Talking about sex is enough to make plenty of Brits blush, so it’s no surprise that the conversation is still on the down low.
Yet the government reported an increase in STIs over the last few years. More people are being affected by preventable (and curable) diseases, and we’re still not talking about it enough. How can we improve sexual health knowledge and access if we’re not ready to chat about the basics?
It’s time to change that. For World Sexual Health Day 2024, we’re starting the conversation. From speaking openly about sexual health to how you can bring up the topic without cringing, you’ll find everything you need to know to make a change in this guide.
Let’s get started.
World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) is an international celebration every September 4th.
The event was created to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding sexual health and diseases. It also aims to improve access to sexual health education and resources.
The theme for WSHD 2024 is positive relationships. We’re putting our own Vivastreet spin on this – we’re focusing on how to openly talk about sexual health within your positive relationships. Whether that’s with your friends, partner, family, or sex workers, it’s time to open up and normalise an important part of health.
WSHD is run by the World Association for Sexual Health (WAS). Today, the day is celebrated in over 60 countries and focuses on medical settings, libraries, schools, public squares, art halls, and theatre groups.
Together, people are talking. Will you join them? Keep reading for some tips and to understand why this conversation is critical.
Let’s go back to basics. Everyone knows sexual health (and sex in general) comes with a layer of taboo and shame. But why is this?
Experts and academics believe this stems from a lack of awareness and education. There are still plenty of myths about sexual health that people think are true.
In reality, STIs are common, and anyone can get one. They’re also mostly easy to treat and don’t have lasting effects. However, they’re still seen as shameful and something you need to keep under wraps.
In communities with purity cultures, STIs are also associated with negative behaviour or character traits. It’s critical to dispel these myths, as contracting an STI has nothing to do with your personality or your sexual preferences. It’s simply something that can happen if you’re sexually active.
Honesty and openness are crucial because they help break down the stigma surrounding sexual health. With less stigma, people feel more comfortable seeking medical care, which leads to better overall well-being and higher self-esteem.
When we’re honest about our bodies and health, we reduce the stress that comes from hiding or feeling ashamed. This openness fosters self-confidence and helps prevent mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
By normalising conversations about sexual health, we significantly reduce these negative impacts. More people will feel empowered to access sexual health services, leading to earlier treatment and fewer transmissions of STIs.
This proactive approach not only improves individual health but also contributes to lowering STI rates overall. When we’re open and honest, everyone benefits.
If we want to create a safer environment, we need to start chatting. However, if you’ve never discussed sexual health before, this might feel like an impossible mission.
The best way to get started is to approach the topics with confidence, sensitivity, and empathy. Here are a few tips to help you banish the embarrassment and begin.
Being open about sex is vital. However, it’s not always the right time to talk about it. Choose the right moment to discuss it with loved ones. Aim to speak in a private setting and when you’re both comfortable. Avoid busy or stressful moments!
You might be tempted to beat around the bush or use metaphors to avoid discussing candid facts. But this actually isn’t the best way to discuss sexual health or sensitive topics.
Instead, use clear and straightforward language while avoiding overly complicated language or metaphors. Aim to get your point across in an easy-to-understand way.
Try to normalise sexual health by discussing it how you would any other health problem. This can release any awkwardness you or your loved one feels and will make it easier to speak about the topic again in the future.
It goes without saying that talking about sexual health is best done in a non-judgemental and sex-positive safe space. So, make sure you approach the topic without any personal bias or judgment. Keep an open mind and remember that everyone has different preferences and levels of sexual experience.
When speaking to someone about sexual health for the first time, it’s easy to get caught up in what you want to say and how you deliver it. However, your loved one might also have something important to say, and you won’t want to miss this because you’re too busy forming sentences in your mind!
Use active listening to show interest in what they’re saying. Nod when they’re talking and asking questions. This will also make them feel accepted and respected.
Other tips you may want to utilise include:
Sexual health is no longer the taboo subject it once was. We’ve made significant strides in openness and awareness over the past decade or two.
But there’s still room for growth, and World Sexual Health Day (WSHD) is the perfect opportunity to have these important conversations. Together, we can continue to break down barriers, promote understanding, and ensure that everyone has access to the care and information they need.
Learn more about sex and relationships now via the Vivastreet blog.
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