Sexual Health Education: Does Ignorance Protect or Harm Us?
Introduction: The Silence That Speaks Volumes
Imagine: You’re sitting at the dinner table with your family, and someone casually brings up a topic about digestion or a headache. No one flinches. But the moment someone mentions menstruation, contraception, or sexual health, there’s an awkward silence, eyes look away, and someone quickly changes the subject.
Why does something as natural as sexual health which affects every human being not get the same open discussion as other health topics? And more importantly, does keeping in-depth sexual health education in the shadows truly protect us, or does it create more harm than good?
Let’s dive deep into this societal contradiction.
The Taboo That Shouldn’t Be
Sexual health is not just about sex. It is about our well-being, our rights, and our safety. It includes:
✔ Understanding how our bodies function.
✔ Learning how to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
✔ Protecting ourselves from sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
✔ Knowing our rights and boundaries in intimate relationships.
Yet, even in the 21st century, sexual health remains a hushed topic, often surrounded by misinformation, shame, and fear. But why?
Why Does Society Still Treat Sexual Health as Taboo?
- Cultural and Religious Conditioning
For centuries, many cultures and religions have associated purity, morality, and honor with sexuality—especially when it comes to women. Discussions around sex and reproductive health were either avoided or controlled, leaving people with gaps in knowledge that were filled with myths instead of facts.
✘ “Good girls don’t talk about these things.”
✘ “Boys will figure it out by themselves.”
✘ “Sex education means encouraging teenagers to engage in sex.”
These harmful beliefs continue to shape attitudes toward sexual health education today.
- The Fear of “Encouraging” Sexual Activity
One of the biggest misconceptions is that talking about sexual health encourages sexual activity. However, research shows the opposite is true.
📌 Studies have found that comprehensive sex education leads to safer behavior, delayed sexual activity, and reduced rates of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
Ignorance doesn’t prevent sexual activity; it just makes it more dangerous.
- The “It’s Not My Responsibility” Mentality
Parents often assume schools will teach their children about sexual health. Schools assume parents will handle it at home. As a result, many young people grow up confused, misinformed, and vulnerable.
✘ A girl in her teens believes you can’t get pregnant the first time you have sex.
✘ A boy doesn’t know how to use contraception properly and faces an unintended pregnancy scare.
✘ A young woman assumes that STIs only happen to people with multiple partners, so she never gets tested.
When no one takes responsibility, misinformation spreads like wildfire.
Does Ignorance Protect or Harm Us?
- The Consequences of Silence
When sexual health remains a taboo, people suffer in silence.
Unwanted pregnancies spoil young lives.
Sexually transmitted infections go undiagnosed and untreated.
People stay in toxic relationships because they don’t understand boundaries and consent.
In extreme cases, lack of education can even be deadly—for example, when women undergo unsafe abortions or when people unknowingly spread life-threatening STIs.
- The Power of Knowledge
Instead of fearing education, we should embrace it as a protection and empowerment.
✔ Knowledge helps people make informed decisions about their bodies and relationships.
✔ It gives individuals the confidence to set boundaries and recognize red flags in relationships.
✔ It creates a society where people support each other rather than judge.
Wouldn’t we rather equip people with the right tools instead of leaving them to struggle in the dark?
Breaking the Silence: What Can We Do?
It’s time to shift the narrative. Here’s how:
✔ Start conversations at home. Parents should have age-appropriate talks with children instead of making sexual health seem “shameful.”
✔ Demand better education. Schools must teach comprehensive, fact-based sexual health—not just reproduction but also consent, respect, and emotional well-being.
✔ Normalize discussions, whether it is in the media, at work, or in social spaces, about sexual health.
♥ The more we talk about it, the more we remove the shame and fear surrounding it, and the more informed and better decisions will be made.
Conclusion: Knowledge Is Power, Silence Is Not Protection
Sexual health is not a dirty secret. It is a fundamental part of life. Ignorance doesn’t protect us; it makes us vulnerable.
The important question we need to address is not “Should we discuss sexual health?” but rather, “Why did we ever stop?”
❂ Let’s break the silence, end the stigma, and empower people with knowledge. Because by acquiring knowledge, we unlock the potential to do better.
Lubricant? Is that for Older Women?
The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the air as Sita and Laxmi settled into their favorite corner at the cafe. It was their monthly ritual—a time to escape from work, family duties, and life’s chaos and just be themselves.
They laughed over old college memories, gossiped about mutual friends, and discussed everything from career ambitions to the latest Korean series. But today, Laxmi seemed distant, her eyes occasionally traveling to her phone, her fingers fidgeting with the teacup.
Sita noticed. “Alright, spill it. What’s bothering you?”
Laxmi hesitated, her cheeks turning pink. “It’s…um…personal.”
Sita leaned in; her eyes playful. “Since when do we have secrets? We’ve shared everything—even that terrible movie date you went on!”
Laxmi’s lips curved into a reluctant smile. She took a deep breath. “It’s about…intimacy with Vishnu. Things have changed, Sita. It’s just…not the same anymore.”
Sita’s smile faded, replaced by concern. “What do you mean?”
Laxmi looked away, her voice trembling with emotion. “It hurts. I feel dry and a burning sensation, even when I want him close. It’s uncomfortable, and I see the confusion in Vishnu’s eyes, which only makes it harder, but I don’t know how to explain it to him.”
Sita’s eyes softened. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Laxmi’s shoulders fell. “It’s embarrassing!” “I couldn’t understand what was happening to me.”
Sita squeezed Laxmi’s hand. “You’re not alone. It happens to many women, but nobody talks about it.”
Laxmi looked up with eyes wide. “You too?”
Sita nodded. “After I had Kush, things changed. I felt exactly how you’re now—dry, uncomfortable, and frustrated. I even started avoiding intimacy because I was scared of the pain. I thought I was broken. But then…someone helped me.”
Laxmi leaned in with curiosity and hope flickering in her eyes. “Who?”
Sita grinned. “My gynecologist. She explained that personal lubricant is a simple, effective solution that reduces friction, enhances comfort, and helps both partners feel more at ease during intimacy. Vaginal dryness can happen for many reasons—hormonal changes, certain medications and hygiene products, medical procedures, stress, childbirth, breastfeeding, diabetes, and even dehydration. And there’s a simple solution…lubricant.”
Laxmi’s eyes widened. “Lubricant? Isn’t that for older women?”
Sita laughed. “That’s such a myth! Personal lubricants aren’t just for older women or certain situations. Anyone who wants to feel more comfortable, connected, confident, and pleasurable can use them. There are different types—water-based, silicone-based, and natural oil-based. Water-based lubricants are the most popular ones. They are safe to use with condoms and easy to clean. Silicone-based ones last longer and are great for more intense sessions. The key is to explore and identify what genuinely works best for you.”
She paused, her voice turning serious. “You know what else changed? Our communication. When I finally talked to Ram about it, I realized he was worried too. He thought I wasn’t attracted to him anymore. Using a lubricant wasn’t just about easing the discomfort—it helped us reconnect on a deeper level.”
Laxmi felt a weight lift off her chest. “I never thought of it that way. I was too busy feeling ashamed to see how it affected Vishnu too.”
Sita smiled warmly. “Exactly. It’s just a product, Laxmi, but it can make a difference. And the best part? It’s completely safe. Just make sure to choose one that’s compatible with condoms if you’re using them.”
“Oh, and here’s a great tip—certain lubricants can create warming or cooling sensations. Just imagine the excitement that could bring!” Laxmi couldn’t help but laugh, feeling renewed hope for the first time in weeks.
Laxmi went home that evening and had an honest conversation with Vishnu. As she spoke, she saw his face soften with understanding. They explored their options and read product descriptions and reviews online. When they finally tried the lubricant, it wasn’t just about physical comfort—it was the healing of the emotional distance that had grown between them.
A week later, Laxmi texted Sita: “I wish I’d talked to you sooner. Thank you for the smooth and pleasurable ride.”
Sita smiled as she read the message, feeling a sense of fulfillment. She realized how powerful conversations could be—how sharing experiences could break the taboo surrounding women’s sexual health.
Takeaway: Women are often taught to accept compromises quietly, particularly intimacy. But pain, discomfort, and shame don’t have to be part of the experience. If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, it doesn’t mean you’re broken or less of a woman. It’s okay to seek solutions. Sometimes, the most transformative solutions come from the simplest conversations. So, break the silence. Embrace the conversation. And let love flow, freely and joyfully—no matter the time.
निद्रा लुटिएको रात
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हेमाले कृष्णसँग विशेष सामीप्यता पाएकी थिइन् । कोमलताले भरिएको त्यो विशेष रातले उनीहरूको सम्बन्ध साँचो प्रेममा रूपान्तरण भएको महसुस हेमालाई गराएको थियो । तर हेमाको त्यो उत्साह धेरै समय टिकेन किनकी भोलिपल्टनै कृष्ण अनायासै टाढिन थाले । सन्देशहरू अनुत्तरित रहे, कलहरू बेवास्ता गरिए र हेमालाई कृष्णले विश्वासघात गरेको महसुस गर्न समय लागेन । हेमाको मन औधि दुख्यो । उनले कृष्णसँग बिताएको त्यो विशेष क्षण बारम्बार स्मरणमा आइरह्यो कुनै चलचित्रको हृदय बिदारक दृष्य जस्तै । उनले मन बुझाउने, सम्हालिने प्रयास गरिन् । त्यो क्षण चटक्कै बिर्सिने असफल कोसिस गरिन् । तर कृष्णलाइ अति विश्वास गरेर अस्मिता सुम्पिएकोमा उनलाई आफैसँग रिस उठ्न थाल्छ, हीनता बोध हुन थाल्छ । हिजोसम्म सँगै जिउने वाचा गर्ने यति मायालु व्यक्ति कसरी एकाएक टाढिन सक्छ भन्ने कुराले उनको मनको पीडा खाटा बसेको घाउ जस्तै हुन गयो । |
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अर्कातिर हेमालाई डरको सिमा रहेन । कारण, त्यो रात उनीहरूले कुनै सुरक्षा साधन प्रयोग गरेका थिएनन् । कृष्णले उनलाई ढाडस दिँदै चिन्ता नगर्न आश्वासन दिएका थिए । मनभरी उब्जिएको एउटै प्रश्नले भोक निन्द्रा हरायो “यदि म गर्भवती भएँ भने ?” उनी आफ्नो कोठाको निर्दयी अन्धकारमा ब्यूँझिएर आफैसँग प्रश्न गर्न थालिन् । सुन्दर व्यक्तिगत र सामाजिक जीवनको सपना एक्लो बटुवा बनेर अन्धकारमय यात्रामा मोडिएको, जीवन र मरणको दोसाँधमा उभिएको आभाष उनलाई भयो । हेमाले आफ्नो जीवन नियन्त्रण बाहिर गैरहेको कल्पना गरिन् । उच्च शिक्षा हासिल गरी एक असल राष्ट्र सेवक बन्ने उनको सपना दुरको दुःस्वप्न जस्तै भएको आभास भयो, अनिश्चितताको बोझले उनको छातीमा थिच्यो, सास फेर्न गाह्रो महसुस भयो । बितेका प्रत्येक घण्टा महिनौँ जस्तो लाग्न थाल्यो । निरन्तर चिन्ता र प्रेममा गरिएको परित्यागका बदलामा प्राप्त डरलाग्दो परिणामको कल्पनाले सहनशक्ति क्षीण बनायो । |
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यसै छटपटिका बीच हेमाले आफ्नो साथी मीरासँग आँट गरेर टेलिफोनमा सबै वृत्तान्त सुनाइन् । कुरा सुनिसकेपछि मीराले दृढतापूर्वक सहानुभूति प्रकट गर्दै भनिन् “हेमा, यो अरू कसैसँगको विश्वास र अविश्वासको मात्र कुरा होइन, तिमीले आफ्नो शरीरको निर्णय आफै गर्न सक्नुपथ्र्यो । तर पनि अझै विलम्ब भएको छैन । मसँग एउटा उपाय छ ।” यति भन्दै मीराले आकस्मिक गर्भनिरोधक चक्की निश्चित समयसीमा भित्र सेवन गर्दा असुरक्षित सम्बन्धबाट हुन सक्ने जोखीमबाट बच्न सकिने बारे बताइन् । हेमाको मनमा आशाको किरण पलायो किनकी परिस्थितिलाई नियन्त्रणमा लिन सकिने गुञ्जायस अझै बाँकी थियो । | ||
उद्देश्यः किशोर–किशोरीहरूलाई गर्भनिरोधक विकल्पहरूको बारेमा जानकारी गराउनुका साथै यौन स्वास्थ्य सम्बन्धी सुसूचित गराउने ।
स्वघोषणाः यो एक काल्पनिक कथा मात्र भएको र यसमा उल्लेखित पात्रहरू र घटना समेत काल्पनिक भएकोले कसैको वास्तविक जीवनसँग मेल खाएमा संयोग मात्र हुनेछ ।
(यौनस्वास्थ्यसँग सम्बन्धित यस्तै लेख–रचना भएमा हामी प्रकाशित गर्नेछौँ । लेख–रचना info@crshealthcare.org.np मा पठाउन सक्नुहुनेछ ।)
Sleepless Night
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Hema thought she had found something special in Krishna. Their connection had felt genuine, and the night they shared had been filled with tenderness—or so she believed. But the very next day, Krishna began to drift. Messages went unanswered, calls were ignored, and it took no time for Hema to realize that she had been ghosted. At first, Hema was heartbroken. She replayed their time together repeatedly, trying to understand if she had done something that annoyed him, otherwise how someone who seemed so kind could disappear without explanation. But soon, her heartache was replaced by a deeper, more consuming fear. |
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That night, they hadn’t used any protection. Krishna had assured her it would be fine, brushing aside her concerns. Now, his absence left her alone with her growing anxiety. “What if I were pregnant?” she whispered to herself, lying awake in the cruel darkness of her room. A cold wave of fear washed over her as she imagined her life spiraling out of control—her dreams of finishing her degree and building a career fading into a distant nightmare. What would she do? The weight of uncertainty pressed down on her chest, making it hard to breathe as anxiety consumed her thoughts. |
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| Each passing hour felt heavier. The constant worrying in her chest and the haunting thought of being abandoned with such a life-changing consequence became too much to bear. | |||
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Hema confided in her friend Meera, who listened with empathy and urgency over the phone. “Hema,” Meera said firmly, “it is not just about trusting someone else. You have to protect yourself—even if they won’t or forget. Your safety is in your hands.” Meera told her about emergency contraception and how it could still help if taken within a specific timeframe. Hema’s heart lifted slightly—there was still a chance to take control of the situation. |
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Objective: To provide adolescents with information regarding contraceptive options, promote informed decision-making in matters of sexual health.
Declaration: This is a fictional story. The characters and events are imaginary. Any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.
(If you have similar stories, do pitch them at info@crshealthcare.org.np. We will publish them if they are linked to sexual health and wellness.)