Sexual Health Flashcards
What STI’s does a PAP smear test for?
None
What is Sex and Self
Sex and Self is a student-run registered not-for-profit organization that aims to provide individuals with educational seminars, workshops, events, and resources pertaining to sexual and reproductive health and wellness.
What is the origin of the word Virgin
Virgin -> Virgo (Maiden)
Used to describe goddesses like Artemis and Hestia, for example, who were immune to the temptation of Dionysus
What is PRIMOGENITURE
A system of inheritance in which a person’s property passes to their firstborn legitimate child upon their death
HOW DOES THE MYTH OF VIRGINITY CONTINUE TO HARM PEOPLE TODAY?
It encourages cisheteronormativity.
It encourages shame regarding sex and sexuality.
It is sexist.
Why is destigmatization important?
STIs are still very taboo in our sex positive society
Stigma around STIs can lead to shame, isolation and embarrassment
However, STIs are actually common and on the rise
Knowing more about STIs and how to deal with them means less judgement and prevention
Why are STIs so stigmatized? How did this happen?
Infections that affect sexual organs are often associated with “improper” sexual behavior
Stigma in big pharma in the marketing of drugs for herpes treatment
STI jokes on TV and social media
Discrimination and homophobia in the HIV epidemic
How can we start to change the culture surrounding STIs?
Avoiding saying words like “clean” and “dirty”
Normalize having conversations about sexual health and getting tested
How to respond to a partner disclosing and/or disclose your own status
Don’t blame or assume
Get tested if it’s a current or past partner
Disclosure = Consent
What are the fears associated with coming out?
Family tension, issues or estrangement
Social attitudes
PErsonal struggle with identity
Violence
Discrimination at work
Lifetime stats on sti’s
At least 70% of Canadians will experience a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in their lifetime, and one in two
sexually active persons will contract an STI by age 25
