High risk in sexual behaviour: Male semen loss
High Risk
AIDS is the most dreaded disease today and has attracted much media attention. A considerable amount of health related research has been aimed at finding a cure for this condition that is taking more lives than was ever imagined. It is being increasingly felt that the best way to tackle the problem of spread of the deadly virus is not by prevention and education alone but by focusing on the myths and the conditions that lead to practice of such high-risk behaviour that makes people prone to contracting STDs.
Recent studies and interventions conducted in western India have sought to address these problems. The Deepak Charitable Trust in collaboration with NGOs like SAHAS in Surat, Community Science Centre in Rajkot, Bhavnagar Blood Bank and Surat District Prison conducted surveys and educational programmes in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra about male sexual beliefs and how these have an effect on high risk sexual behaviour of men in these areas. They found that there were widespread false beliefs regarding semen loss in males, which led to myths about masturbation and sexual intercourse. Most men had great inhibitions and anxiety regarding masturbation and nocturnal emissions (wet dreams), which due to lack of educational material, remain unaddressed. They expressed concerns about the “thinning of semen” and “loss of virility” due to masturbation and wet dreams. Other concerns commonly linked to masturbation and nocturnal emissions were that they caused “injury to the penis”, “unsatisfactory performance with wife”, “impotence”, “emptying of semen” and “wasting of body”. Any semen lost during these activities was seen as a waste and the activity itself was considered sinful.
Sexual intercourse was the only sexual act that was considered “worthy enough” of the ejaculate, and thus, had to be indulged in regularly. Because of the social taboos regarding opposite sex contact, these men resorted to unsafe sex with commercial sex workers and other men. This, in addition to the unavailability of condoms and other methods of contraception, increased the risk of exposure to STDs. Through educational intervention and workshops, these organisations were able to dispel some of the misconceptions. A lot still needs to be done to change the mindset that has become rigid over ages. Other important issues that came to light and that need to be addressed are:
* Since sexual activity begins at an early age (14-15 years), it is important to provide safe channels for sexual release. All myths regarding masturbation need to be soundly dispelled and a degree of openness regarding discussion of sex issues needs to be created. Policy makers need to formulate and implement community policies backed by sound background field research. There should be a clear understanding of the impact of such policies on the target population.
* An integrated approach with the help of the government, local bodies, NGOs and the community needs to be undertaken to address specific concerns and reduce exposure to risky sexual behaviours.
These are the concerns of people from one part of India. A lot of other areas still need to be targeted and their specific concerns highlighted and addressed. It is a mammoth task that needs to be undertaken. These studies shall help to dispel the sexual myths and beliefs. A lot more still needs to be done to make a discernible difference!
Category: Health
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