Talking More About Sexual Health

In collaboration

When I was younger, the topic of sexual health always seemed taboo but it is actually something that is so important to talk about. Whether it is arming yourself with the knowledge you need or ensuring you know what to say to and teach your children when the time comes, there is so much you need to think about.

Curely recently conducted some research where they surveyed 600 members of the UK public on different aspects of sexual health. The topics they were asked about include sex education, perceptions around sexual health, conditions such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation and also STI’s and contraception.

The results were very interesting and to me, they proved a greater need for more education and more openness and frankness when it comes to the subject of sexual health.

It is shocking to think that less than half of the people surveyed believe that the sex education topic provision in school doesn’t cover enough. I know from what my son has learnt so far that they only really touch the surface when it comes to educating them so it is up to us to fill in the gaps.

It is also very scary to see that over 50% of people believe that the internet spread misinformation surrounding sexual health. It is so true though; I remember years ago how quickly stories and rumours could spread whilst on the internet and you only have to look back in history to see how misinformation around certain aspects of sexual health can cause a lot of harm!

I’m not surprised by the figure that have never discussed their sexual health with a healthcare provider – I’ve barely discussed it except for during pregnancy and in the aftermath when seeing multiple healthcare practitioners! I also used to be very embarrassed even discussing the topic with people close to me so it is easy to see why some find it hard to discuss with their GP.

I definitely don’t think that the topics of erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation are talked about enough either – it is easy to think that perhaps men of a certain age are the only people to suffer from stuff like this but that isn’t the case!

I think that the numbers are perhaps a little skewed – over 50% of people have said they don’t know anyone who has suffered from erectile dysfunction or premature ejactulation but I bet that actually isn’t the case – they probably do but because of the sense of taboo people still seem to have, they haven’t discussed it with them!

I definitely think more education is needed around STI’s and contraception. Whilst I think the stigma of STI’s is definitely getting less, there is still a lot of taboo and misinformation spreading which should be tackled.

Contraception is also a big thing that not many people are educated about – until I had Jack and had my postnatal check, I wasn’t aware of ALL of the different types of contraception out there! Now there is even more contraception available and I still don’t feel as if I am fully informed about all of them!

Overall, I found this survey found out some really interesting things and that they flagged some massive gaps in our education system and society as a whole. It is time we definitely talk more about sexual health and ensure people are fully educated on it.