effective birth control methods, and sex education.
In India, discussions surrounding sexual wellness and reproductive health often face societal taboos, leading to undiagnosed health concerns. The observance of Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day aims to break these barriers and encourage open conversations on these crucial topics.
To further support individuals seeking information and assistance, the National Population Stabilisation Fund (Jansankhya Sthirata Kosh) has released a helpline number. This helpline offers confidential counseling services and immediate answers to queries related to sexual and reproductive health problems.
