Ensuring good sexual and reproductive health is an essential part of our overall approach to health and wellbeing.

Sexual and reproductive health is often limited to discussions around pregnancy and avoidance of sexually transmitted infections. This is often the result of our inability to have open conversations about sex due to cultural inhibitions that are pertpetuated by Sri Lanka’s patriarchal construct. For example, the concept of virginity [limited to the existence or non-existence of the hymen] is often used to prohibit discussions around a healthy sex life before marriage.

Communication between sexual partners is an essential component of maintaining sexual and reproductive health, with a focus on a satisfying sex life. A sex life based on choice, free of coercion and violence.

The World Health Organization states:

“Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries. Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. The ability of men and women to achieve sexual health and well-being depends on their:

• access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality;

• knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of unprotected sexual activity;

• ability to access sexual health care;

• living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health.”

Sexual and reproductive health is not dependent upon sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status. The Ministry of Health have an effective sexual and reproductive health network, which includes public health midwives on the frontlines of service provision in Sri Lanka.

“Sri Lanka’s 8,000+ strong midwifery workforce remains on the frontline despite a multitude of challenges, offering more than medical care. They offer reassurance for mothers, education for young girls and couples, and protection and dignity for all women. At times, they are counsellors, and at other times, they are anchors holding communities together. They are often the first and sometimes the only trusted healthcare workers women see throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, entrusted with their most intimate details.” 

Each division in the country has an MOH Office, where the Medical Officer of Health, a qualified doctor, sits, together with a team of public health midwives and public health inspectors. The National STD/AIDS Control Programme also run   clinics across the country responding to sexually transmitted infections, ensuring that you have access to information and treatment.

The private/non-governmental sector in Sri Lanka also offers comprehensive approaches to sexual and reproductive health with the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka being one of the oldest service providers across the country.

Begin at Home

Information of sexual and reproductive health can also begin at home with age-appropriate discussions that we can have with our children. For example, we can speak to them about genital hygiene.

• Wash the external genital area (penis, scrotum/vagina) with clean water after using the toilet.
• If you have a penis; wash the glans penis with water during a shower/bath. Bacteria can grow under the foreskin, which can look like a white or yellow build-up of soft cheese.
• If you have a vagina; wash the area between the labia with water and keep it moist. The vagina is self-cleaning, so you don’t need to use soap frequently.
• ALWAYS use clean underwear that has been washed with soap and dried in the sun.
• If you experience itching, burning, or a foul odor in your genital area, speak to some you trust and arrange to see a medical professional.

To maintain sexual and reproductive health we have to be willing to talk about our bodies, we have to be willing to talk about relationships, and we have to be willing to visit medical professionals who have the skills to help us heal and stay healthy.