Sexual health in the Philippines means being free of sexually related illnesses, disability, disease, violence, and other negative practices related to sexuality. It also means that a person is physically, emotionally, psychologically, intellectually, and spiritually stable.
There are 7 sections involved in checking if a person is a sexually healthy adult:
- Relationship
- Self-esteem
- Communication
- Values
- Education
- Body Integrity
- Spirituality
What Does It Mean To Be a Sexually Healthy Adult?
A sexually healthy adult is someone who is able to maintain a balanced sexual relationship with another person and with their own sexual identity.
- A sexually healthy adult is able to respect if their partner wants to have sex or not, and they feel comfortable asking questions about their own sexual health.
- They are able to talk about their limitations and preferences when it comes to sex. They may speak openly about their intentions when it comes to a relationship, whether it’s for casual dating or a committed relationship.
- Sexually healthy adults are also able to form friendships that are strictly platonic with the opposite sex. They are also able to explore other avenues of intimacy without things becoming sexual.
- Sexually healthy adults are also able to set boundaries and respect other people’s boundaries. They are able to accept refusal of sex without feeling animosity or questioning as to why they were rejected.
- Most of all, they are able to appreciate your own body. They are comfortable with their own sexual identity and orientation. They do not allow others to exploit them nor do they exploit other people.
Awareness about sexual health in the Philippines is steadily growing. It has reached the lower socioeconomic sectors of the population as well. People are being educated about their rights and what they are entitled to. It may be a slow process, but what matters is that it is finally being given the attention that it deserves.
What Is the Reproductive Health Law and How Does It Protect Sexual Health in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, we have the Reproductive Health Law that protects the 13 Sexual Reproductive Health Rights of a person. This ensures that all Filipinos can inquire about reproductive health without fear of being shamed, exposed, or judged for not wanting to have children or for wanting them early on in life.
This law also seeks to protect women from pregnancies that can endanger their lives. It shields them from forced pregnancy, forced sterilization, or forced abortion. The Reproductive Health Law also seeks to protect women from harmful traditional health practices, while ensuring access to the highest possible quality of healthcare. This is definitely a step up for the state of sexual health in the Philippines.
Reproductive health is about enabling people to have a satisfying and safe sex life while having the ability to reproduce, should they choose to do so, and giving them the freedom to decide on the if, when, and how often. It is also about empowering people to know and fight against sexually transmitted diseases.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Sexual Health in the Philippines
Types of STDs affecting Sexual Health in the Philippines
Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs, are spread most of the time through sexual intercourse. There are eight known types of STDs, including some forms of hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, genital herpes, genital warts, and gonorrhea.
Here are a few quick definitions of the different STDS:
HIV/AIDS
A potentially fatal virus that can be passed on through blood transfusion of contaminated blood, or through sexual intercourse. It can also be spread by (blood) contact with infected blood. A mother may pass it to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding.
Syphilis
This is a bacterial infection that starts as a painless sore, typically found in the rectum, mouth, or genitals. It spreads via skin or mucous membrane contact with the sores.
Chlamydia
A bacterial infection. Women can get it in the cervix, rectum, or throat. Men can get it in the urethra, rectum, or throat. A woman can also pass chlamydia to her baby during childbirth.
Trichomoniasis
A common and easily treated sexually transmitted infection caused by a parasite. In women, trichomoniasis can cause a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, genital itching and painful urination. Men who have trichomoniasis typically have no symptoms. Pregnant women who have trichomoniasis might be at higher risk of delivering their babies prematurely.
Genital herpes
These are small painful blisters that are found in the genital area. These blisters pop and leave sores that bleed or ooze with pus. This is normally accompanied by a fever or headache. This can be managed but it is not curable.
It is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of this virus: HSV-1 which causes oral herpes (cold sores) and HSV-2 which causes genital herpes. HSV-1 can be transmitted to the genitals through oral sex.
Genital warts
Although uncomfortable, these are mostly harmless and treatable. They are normally found on the entrance of the anus and genitals. These are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can lead to cancer at times.
Gonorrhea
An infection that causes a burning sensation when urinating. This is accompanied by a white or yellow discharge from your genitals. This is a serious complication but it can be treated with the right medicine.
Hepatitis B
An infection of the liver that spreads when people come in contact with the blood, body fluids, or open sores of someone who has the hepatitis B virus. This is treatable and can be controlled if you get it as an adult.
