FROM CONSENT TO CONTRACEPTION

Taking care of your sexual health involves much more than just being aware of your body. Kalwyna Rathod puts together an expert guide on sexual wellness for women

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Sexual health education for women is crucial as it empowers them with knowledge about their bodies and their reproductive rights. This further enables them to make informed decisions about their sexual wellbeing and overall health, and also form healthy relationships.

Dr Sahana K P, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, says, “The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sexual health as a state of complete physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing related to one’s own sexuality, not merely the absence of disease and infirmity. It also includes respect towards one’s own sexuality, and the freedom to make choices without any coercion, violence, and discrimination.” She adds that it is essential to not just make women aware of safe sex practices, but also to help them develop a positive approach to their sexuality, understand their needs for pleasure, choose healthy relationships, get screened for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), and avoid accidental pregnancies.