What is Sexual Health? (September 4th, 2015) hosted by @Anushka1 and @mscoxie

This forum post is based on the discussion held on September 4th, 2015 at 1PM EDT hosted by @Anushka1 and @mscoxie in the Listener Community Room on the topic: What is Sexual Health?

Disclaimer: Although I (Alicattt) was not able to attend this discussion, I have reviewed the entire transcript and have made an outline on what was discussed to share with everyone!

What is Sexual Health Discussion

Hosted by @Anushka1 and @mscoxie

Outlined by @Alicattt

Icebreaker

Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the term: Sexual Health?

I think of someone who is not sexually frustrated

Safe sex

it should be safe and protected!

Safe sex, not abstinence

Satisfaction!

being "safe" ie protecting against pregnancy and stds

Practicing safe, consensual sex without forcing anything And practicing proper "etiquette" with sexual behavior

sexual addiction or the ways sex can go wrong

One should also keep in mind the capability of their potential partner in properly consenting. Seems to be something lots of people don't consider.

Discussion Questions

How would you define sexual health?

sexual health = healthy sex life

sexual health for someone who is asexual, and someone with a high sex drive is very different.

Lots of sex

"Don't be silly, wrap your willy!"

celibacy until im committed b/c of my addiction is sexual health for me

Making healthy choices regarding sex and sexual activities in my view.

Where do we get our information on sexual health?

Interestingly enough, school was the one thing not mentioned! The answers included: google, relationships, books, friends, and media.

The media makes the concept of sex diluted and just immoral

I think everyone discovers and learns differently. Some people get most of their information mostly from adult sources of "media".

Everyone has different preferences, and the media makes assumptions that people often go along with

Do you think (porn) acts as a barrier for getting the right information about sexual health? What other barriers are there?

Porn tends to warp one's perception of how the experience will be.

I think the best way to learn is experience, like in action

Do you think there's also a stigma for talking about sex?

i know people who cringe when you mention anything sexual....while i know others who love talking about it with friends

yeah, everywhere around us, talking about sex is something big and bad... which keeps us away from sex education maybe? and people ends up doing that out of curiosity!

Right, in my family we don't talk about sex. Mainly to respect our elders (grandparents, uncles, aunts, parents)

Culture and religion both have a huge impact.

What do you think are some barriers to getting the right information on sexual health?

awkwardness between a parent and the child,, while imparting sex ed...

Superstitions as well, like how masturbation makes you blind

Friend groups and peer pressure regarding their opinions on it.

I think stigma. But, also just change is difficult. One generation passes on info to the next. And, if there is no one to teach you differently, then....yeah.

our parents expect us to learn on our own...so do our teachers...god knows wher we learn from

What are some feelings someone might get when approaching a doctor about sex and their sexual health for the first time?

It seemed like there was general fear of going to the doctor after past bad experiences, or the fear of the unknown about your own body. Common feelings included: vulnerable, uncomfortable, awkward, shame, embarrassed, nervous, judgement, and anxiety.

It can be embarrassing to talk about something to an authority figure/someone you don't see as your peer about something we find personal or private.

Part of sexual health is understanding your body. Do you think this is easy or challenging? Why?

I think that could be challenging especially if you are not comfortable in your own skin.

You're body starts changing because of puberty and then from there it's a constant desire to feel comfortable in your own skin

It's quite challenging in all fairness because we're not informed enough - we just dont have enough knowledge and if we do.. it could also be misinformation!

Especially if you're already uncomfortable with who you are, have low self-esteem, etc. And then if you're not taught about it or you're taught that it's taboo that just adds to the problem.

Hormonal also, and we don't really know what to think about the new feelings we're developing.

It's super conservative where I live so we didn't hear anything about the pill or condoms. Nothing. Just "don't do it"

What are some myths you can think of about sexual health?

You'll go to *** if you have sex before marriage

abstinence is the only way!

If you have sex you'll explode

That if you have sex you will no longer be pure, clean or worthy but more so that this is mostly aimed at girls.

I thought if you have sex you would scream in pain D:

That sex is only for a man and a woman.

If u have sex for the first time u will bleed fosho <--- fake as heck

that if you are in a relationship- you cant say no to sex

There seems to be this idea that sex is some kind of dirty and shameful act. I'd put that under myths.

How can sexual health be promoted?

I think normalizing it is important.

Probably by education first.

Not shaming those with STDs. Not demonizing people for the amount of sex or kinds of sex they have.

I think people forget that sex is actually a very healthy thing and it's good for you (as long as there's consent, of course)

We struggle to accept that others have different sexual preferences. It's hard to promote safe sex when we disagree with the concept of certain people having sex at all.

What are some sexual health issues that you can think of?

education, STDs/STIs, infidelity, pregnancy, consent, protection, addiction, dysfunctions, gender, wants, awareness

If you had to do a PSA on sexual health, what would you tell your community about it?

Sex is nice. That is all.

Condoms and abortions nd contraceptive resources and pregnancy resouces cause there are too many babies!!!

Sex can make us prettier

Sex is nice - ONLY if its protected, safe, and not forced ! Short and straight to the point!

Sex isn't wrong, it isn't write - it's your choice"

Sexual health is cool.

"Can you afford a child? Think before going in"

A huge thank you to @Anushka1 and @mscoxie for hosting this great discussion, and a big thank you to everyone who participated!

Participant list: @Schmaylor, @CHRISTI2016, OneLifeToLive, LovedSoul92, @Vekel, @SelenoPsych21, @alfonsojon1997, @Mercedez, @GentlestGiant, @Suzanne, @Prans, @sunkisst530, @Baze, @lovelyTree31, @RocketsMom, @Rosalinas, @LMessi10, @Param, @hoppingpen, @TrueHelp, @HelpfullOwl, @StormsWillPass, @Belle_, @Isaac_, @iwillalwayscare, @MIxxyliciouss, @ReeganB, @Sunset7

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