Staying Safe Between the Sheets – Spotlight on Sexual Health

By OMBOKI MONAYO

Have you had your HIV test this year yet? If not, take time this week to get tested. Regular testing for STIs is also crucial. Consider discussing STI testing with your partner(s) before engaging in sexual activity to ensure transparency and safety.

Open and honest communication with your partner(s) about sexual health, STI status, and birth control options is vital for fostering a healthy sexual relationship. Additionally, getting vaccinated against STIs, such as HPV, hepatitis B, and herpes, is recommended by healthcare providers and can provide important protection.

Sexual health encompasses not only physical well-being but also emotional, mental, and social wellness concerning sexuality. It is far more than just the absence of disease or dysfunction. Many people suffer when they lack bodily autonomy, control over their reproductive choices, or the freedom to experience safe and consensual sexual relationships. Access to contraception and the necessary information to make informed decisions about sexual health is an essential aspect of achieving overall sexual well-being.

In Kenya, the percentage of married women using modern contraceptives has steadily increased over time, from 32% in 2003 to 57% in 2022. Over the same period, the unmet need for family planning declined from 27% to 14% (KDHS 2022).

Contraceptive uptake is measured using the Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR), which is the percentage of WRA who are using, or whose partners are using modern contraceptives. The country aims to achieve 64% mCPR by 2030.

While remarkable strides have been made in providing access to safe contraception methods, there remains a significant gap in empowering the population with the necessary information to enable individuals to make informed decisions about sexual activity.

In a September 4 press release marking World Sexual Health Day, Marie Stopes Kenya (MSK) identified the lack of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) as a critical issue that continues to leave many young people vulnerable. MSK emphasized the pressing challenges faced in Kenya, particularly the absence of comprehensive sexuality education for adolescents and young people.

“This education gap has resulted in high rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents,” read the statement.
In light of these challenges, MSK has called on the Kenyan government to prioritize the funding of reproductive health, particularly family planning, stressing that this is not only a health concern but also a matter of human rights and social justice.

“Investing in sexual and reproductive health is essential for empowering individuals to make informed choices about their health and their futures,” MSK. The organization highlighted the societal benefits of ensuring access to family planning services, explaining that it can contribute significantly to the well-being of the broader community.

Furthermore, MSK is urging for the adoption of an inclusive approach to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). This approach is captured in the Family Reproductive Healthcare Bill of 2023 and seeks to address all aspects of sexual and reproductive health to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the highest possible standard of sexual well-being. Sexual health, the organization added, is fundamental to achieving overall health, gender equality, and social and economic development.

MSK stressed the importance of recognizing, respecting, and protecting sexual health for all. By working together, it believes that a society can be built where every individual can reach the best possible standard of sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

In line with safeguarding sexual health which includes reducing the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies, here is some practical advice on maintaining your sexual well-being.

You can adopt several key practices that prioritize your sexual health and well-being while also protecting your partner. First and foremost, it is essential to use condoms consistently and correctly every time you engage in sexual activity, whether it be oral, anal, or vaginal sex.

Using water-based lubricants during sex can help reduce the risk of condom breakage and enhance pleasure. It is also advisable to avoid sharing sex toys. If sharing is unavoidable, use condoms on the toys and ensure they are cleaned thoroughly before and after use. Limiting the number of sexual partners and being aware of their sexual history and practices can further minimize risk.

Moreover, it is important to avoid alcohol and drug use before and during sexual activity, as these substances can impair judgment and lead to risky behaviors. Practicing self-care by getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress can also contribute positively to sexual health and overall well-being. Finally, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any STI symptoms or have had unprotected sex with a partner whose STI status is unknown.

By adhering to these practices, you can maintain and protect your sexual health, contribute to your overall well-being, and ensure a safer, healthier society for all.