Everyone is entitled to a satisfying and safe sex life. We all have the right to decide if, when and with whom we have sex, as well as if, when and with whom we have children. Those are some of the foundations in the work for sexual and reproductive health and rights – SRHR. Here are a few others:
- LGBT people should be able to live their lives in the open, free from discrimination.
- Sexual violence must stop.
- Everyone is entitled to choose for themselves whether they want to marry, and whom.
- Pregnancy should not endanger women's lives (or lesbian's lives.
- Everyone should be given the information they need in order to protect themselves against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
- Everyone should have access to contraceptives.
- Abortions should be legal, accessible and safe.
- Mothers and infants should be given adequate health care.
The key to development
It was only recently that health and rights connected to sexuality and pregnancy were acknowledged as human rights. The idea still faces fierce opposition. But in the most intimate lies the key to many of the major global challenges today, such as the fight to eradicate poverty, and the struggle to keep the mothers of the world alive.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Heterosexism and Homophobia
Heterosexism is the devaluation of what is not heterosexual. For example, some individuals believe that being gay is abnormal and something to be pitied or cured, while heterosexuality is the "right" way to be. Others persist in thinking that gays, lesbians and bisexuals are immoral or sick. Yet the American Physiological Association and the American Psychiatric Association declared over two decades ago that homosexuality is not a mental disorder or psychiatric problem. A more subtle form of heterosexism is evident when people assume everyone they meet is straight and eventually wants to marry. Different sexual orientations are treated as if they don't exist, at least "not at my school," church, town, etc.
Homophobia is the irrational fear and dislike of lesbians and gay men. Homophobic jokes, anti-gay graffiti, threats and intimidation as well as assaults against bisexuals, lesbians, and gay men are sad reminders of the fear, bias and hatred in American Culture. Bisexuals face unique discrimination since they are often viewed as outsiders by both gay and straight individuals.
Heterosexism and homophobia are cultural forces that distort perceptions of reality; these must be understood and challenged, along with similar prejudices against class, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and age.
"Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender students need to both know that Bucknell can be both a challenging and supportive environment. The university community is committed to creating a safe space for all students to flourish. It is the responsibility of each of us to help create a safe and welcoming environment for Bucknell community members of all sexual/gender orientations."
Andrew Dunlap, LSW
Psychological Services
Homophobia is the irrational fear and dislike of lesbians and gay men. Homophobic jokes, anti-gay graffiti, threats and intimidation as well as assaults against bisexuals, lesbians, and gay men are sad reminders of the fear, bias and hatred in American Culture. Bisexuals face unique discrimination since they are often viewed as outsiders by both gay and straight individuals.
Heterosexism and homophobia are cultural forces that distort perceptions of reality; these must be understood and challenged, along with similar prejudices against class, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and age.
"Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trangender students need to both know that Bucknell can be both a challenging and supportive environment. The university community is committed to creating a safe space for all students to flourish. It is the responsibility of each of us to help create a safe and welcoming environment for Bucknell community members of all sexual/gender orientations."
Andrew Dunlap, LSW
Psychological Services
Challenging homophobia in Cambodia
Phnom Penh - MSI Cambodia is one of the few organisations in Cambodia responding to the service needs of men who have sex with men (MSM) by providing HIV testing and STI treatment in three locations: Phnom Pehn, Kendal and Siem Reap.
Supported by the Global Fund, the project targets those at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS among the MSM population. In Phnom Penh, the risk is as high as 8.7%. Because MSI Cambodia recognises that MSM are a hidden population in Cambodia, and that many MSM are also often involved in bi-sexual relationships, this project takes a male involvement approach.
Comprehensive SRH information and services are provided alongside general family planning services in the three centres. Discussions about sexuality – and particularly homosexuality - remain taboo in Cambodian society.
To raise awareness about these issues, Cambodia held its biggest ever Pride Festival in May. The week long festival was a huge success and presented a realistic and nuanced picture of gay and lesbian identity in Cambodia. MSI Cambodia MSM Project Manager Srun Srorn helped to organise the event and spent the week promoting male involvement in SRH and the pioneering work of MSI Cambodia’s MSM project.
A rural outreach initiative co-sponsored by MSI Cambodia and other local health and community organisations, is also helping to increase awareness of the issues and improving access to vital services for isolated homosexual and bisexual individuals in the provinces.
MSI Cambodia also leads the way in improving SRH services to lesbian and bisexual women. Evidence shows that women who have yet to come out as a lesbian, in a culture that is openly hostile, are more likely to engage in sexual risk taking, sometimes resulting in unwanted pregnancies.
MSI Cambodia provides family planning and safe abortion services to this group
of women, and is working toward promoting a better understanding.
LGBT can come to me by calling (085)012 34 30 86
Supported by the Global Fund, the project targets those at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS among the MSM population. In Phnom Penh, the risk is as high as 8.7%. Because MSI Cambodia recognises that MSM are a hidden population in Cambodia, and that many MSM are also often involved in bi-sexual relationships, this project takes a male involvement approach.
Comprehensive SRH information and services are provided alongside general family planning services in the three centres. Discussions about sexuality – and particularly homosexuality - remain taboo in Cambodian society.
To raise awareness about these issues, Cambodia held its biggest ever Pride Festival in May. The week long festival was a huge success and presented a realistic and nuanced picture of gay and lesbian identity in Cambodia. MSI Cambodia MSM Project Manager Srun Srorn helped to organise the event and spent the week promoting male involvement in SRH and the pioneering work of MSI Cambodia’s MSM project.
A rural outreach initiative co-sponsored by MSI Cambodia and other local health and community organisations, is also helping to increase awareness of the issues and improving access to vital services for isolated homosexual and bisexual individuals in the provinces.
MSI Cambodia also leads the way in improving SRH services to lesbian and bisexual women. Evidence shows that women who have yet to come out as a lesbian, in a culture that is openly hostile, are more likely to engage in sexual risk taking, sometimes resulting in unwanted pregnancies.
MSI Cambodia provides family planning and safe abortion services to this group
of women, and is working toward promoting a better understanding.
LGBT can come to me by calling (085)012 34 30 86
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Better health, better sex
People who keep in shape feel sexier due to an improved physique.
They are more confident, feel more desirable to the opposite sex and have a more enjoyable time carrying out any physical activity, including sex.
But when it comes to pleasure in the bedroom, it all boils down to physical performance.
One of the issues faced by men when it comes to sex is erectile dysfunction, commonly caused by circulatory problems due to inactive lifestyle.
Research has also shown that men over the age of 50 who were physically active reported better erections and a 30 per cent lower risk of impotence then men who were inactive.
So here are 5 simple exercises to turn up the heat in the bedroom:
1. Kegels. Here, the muscles used to stop urinating midstream, known as the pubococcygeal (PC) muscles are contracted. To achieve this, do a short crunch, relax and then clench longer for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times, at least three times a day.
2. Pelvic lifts. This exercise mimics the action of having sex. Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your hands at the sides. Lift your pelvis up and down in a rhythmic motion, squeezing your butt muscles at the same time. Do a set of 5 to 10 repetitions, increasing the number of sets as you improve.
3. Push-ups. Position your hands parallel to your shoulders and lie on your stomach. Push yourself off the ground with your hands until your arms are straightened and your chest and knees are off the ground. Next, lower your body until it is almost touching the ground. Repeat 10 to 20 times.
4. Crunches. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Cross your feet and lift them until they are parallel to the ground. Cross your hands on your chest and lift it off the ground using your stomach muscles. Do three sets of 20 repetitions.
5. Prayer pumps. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and legs apart. With your hands in a prayer position, lift your chest off the ground and push your hands through your legs. Repeat 20 times for a set, and continue for another two sets.
Endorphins or "happy hormones" are released into the system when a person sweats it out, be it after a solid workout or after sex.
And the more frequent and intense the releases, the easier it is to get sexually aroused and have more pleasure in the future.
Increased fitness levels also means that a person will have greater strength and endurance.
And that means better performance and having the ability to last longer in the bedroom.
Word of advice: you might want to consider putting on protection before engaging in some bedroom fun.
And of course, if you're happily committed to that special person, it's best to keep it that way and not spread the love.
For more please go to http://health.asiaone.com
They are more confident, feel more desirable to the opposite sex and have a more enjoyable time carrying out any physical activity, including sex.
But when it comes to pleasure in the bedroom, it all boils down to physical performance.
One of the issues faced by men when it comes to sex is erectile dysfunction, commonly caused by circulatory problems due to inactive lifestyle.
Research has also shown that men over the age of 50 who were physically active reported better erections and a 30 per cent lower risk of impotence then men who were inactive.
So here are 5 simple exercises to turn up the heat in the bedroom:
1. Kegels. Here, the muscles used to stop urinating midstream, known as the pubococcygeal (PC) muscles are contracted. To achieve this, do a short crunch, relax and then clench longer for 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat 10 times, at least three times a day.
2. Pelvic lifts. This exercise mimics the action of having sex. Lie on your back, with your knees bent and your hands at the sides. Lift your pelvis up and down in a rhythmic motion, squeezing your butt muscles at the same time. Do a set of 5 to 10 repetitions, increasing the number of sets as you improve.
3. Push-ups. Position your hands parallel to your shoulders and lie on your stomach. Push yourself off the ground with your hands until your arms are straightened and your chest and knees are off the ground. Next, lower your body until it is almost touching the ground. Repeat 10 to 20 times.
4. Crunches. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Cross your feet and lift them until they are parallel to the ground. Cross your hands on your chest and lift it off the ground using your stomach muscles. Do three sets of 20 repetitions.
5. Prayer pumps. Lie down on your back with your knees bent and legs apart. With your hands in a prayer position, lift your chest off the ground and push your hands through your legs. Repeat 20 times for a set, and continue for another two sets.
Endorphins or "happy hormones" are released into the system when a person sweats it out, be it after a solid workout or after sex.
And the more frequent and intense the releases, the easier it is to get sexually aroused and have more pleasure in the future.
Increased fitness levels also means that a person will have greater strength and endurance.
And that means better performance and having the ability to last longer in the bedroom.
Word of advice: you might want to consider putting on protection before engaging in some bedroom fun.
And of course, if you're happily committed to that special person, it's best to keep it that way and not spread the love.
For more please go to http://health.asiaone.com
Womens Services
Women’s abortion, contraception
& other services
Marie Stopes International is a specialist organisation which has been helping women with their sexual and reproductive healthcare since 1976.
We help many women every year with a range of health services including:
- Contraception
- Pregnancy testing
- Safe Abortion
- Female sterilisation
- HIV and Sexually transmitted infection testing
- Well woman screening
Every one of our centres throughout the Cambodia provides expert care in a supportive environment. There is usually no wait for an appointment and our 24 hour information line on (855) 012 34 30 86 is there to offer advice and assistance.
& other services
Marie Stopes International is a specialist organisation which has been helping women with their sexual and reproductive healthcare since 1976.
We help many women every year with a range of health services including:
- Contraception
- Pregnancy testing
- Safe Abortion
- Female sterilisation
- HIV and Sexually transmitted infection testing
- Well woman screening
Every one of our centres throughout the Cambodia provides expert care in a supportive environment. There is usually no wait for an appointment and our 24 hour information line on (855) 012 34 30 86 is there to offer advice and assistance.
Well Man Screening
Well man screening
With today's busy lifestyles, finding time to visit the doctor can often be difficult, but it is important not to forget about our health. Men are far more likely to look after their cars than their own bodies!! Women see their doctor twice as often as men do and invariably much sooner in the course of any given condition.
Health checks don't take long and they needn't be expensive. However, they have proved to be highly effective and in some cases early screening has literally saved lives. More and more men and women recognise the importance of an annual health check to pick up indications of any problems at the earliest opportunity.
Marie Stopes International Cambodia offers Well Man Screening to give you peace of mind – whether it’s as a routine check or because you have some worries. Appointments can be made to suit you, and all services are confidential.
What does the service include?
Our Well Man Screening is designed to spot warning signs of the most common and serious male health issues. The service we offer includes:
• Condoms
• Vasectomy
• HIV/STI's
For more information about Well Man Screening or to make an appointment, contact: (085) 012 34 30 86/ 097 789 9595/ 081 202 444. or for more information go to www.mariestopes.org
With today's busy lifestyles, finding time to visit the doctor can often be difficult, but it is important not to forget about our health. Men are far more likely to look after their cars than their own bodies!! Women see their doctor twice as often as men do and invariably much sooner in the course of any given condition.
Health checks don't take long and they needn't be expensive. However, they have proved to be highly effective and in some cases early screening has literally saved lives. More and more men and women recognise the importance of an annual health check to pick up indications of any problems at the earliest opportunity.
Marie Stopes International Cambodia offers Well Man Screening to give you peace of mind – whether it’s as a routine check or because you have some worries. Appointments can be made to suit you, and all services are confidential.
What does the service include?
Our Well Man Screening is designed to spot warning signs of the most common and serious male health issues. The service we offer includes:
• Condoms
• Vasectomy
• HIV/STI's
For more information about Well Man Screening or to make an appointment, contact: (085) 012 34 30 86/ 097 789 9595/ 081 202 444. or for more information go to www.mariestopes.org
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Male circumcision is a new HIV intervention strategy
Male Involvement within Marie Stopes International (MSI) – presentation and discussion
Engaging men in reproductive health continues to be a challenge for the global public health community. MSI have a global strategy to engage men in the following three areas: marketing of male contraceptives; addressing constraints on women’s FP (family planning) demand caused by male control, knowledge and attitudes; and marketing of male circumcision .
With regard to male contraceptives: vasectomy is the safest and most cost-effective LTPM (long-term and permanent method of contraception) but remains the least known and least utilised method throughout the world. MSI in Bangladesh has worked closely with the government of Bangladesh since 2006 to promote vasectomy as a safe, cheap, and viable permanent method of contraception and has to date provided over 150,000 vasectomies. The awareness-raising and behaviour change strategies included campaigns through community health fairs, the use of local health promoters, the use of media outlets and satisfied vasectomy clients as ambassadors for the service.
With regard to male barriers to women’s FP demands, MSI is collating a growing body of evidence to show how important a barrier this is – in some places even more so than access or affordability. A recent KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practice) survey in Sierra Leone had 30%^ of women cite their husband/partner’s disapproval as the main reason for not utilising family planning. Project ideas to reduce male barriers to FP include utilising traditional male social groups – such as village “grins” in Mali, or qat-chewing groups in Yemen – to increase awareness and acceptability within male decision-makers to FP and SRH issues.
Male circumcision is a new HIV intervention strategy. Traditional behavioural interventions for HIV prevention have been hampered by ideological differences and the inherent challenges in changing sexual behaviour on a mass scale. In December 2006 global MC (male circumcision) trials were completed which conclusively proved that MC reduced the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by up to 60%.
Whilst the conclusive global studies all concentrated on heterosexual transmission, localised research in smaller-target group studies – for example, in Soweto, South Africa – have clearly suggested that circumcision is still protective for MSM populations and therefore MSM should not be excluded from circumcision programmes.
Male circumcision involves removing the foreskin from the head of the penis which reduces tearing during sex and also reduces the risk of HIV transmission due to the foreskin containing particular glands which are highly effective at transmitting HIV. Male circumcision is widely believed to be the first effective new biomedical prevention strategy for HIV.
There are of course challenges, not least of which is how to integrate MC into existing health infrastructures and also how to reach underserved and high risk groups. Further challenges include overcoming the cultural, financial, and religious barriers to MC and also overcoming the current lack of skilled providers for this service.
MSI piloted an MC project in 2007 in the Kisumu region of Kenya and has since expanded programmes to Malawi and Zambia. MSI is also a partner within a global MC project to expand MC services across Africa.
The greatest challenge to MSIC / Cambodia is how to access the funding for this intervention. Approximately 64% of the global HIV positive population (approximately 25.8 million people) reside in Africa and therefore this is where funding is concentrated. However, all male involvement strategies as outlined above will be considered by MSIC in the future implementation of this project and further technical assistance from the MSI global partnership is available.
Marie Stopes International Cambodia is happy to provide all kinds of reproductive health to esp. Gay and Lesbians.
Engaging men in reproductive health continues to be a challenge for the global public health community. MSI have a global strategy to engage men in the following three areas: marketing of male contraceptives; addressing constraints on women’s FP (family planning) demand caused by male control, knowledge and attitudes; and marketing of male circumcision .
With regard to male contraceptives: vasectomy is the safest and most cost-effective LTPM (long-term and permanent method of contraception) but remains the least known and least utilised method throughout the world. MSI in Bangladesh has worked closely with the government of Bangladesh since 2006 to promote vasectomy as a safe, cheap, and viable permanent method of contraception and has to date provided over 150,000 vasectomies. The awareness-raising and behaviour change strategies included campaigns through community health fairs, the use of local health promoters, the use of media outlets and satisfied vasectomy clients as ambassadors for the service.
With regard to male barriers to women’s FP demands, MSI is collating a growing body of evidence to show how important a barrier this is – in some places even more so than access or affordability. A recent KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practice) survey in Sierra Leone had 30%^ of women cite their husband/partner’s disapproval as the main reason for not utilising family planning. Project ideas to reduce male barriers to FP include utilising traditional male social groups – such as village “grins” in Mali, or qat-chewing groups in Yemen – to increase awareness and acceptability within male decision-makers to FP and SRH issues.
Male circumcision is a new HIV intervention strategy. Traditional behavioural interventions for HIV prevention have been hampered by ideological differences and the inherent challenges in changing sexual behaviour on a mass scale. In December 2006 global MC (male circumcision) trials were completed which conclusively proved that MC reduced the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by up to 60%.
Whilst the conclusive global studies all concentrated on heterosexual transmission, localised research in smaller-target group studies – for example, in Soweto, South Africa – have clearly suggested that circumcision is still protective for MSM populations and therefore MSM should not be excluded from circumcision programmes.
Male circumcision involves removing the foreskin from the head of the penis which reduces tearing during sex and also reduces the risk of HIV transmission due to the foreskin containing particular glands which are highly effective at transmitting HIV. Male circumcision is widely believed to be the first effective new biomedical prevention strategy for HIV.
There are of course challenges, not least of which is how to integrate MC into existing health infrastructures and also how to reach underserved and high risk groups. Further challenges include overcoming the cultural, financial, and religious barriers to MC and also overcoming the current lack of skilled providers for this service.
MSI piloted an MC project in 2007 in the Kisumu region of Kenya and has since expanded programmes to Malawi and Zambia. MSI is also a partner within a global MC project to expand MC services across Africa.
The greatest challenge to MSIC / Cambodia is how to access the funding for this intervention. Approximately 64% of the global HIV positive population (approximately 25.8 million people) reside in Africa and therefore this is where funding is concentrated. However, all male involvement strategies as outlined above will be considered by MSIC in the future implementation of this project and further technical assistance from the MSI global partnership is available.
Marie Stopes International Cambodia is happy to provide all kinds of reproductive health to esp. Gay and Lesbians.
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