Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is an essential component of the universal right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Good sexual and reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system. It denotes that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Day: 12th February
Why Sexual and Reproductive Health Day is important?
Sexual health is a broad area that encompasses many inter-related challenges and problems. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health issues and to educate to reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) which are now very common.
Fortunately, STIs are very curable but the problem is that many people are not even aware that they have it. Thus, it is important to learn the most common STIs including their signs and symptoms.
Here are the common symptoms of an STI:
- A burning sensation during urination or the need to urinate frequently.
- Sores, blisters or small bumps on the genital and anal area.
- Constant itching in the penis, vagina or anal areas.
- Having an unusual discharge or odor from the penis or vagina.
- Pain in the lower part of the abdomen.
- Pain in the testicles.
- Experiencing bleeding after intercourse or in between your periods.
- Experiencing pain during sexual intercourse.
A life cycle approach
Reproductive health is a lifetime concern for both women and men, from infancy to old age. Evidence shows that reproductive health in any of these life stages has a profound effect on one’s health later in life. comprehensive sexuality education, family planning, antenatal and safe delivery care, post-natal care, services to prevent sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), and services facilitating early diagnosis and treatment of reproductive health illnesses (including breast and cervical cancer) are very important different times in their lives.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day is an annual observance held on February 12. It was launched by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness campaign
The Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights team is conducting annual Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness campaign (SRH Week) which is a promotional and social media campaign designed to help raise awareness around sexual and reproductive health and highlight resources developed to help improve community health.
This year, the campaign will focus on the intersections between mental health and sexual health, and the entire complex ways in which sexual and mental wellness are connected and created a campaign titled Mind Your “Business”.
How can you involved in celebrating Sexual and Reproductive Health Day?
- Post or tweet about Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day using social media.
- Organize a seminar that provides relevant information on sexual and reproductive health.
- Spread leaflets on how to avoid the spread of sexually transmitted infections.
- Launch a social media campaign
- Organize a fundraising event
- Write a letter to local or national government officials to focus more on sexual and reproductive health.