Sexual Health Media Resource Pack Ministeru Tas-Saħħa, L-Anzjani U L-Kura Fil-Komunità

Sexual Health Media resource pack Ministeru tas-Saħħa, l-Anzjani u l-Kura fil-Komunità Copying and using of the material does not require any consent of the publishers provided that such actions serve non-profit and teaching purposes and that the materials are not being sold to third parties. Readers are encouraged to quote or reproduce material from this document for their own publications. The Ministry requests due acknowledgement and a copy of the publication. Ministeru tas-Saħħa, l-Anzjani u l-Kura fil-Komunità Palazzo Castellania, 15 Triq Merkanti, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 2000, MALTA Tel: (+356) 2122 4071 January 2013 3 Contents Introduction .................................................................................................... 5 Topic 1: Sexuality and sexual health ......................................................... 6 Topic 2: Adolescent sexuality ....................................................................10 Topic 3: Sexual diversity .............................................................................16 Topic 4: Love and intimacy ........................................................................22 Topic 5: Stages of interpersonal relationships ......................................28 Topic 6A: Reproductive health I ...............................................................34 Topic 6B: Reproductive health II ..............................................................46 Topic 7: Contraception and family planning .........................................54 Topic 8: Sexually transmitted infections ................................................76 Topic 9: Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer ..........................84 Topic 10: Teenage pregnancies ................................................................90 Topic 11: Abortion .......................................................................................96 Topic 12: Sexuality and relationships education ...............................104 Glossary ........................................................................................................111 Sources of help & information ................................................................125 References and bibliography ..................................................................128 5 Introduction The Sexual Health Policy and the Strategy are underpinned articulated media coverage on sexual health has the potential by human rights and social justice principles. They aim for to improve sexual health and enhance individual lives. optimum sexual health and wellbeing with the capacity for In view of the multitude of social and cultural sensitivities that the person to enjoy and control sexual and reproductive sexuality-related topics carry with them, the presentation of health free from fear, shame and guilt associated with false messages on sexual health and sexualities while being clear beliefs and misconceptions and free from organic disorders, and factual must also take cognisance of these sensitivities. diseases and deficiencies that interfere with sexual and reproductive functions. The aim of this media pack is to raise the visibility of issues related to sexual and reproductive health based on the The Sexual Health Strategy identifies the media as a means principles of individual and social rights and responsibilities, to communicate on sexual health in an effective and stemming from the values of respect and dignity to human responsible way. Evidence shows that the media is a useful life. This pack contains the correct and evidence-based means to provide information to the general public. The information which is of relevance to the local situation. The type of media used will depend on the identified target various resources included are designed to help editors, audience. Unbalanced or inaccurate media messages can producers, and journalists cover the complex issues that lead to pressures and confusion over the realities of sex and surround sexual and reproductive health. Topics covered sexuality particularly for young people. Hence we cannot in this pack include sexuality and sexual health principles, stop emphasizing the need and importance of the media to adolescent sexuality, sexual diversity, love and intimacy, be trained on where to seek reliable sources of information stages of interpersonal relationships, reproductive health, Dr Raymond Busuttil and advice. contraception and family planning, sexually transmitted Superintendent infections, cervical cancer, teenage pregnancies, abortion and for Public Health The media is also able to raise awareness on a particular issue sexuality and relationships education. and to reflect back current thinking to users. In addition, media can be useful in shaping attitudes and values. When We encourage all media-related stakeholders to take up and Dr Charmaine Gauci combined with a range of activities in a multifaceted make use of the information provided in this pack which we Director, Health Promotion approach, a positive message through the media can change hope will help impart correct messages which promote and and Disease Prevention behaviour. It has been shown that accurate and well- enhance optimum sexual health for all. v 6 Sexual Health TOPIC 1 Sexuality and sexual health Sexuality and sexual health 7 Human sexuality sexually develop and sexually respond, both to ourselves and Human sexuality is a complex topic. Western civilization has to others. Therefore, our sexuality contributes both to our a millennia-long tradition of negative sexual attitudes and lives and to the lives of other people with whom we interact. biases. But sexuality is much more than just blatant sexual behaviour. Expressing sexuality Expressing sexuality is one of the most joyful and enriching Human sexuality spans and underlies the complete range aspects of the human experience, and an essential of physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual component of the drive to realise our ultimate potential as dimensions of human experience. It has no single or universal human beings. In positively expressing our sexuality, we are agreed definition, because sexuality also encompasses social able to uniquely express and project our personal identity; and cultural diversity. Thus its definition may vary in different communicate subtle, gentle or intense feelings; realise sexual social and cultural contexts. Furthermore, human sexuality pleasure and physical release; emotionally bond with others; cannot be adequately understood unless due consideration achieve a sense of self-worth; and, for many, link with the is given to the influence that religion and secularisation future through their offspring. Positive sexual expression play on the sexual mores and culture. Therefore, faith and provides a deep emotional connection with others, through cultural beliefs, together with developing social contexts communication and expression of emotions. This deep and processes, influence the ways in which sexuality and emotional connection which realizes itself in sensual love sexual practices shape human identity. For these reasons, making becomes even more important than the physical the concept of sexuality has changed over time, and remains sexual act itself! dynamic today. As sexual beings, we are all entitled to the full potential of Sexuality has been largely defined in the literature as positive sexual expression, that is, to be able to positively a powerful and purposeful aspect of human nature; an express our sexuality. However, against popular belief, this essential component of personhood; an important dimension does not come naturally or instinctively. It is not entirely of our humanness and of the human personality which programmed by nature. Human sexual experience hardly is inextricably woven in the fabric of human existence. It resembles that of non-human animals. As sexual human touches on topics such as sexual anatomy and responses, beings, we have the ability to think and feel. Therefore, sexual feelings and behaviours, intimate relationships, humans have an intellectual and emotional investment in sexual identity and desires, sexual and reproductive health virtually everything sexual. This investment infuses people’s and sexual wellbeing. However, it is also about the way we sexual interactions with immense joy and passion. Thus, in individually perceive our sexual selves and build our unique being able to positively express our sexuality, and to achieve identity. It is about how we interrelate our physiological and this experience, one would need to achieve a degree of sexual psychosocial processes, which are inherent in the way we competence. v 8 Sexual Health Sexual competence On the other hand, sexual competence is lacking when of their choice; the right to access to appropriate health Sexual competence comes as a prelude to positive sexual sexual interactions are based on dishonesty, domination, care services that will enable women to go safely through expression. Competence refers to the ability, skills or manipulation, humiliation, coercion, hostility, rage, disregard pregnancy and childbirth, and provide couples with the best knowledge to attain the desired outcomes, while honouring to self-esteem, physical safety, and negative consequences; chance of having a healthy infant. the rights of all involved. Within the context of sexuality, it or when sexual interaction takes place under the influence of is the ability to express our sexual emotions positively and chemical substances such as alcohol

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