February 12 of each year celebrates Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day — a day to promote education and awareness on important elements of reproductive health. This day is a reminder of the need for accessibility to healthcare, the power of choice and the freedom to speak openly about sexual and reproductive health. Talking about these things helps people feel empowered to manage their health and to make choices to avoid being sick, perform disease prevention, and make responsible choices towards their well-being.
What is sexual and reproductive health?
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a critical component of health and well-being. Sexual health is a broad subject that includes safe sex, family planning (the prevention of pregnancy), care during pregnancy and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. SRH not only incorporates physical health but also mental and emotions well-being, consent, and healthy relationships. Access to accurate information and services that allow people to care for their SRH enables them to survive quality lives.
Fundamentals of Key Sexual and Reproductive Health Statistics
Insight into the magnitude of the sexual and reproductive health challenges around the world can demonstrate how critical awareness and education are:
- Every day, more than 1 million Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are acquired worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- After all of this, there are around 214 million women in developing countries who have an unmet need for modern contraception, resulting in unintended pregnancies.
- Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women, with more than 600,000 cases diagnosed worldwide every year, primarily attributed to infections by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
- With India contributing for almost 23% of world cervical cancers deaths, there is ample scope for increased screening and vaccination.
- Nearly 10-15% of married couples are experiencing infertility in India today, with several lifestyle and medical factors contributing to the infertility rate.
These statistics highlight the need for awareness, prevention and healthcare services.
Common Sexual and Reproductive Health Issues
Knowledge of important health topics can enable people to go to the doctor quickly and take precautions. The most common ones include:
- STIs: Sexually Transmitted Infections  (STIs) like HIV, chlamydia, and gonorrhea are among the most preventable health issues through safe sex and regular tests.
- Family Planning & Unwanted Pregnancies: Educating individuals about contraception and reproductive choices can help reduce unwanted pregnancies and increase reproductive autonomy.
- Menstrual & Hormonal Health: Disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and irregular menstruation can cause significant health and fertility problems.
- Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Both men and women are impacted by infertility, and ART offers hope to couples unable to conceive on their own, with options like IVF and hormone treatments.
- Avoid Cervical & Breast Cancer:  Routine screenings like Pap smears and mammograms play a critical role in early detection and treatment of cervical and breast cancer, respectively.
When it comes to gynecological care, TX Hospitals stands out as one of the best gynecology hospitals in Hyderabad.
Education & Awareness is an important aspect
Education empowers sexual and reproductive health. Offering skillful sex education in schools, in the workplace, and in healthcare settings allows individuals to be informed about their bodies, reproductive rights, and prevention. Aiming at counter-productive beliefs is essential to creating an informed and responsible community. Finally, they assist healthcare providers in educating patients and providing non-judgmental medical advice.
Encouraging Safe Practices & Prevention
Measures to maintain good sexual and reproductive health include the following:
- Routine Health Check-Ups: Early detection and treatment are key with routine screenings (Pap smears, STI tests, mammograms, etc.)
- Practice safe sex: Using contraceptives, condoms and simply getting the HPV vaccination, all of which can greatly decrease the chances of infections and unwanted pregnancies.
- Communication: Talking about sexual health challenges with partners and healthcare providers builds trust and clarity in decision-making.
Break the Stigma: Open Conversations
The stigma associated with sexuality and reproductive matters is one of the most significant obstacles faced by sexual and reproductive health. Societal taboos make it difficult for anyone to get medical assistance or even talk about their fears. Whether it be between families, schools or communities, having a judgment-free conversation can drive a better society. Finally, government policies and health policy should help to increase the accessibility and the affordability of reproductive health care.
Conclusion: So What Are You Waiting For?
Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day serves as a vital annual reminder of the need for awareness and education, access to healthcare, and to combat stigmas surrounding reproductive health. We are the ones who have the power to make the change! Get this message out, talk about it, and demand better health policies. Take the first step today – schedule a reproductive health check at TX hospitals, where expert gynecology care is just a visit away
Together, let us put sexual and reproductive health as a right and not a privilege!
