Demystifying Sexual Health And Masculinity (Part1)

The World Health Organization defines Sexual Health as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health 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 health-related issues are wide-ranging, and encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual expression, relationships, and pleasure. They also include negative consequences or conditions such as: infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their adverse outcomes (such as cancer and infertility); unintended pregnancy and abortion; sexual dysfunction; sexual violence; and harmful practices (such as female genital mutilation, FGM). In Jamaica, sexual health is often not spoken about. In fact sex is still considered a tabooed subject. As a result many youngsters receive their information regarding sexual health from unreliable sources. Jamaica’s education system is in dire need of more guidance counselors in order to assist students to navigate their sexual health. Youth ages 10 to 24 comprise nearly one-third of Jamaica's total population of over 2.8 million. Early sexual activity, combined with a lack of relevant information and inadequate social services are factors that contribute to unsafe sexual situations. Some of these sexual situations include unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, and other threats to their sexual and reproductive health. Violence (including physical and sexual abuse) and substance abuse are also a part of many young people’s lives. However, effective and innovative programmes and partnerships can provide youth with the sexual health information, life skills, and services that they need. Males in particular tend to shy away from seeking medical assistance. This is problematic and we need to encourage our boys and men to seek proper care and advice in those times of health crisis. As a society we need to move away from a culture whereby we share medication with others. Unfortunately, as men we prefer to seek the suggestion of our friends than to seek medical intervention for our sexual health.

What is An Erection?. An erection is when your penis becomes hard and enlarged from an increase in blood flow. This increase in blood flow makes your penis stand up and away from your body (erect). Sexual stimulation or excitement is the typical cause of an erection. But people can get random or spontaneous erections. Erections go away after you ejaculate, but can also go away without ejaculating. A significant number of our males smoke. It can be argued that smoking is a rite of passage from boyhood to manhood in most societies. Sadly, many males are unaware that smoking can shorten their erection. Smoking calcifies your blood vessels and stifles erectile circulation. It must be noted that responsible sexual health means using a condom each time we engage in sexual intercourse. It is unfortunate that in the society many men are sexually irresponsible and engage in bareback sexual activities. Having sexual intercourse without the use of a condom can expose one to the risk of contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases and pregnancy for the females. Respect for Females . The discussion surrounding sexual health must take into account males showing respect for females. There have been countless incidents of gender based violence in the society where women are physically or sexually attacked by men. This culture of attacking our women and girls must stop. As men we all have a role in ensuring that women and girls feel free to walk and express themselves as they desire. Too many of us have been socialized that we have an entitlement to women’s bodies, however, this is not so. A woman has the right to say No to sex at any time even in circumstances where there was an agreement for her to visit for a sexual encounter. It takes a big man to respect the wishes of a woman. Honouring God. Sex was not meant to be cheap. However, due to peer pressure and societal influences many of us have embarked on a path of promiscuity. The Bible is firm regarding how we should view our bodies. In First Corinthians 6:19-20, Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies. In honouring God through our bodies we should not sleep with or have sex with anyone who comes along; we are not animals. We ought to respect our bodies. Masculinity. The construction of Jamaican masculinity is deeply rooted in the cultural trappings of the society which differentiate between masculine and un-masculine domains. It can be argued that the indicators of manhood are personal as much as they are diverse. Unfortunately, since there is no official Rite of Passage from boyhood to manhood, it is rather difficult to gauge at one point a boy becomes a man. It can be argued that this transitionary phase is rather private and gradual. The standards by which maleness and masculinity are measured have their genesis in the aggression and tough exterior by which men are socialized. The notions of masculinity and manhood are deeply entrenched and associated with the sexual objectification of women. Linden Lewis defines masculinity as a socially constructed set of gendered behaviours and practices of men, which are not frozen in time or culture and which are mediated by notions of race, class, ethnicity, religion, age and sexual orientation. Men rarely speak about their insecurities, it is not a manly thing to do, however, if truth be told, a significant number of men are made to feel less than by the ideals of manhood society portrays. Boys and men need to stop calling members of the opposite sex insulting and disrespectful names. As a society we must all work together to build and embrace a culture of respect for others. It is only when we see each other as equals and move towards respecting each other that we can truly experience wholesome sexual health. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #sexualhealth #masculinity