{"id":22893,"date":"2020-02-12T13:45:52","date_gmt":"2020-02-12T12:45:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=22893"},"modified":"2024-10-07T03:51:29","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T01:51:29","slug":"sexual-and-reproductive-health-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/sexual-and-reproductive-health-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Clued In: Sexual & Reproductive Health Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you hear \u2018Sexual & Reproductive Health Day\u2019 this February 12th and think \u2018<\/span>putting condoms on bananas<\/span>\u2019, then you might be exactly the people this holiday is for. <\/span><\/p>\n

While safer sex practices<\/a> are absolutely something that needs to be covered <\/span>before<\/span><\/i> you start an active sex life, there are unique aspects of your sexual and reproductive health that can gain importance at different parts of your life; yes, that can be pregnancy and STI prevention through using condoms<\/a>, but also can cover things like protection in same-sex relationships, cervical and testicular cancers, and navigating <\/span>sex during your senior years<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

So let\u2019s take a look at what Sexual & Reproductive Health Day is and how you can celebrate!<\/span><\/p>\n

The History of Sexual & Reproductive Health Day<\/span><\/h2>\n

Celebrated globally, this holiday takes place just before Valentine\u2019s Day<\/a>, and is built upon the idea that \u201cSexuality and sexual health are integral to wellbeing throughout our lives. Everyone, no matter the age, is entitled to affirming health care, and that includes sexual health.\u201d\u00a0 We couldn\u2019t agree more \u2013 and we particularly love this year\u2019s theme, which is about sexual health at every age.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Should You Be Doing for Sexual & Reproductive Health Day?<\/span><\/h2>\n

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your potential partner(s) is to practice preventive healthcare. First we need to understand what \u201csexual health<\/a>\u201d means and it comes in a variety of forms; self-value, a healthy body, satisfying sex or relationships, mental harmony. It also means being comfortable to talk about your sexual history with a health care provider. Ultimately it is up to you to determine what you value and what sexuality practices align with what feels right.<\/span><\/p>\n

Getting a Yearly Test<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re having sex with new partners and haven\u2019t been using condoms 100% of the time \u2013 that includes for oral sex! \u2013 then you should still be popping by your local GP\u2019s office for a yearly STI test. There are plenty of STIs that can spread through skin to skin contact (ie hands) that can have real, long-term effects on your sexual health and fertility, like <\/span>HPV<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s also important to note that you can have and be a carrier of STIs whether or not you have symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With the exception of cervical and prostate cancer screening, these sexual health services are encouraged for both men and women: STI screenings, HIV testing, Hepatitis C screening, Hepatitis B vaccination, HPV vaccination, contraception counseling, and abuse counseling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You, with the help of your healthcare professional, will of course know what the best services are for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Asking About Your Cancer Risk<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you have a cervix, you\u2019ve probably heard of a Pap smear \u2013 these cervical screenings take a look at the cells on your cervix to check for cancerous cells. Typically, you should be checked every 3 years once you reach the age 25.<\/span><\/p>\n

For penis-having folks, your cancer risks will change at different ages. Testicular cancer, for example, is the leading cancer for those aged 15-35, and while it is usually quite curable, that is only if it has been caught early. More advanced stage testicular cancer will require more aggressive treatment, which can negatively affect fertility.<\/span><\/p>\n

Prostate cancer tends to affect you later in life; if you\u2019re caucasian and have no family history of prostate cancer,\u00a0 you should start screenings around age 50, but if you do have a family history or of African-heritage, screenings should begin at age 45.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stopping the Stigma<\/span><\/h3>\n

While we often talk about the taboo of certain aspects of sexuality, such as <\/span>non-heterosexual identities<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>BDSM<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>non-monogamy<\/span><\/a>, a lot of discussions are about how these taboos are falling away and allowing people to enjoy their interests or live their lives more honestly. However, stigma about sexual health has not necessarily enjoyed this same opening up.<\/span><\/p>\n

While it\u2019s important to be on top of your sexual health, that doesn\u2019t necessarily mean that there need be a stigma surrounding STIs, as all <\/span>latest CDC figures<\/span><\/a> show that it\u2019s a large proportion of the population that will have one at one time of their life or another. Yes, we should be safer, but we also need to be able to discuss the realities of sex and the risks therein appropriately; STIs are not a \u2018moral\u2019 punishment that happens to \u2018other people,\u2019 and thinking of them as such only makes people a lot less likely to get themselves checked out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make Pleasure Part of the Equation<\/span><\/h3>\n

Our sex lives \u2013 from frequency to interests \u2013 might change as we go through life, but that doesn\u2019t mean it has to stop altogether if we don\u2019t want it to. This can mean including \u2018<\/span>vibrator therapy\u2019<\/span><\/a> as part of your menopausal coping plan, to changing what \u2018sex\u2019 means between you and your partner in the face of <\/span>erectile uncertainty<\/span><\/a> \u2013 it can even mean exploring new <\/span>sex positions that better suit limited mobility<\/span><\/a> as you age or if a physical disability becomes part of your life!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pleasure is absolutely part of your <\/span>sexual wellbeing<\/span><\/a>, and while it may seem awkward to bring up to your regular doctor, you can and should \u2013 if they aren\u2019t able to handle your query, they\u2019ll be able to refer you to someone who can!<\/span><\/p>\n

Discover pleasure with:<\/h4>\n

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If you hear \u2018Sexual & Reproductive Health Day\u2019 this February 12th and think \u2018putting condoms on bananas\u2019, then you might be exactly the people this holiday is for. While safer sex practices are absolutely something that needs to be covered before you start an active sex life, there are unique aspects of your sexual and reproductive health that can gain importance at different parts of your life; yes, that can be pregnancy and STI prevention through using condoms, but also […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":25777,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[137,749,271,907,669],"coauthors":[947],"class_list":["post-22893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sexual-health","tag-health","tag-safe-sex","tag-safety","tag-sex-related-days","tag-sexual-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nYour Essential Sexual & Reproductive Health Day Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Sexual & Reproductive Health isn\u2019t just for high school students - 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