GENDER TALK #5: Sex Education
GT: On July 25, 2019, Gender Talk # 5- The Academic Activity on Gender and Gender Equality was held at Hoa Sen University (HSU). The topic for Gender Talk #5 was about sex education presented by Dr. Nguyen Tan Thu. The goals of the presentation were to provide students with useful and relevant information about sex education and to create a safe and open discussion about contraception.
According to research, it is expected that, ideally, all
high school and college students should have access to sex education programs
in order to have accurate information about sex health education. In fact, many
students are still hesitant to share or discuss it. When being curious about
it, they often ask their friends or find information on the Internet. But information
on the internet is overwhelming and may mislead them if they do not know how to
find reliable, useful, and relevant knowledge.
First, Dr. Thu cited that it is estimated that there are
about 41 million abortions each year in the world. Over 50% of these include 33
million unintended abortions and teen abortions. In Vietnam, there are about 300,000
abortions each year, and teen abortion rates are around 60-70%. In addition, a
survey of high school students on sex health also showed that during their
first time having sex, men often did not wear condoms, accounting for 29.5%,
and that women did not use contraception, making up 8%. The World Health
Organization ranked Vietnam as having the highest rate of abortion in Southeast
Asia, and among top five countries in the world. This becomes an alarming and painful
issue for the whole society.
In term of the effects of an unwanted
pregnancy, Dr. Thu shared some information concerning the consequences for
individuals as below:
· Students
often didn’t complete or stopped studying for a long time because of the birth
and the need to care for the baby
· Often
suffered from anxiety, stress, depression,
· Often
suffered from social prejudice and pressure,
· Often
experienced the sudden economic burden of raising children while not making
money or while still in school,
· Easy
to be miscarriage, premature birth, increased risk of death for the mother
· The
unintended pregnancy affects both parents, the unborn child, social
relationships, current and future life, and future plans may be stopped or
unable to carry out.
Dr. Thu said many
believe in wrong and mythical ways of using contraception. They think they
can prevent pregnancy if they:
· Drink
coconut water, lemon juice, or some kind of herbs... after having sex,
· Have
sex while standing, having sex in water, or dancing after having sex, and
· Taking
a shower with warm water or lemon juice after having sex.
Regarding the effects of abortion, Dr. Thu
stated that unsafe abortions often lead to:
· Dangerous
and serious effects on physical health, directly affecting the mother's health.
If severe, it can cause rupture of the uterus, bleeding, or infection.
· Risks
of death from both mother and child, risk of amenorrhea, and this causes
long-term psychological and emotional disturbances, and social relationships.
· Psychological
effects of abortion such as: guilt, torment, pain, abortion reminiscence when getting
old, prolonged depression, suicidal thoughts, sexual dysfunction, or fear of
spiritual consequences.
Next, Dr. Thu asked, if one wants to avoid pregnancy
and STDs, what should one do? He suggested different types of contraception
to meet different needs, including:
1. The method of sterilization: This is the process of
completely taking away the body’s ability to reproduce through open invasion
surgery. It is 100% effective and is a permanent contraceptive measure. It would
be suitable for those who already have children, want to stop having children,
and do not want children anymore. It may be used for both men and women. The doctor
performs this process in the hospitals. Only one in two spouses are allowed to use
sterilization. The requirements for using sterlization include the age that
women should be over 30 years old, men should be over 35 years old and they
have two children whose ages are over 3 years old. The drawback of this method
is that if sterilization is used, after 2-3 years, it may be difficult to
completely recover and reproductive function may be permanently affected.
2. The method of using a contraceptive ring, which has
an effectiveness of about 95-97%. The advantage of this insertion is that it
works for a long time. It allows to have pregnancy again if the ring is
removed. Side effects of this measure may include bleeding, menorrhagia,
abdominal pain. It does not protect against STDs. This method is recommended
for for women who already have a baby, and do not have genital infections
before inserting the contraceptive ring. Some warnings are not to insert the
ring when infected, have a sexually transmitted disease, had a previous ectopic
pregnancy, menorrhagia, hemorrhage, are suspected of having genital malignancy,
genital prolapse, or are pregnant.
3. Hormonal measures, also known as birth control
pills: The oral contraceptive pills can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex,
inhibit ovulation and make cervical mucus. The combined pill contains estrogen and progestin
and the mini pill contains only one hormone, a progestin. The pill
can have many benefits, however remembering to take it on time is a must.
It is highly effective when used correctly, permits sexual spontaneity, and
doesn’t interrupt sex. However, this remedy has side effects such as: if mild
may include nausea, weight gain, mood changes, headache. If severe, there is a
risk of heart attack or stroke. Therefore, when taking hormones, one should
consult a doctor.
For emergency contraceptive pills, this method is only
effective up to 75%, and needs to be used within 72 hours after having
unprotected sex without using contraception, or a woman has been sexually
assaulted.
4. Finally, condom is used for both male and female.
This is the most effective use, accounting for 90-98% of contraception. It also
is effective for avoiding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and can be as
effective as 90-98%. However, in order to be effective, users need to be
careful when buying condoms, including checking its quality, date, size, and
know how to wear them correctly.
Ineffective methods of contraception
consist of:
1. Calculating the menstrual cycle, even though this
is a natural contraceptive. This method is only for women who have a steady and
regular period. However, the menstrual cycle is often irregular, so it is easy
to have an unwanted pregnancy.
2. Pull-out method or also known as withdrawal: This
method is one of the most basic forms of
birth control used during penile-vaginal intercourse. This prevents
semen from entering the vagina, but it may be not safe because the process of intercourse
sperm may still be produced.
The final point of the sex education
presentation emphasizes sexually transmitted diseases,
which are infections that spread from person to person through sexual activity,
including anal, vaginal, or oral sex. STDs are caused by bacteria, parasites,
and viruses and include HIV and STDs. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, human
papillomavirus infection, and syphilis are examples of other STDs.
The myth about STDs is that a healthy person is free
of STDs, having oral sex without STDs, and having an anal or a homosexual
relationship are less likely to get STDs.
Regarding the characteristics of STDs, it is not only
harmful to the genitals but also in other organs and the whole body. They are
pervasive, and may even be fatal. The harmful effects of STDs can affect
children, causing blindness, or death. Many STDs can also be transmitted
through other ways such as hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDs.
In terms of symptoms of STDs infection, it varies from
one individual to individual. Examples of possible STD symptoms include painful
urination, unusual discharge from the vagina or penis. For example, women have
abnormal discharge that has bad smell or bleeding from the vagina. Burning or
itching in the genitals, pain deep inside during intercourse, sores, bumps, or
rashes on or around the vagina. In men, symptoms may include severe or
discomfort during sex or urination, burning, unusual discharge or bleeding from
the penis, development of sores, bumps, or rashes on or around the penis,
painful or swollen testicles.
STDs happen very quietly and there are
different types of STDs:
Regarding gonorrhea, it appears silently and has no symptoms.
The incubation period is about 1 week. When present, it is often painful, so it
is easy to recognize and requires treatment immediately. Without early
treatment, gonorrhea can lead to infections of the urethra, prostate gland, or
testicles, and the high risk of infertility.
Syphilis is another types bacterial infection. It often
goes unnoticed in its early development. It is not painful, but very infectious
and will grow in secret places. Because it does not hurt, many people do not
know they have the disease. The first symptom to appear are a small round sore,
so one should check our genitals regularly. Syphilis has periods such as: Phase
I: appears a painless, squeezing sore on the genital mucosa, appearing 2-5
weeks after being infected. Stage II: it can be detected in hands, feet or
"erythema" all over the body. Stage III: bacteria follow the
bloodstream to attack organs such as the eyes, ears, heart, brain, and spinal
cord and possibly death.
About HPV (human papillomarivus): this is a virus that can be passed from person
to person through intimate skin-to-skin or sexual contact. The most common
symptom of HPV is warts on the genitals, mouth or throat. Warts can grow in different
locations such as the tip of the penis or vulva, the outer edge of the vagina,
or the anus. HPV cannot be treated. However, HPV infections often clear up on
their own and there is also a vaccine available to protect against some of the
most dangerous strains. Therefore, when having sex, condoms should be used to
limit STDs.
FEEDBACK FROM
AUDIENCE ABOUT GENDER TALK # 5:
· Truong
My Ngan - First year student at HSU shared about Gender Talk
# 5. The seminar provided me with a lot of useful information such as: what is
safe sex, types of safe sex measures to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STDs. I
think girls are in a disadvantaged position when it comes to sex, so it is
important for me to learn about and take safe contraceptive measures. Besides,
being provided with content about sexually transmitted diseases and places of
treatment helped me to prepare in advance and in time of need. I have to think
carefully and be responsible for myself. This event is very meaningful and I
look forward to participating in more future activities, so I can have
opportunities to learn about essential social issues.
· Nguyen
Thanh Truc - a freshman at HSU. After attending the Gender Talk
program, I feel really fortunate to be able to study the Gender and Development
course. Today's program is very interesting because it gives me a lot of basic knowledge
about sex protections and STDs. I think I should be careful and be prepared if
I have relationship with anyone in the future. The speaker is fun and knowledgeable.
Everyone feels safe to raise questions. Thank you!
· Nguyen
Thanh Cong shared that I found this Gender Talk #5 is very
useful, interesting, professional, but fun. I thought I knew enough about sex
education, but it turned out I am not. I learned a lot of new knowledge. I
understand that some young people act carelessly when having sex without safe
measures, so when they have pregnant, STDs or HIV/AIDs, they are panic or suicidal
thoughts. It is terrible to learn that the percentage of abortion in Vietnam is
very high. I feel very sad about this news. In addition, thanks to Gender Talk
#5, I also learned a lot more useful information about STDs. Finally, I think
this is a very useful and interesting Talk Show that does not make me feel
sleepy. I hope there will be more events like this in the future. I am looking
forward to attending the coming seminar, so I can obtain more useful knowledge.
Thank you!
· Vu
Nguyen Da Quynh: First of all, I want to thank the
organizers for giving us a meaningful and informative talk show. This makes the
Gender and Development course become more appealing to learn. I now have a
deeper understanding on safe sex education, ways to prevent and protect myself
so that I don’t let unwanted pregnancy happen. Through the Gender Talk #5, I
had a fairly complete and correct amount of knowledge to be able to protect
myself and be able to pass on to those around me. I hope that Gender Talk and HSU
will hold more interesting and meaningful events like this for us.
· Pham
Thi Phuong Thao: I think Gender Talk seminar is very
useful. It helped me to learn more about sex education, love, and protection. I
also understand more about sex problems and sexually transmitted diseases.
There are many issues that I misunderstood, but after joining the seminar, I
have come to know more correct and scientific information. I feel very happy
about this and it is worth my time attending it. Finally, I would like to thank
the organizers and School for creating an interesting and rewarding event for us.
· Doan
Le Phuong Trinh shared: This is the first time I attended
an interesting seminar like this. Sex education has been a very sensitive and popular
topic. But few people really understand about this issue. The evidence is that
there are still about 300,000 abortions nationwide. Before attending Gender
Talk #5, I thought I have enough knowledge to protect myself. But I did not. After
participating in this seminar, I really realized that I still have many
shortcomings and learned more useful knowledge about safe sex methods, diseases
and how to use condoms correctly. I would like to thank the Organizers and Dr.
Thu for your good talk that is very crucial for us and our society. Thank you
so much.
· Tang
Hai Bang- HSU student. Before Gender talk #5, I had many
unanswered questions and I am a boy, so I am embarrassed to ask about them.
Coming to Gender Talk #5, I wanted to know more about sex education and Gender
talk # 5 makes me so happy because I found all answers for all my secret
questions. I learn about all kinds of sexually transmitted diseases. I also
know which way HIV will pass through and which way it will not be transmitted.
I know how to safely use condom, which is one of the best methods of contraception.
I also learn about how to protect and clean the genitals as safely and cleanly
as possible to avoid unwanted diseases. Finally, I would like to thank the
Gender Talk Organizers and speaker for helping me answer all my questions and provide
a lot os information about sex relations in a safe way. I really like to attend
more Gender Talks and I am looking forward to the coming Gender Talk so that I
can improve my knowledge!
· Huynh
Ngoc Bao Chau- HSU student addressed, Gender Talk #5
provides knowledge about STDs, how to check genitals to find out abnormalities,
and how to clean genitals every day to avoid diseases. I understand more ways
to avoid HIV transmission from others. Using condom is one of the safest forms
of contraception. I learned more about how to use condoms for both men and women,
and have a better understanding as to how to use it to not damage the genitals.
I find Gender Talk very useful and informative. Thank you the organizers for
creating a safe place for us to raise all sensitive questions and concerns that
we ask no one due to embarrassment and shyness. Thanks to Gender Talk #5, all
my questions are answered and I feel so released. I will attend future Gender
Talks in order to enrich my knowledge that is new to me.
· Tran
Thanh Thanh shared: I found Gender Talk #5 very
interesting and useful. I was able to expand my knowledge about condom use and
effective contraception to protect myself. Moreover, I have been exposed to a
specialist to understand reproductive health, what is PEP, PrEP and HIV / AIDS.
Thank you to the Organizers and Dr. Thu.
· Dang
Nguyen Ngan Ha: The gender talk session gave me lots of
useful knowledge. Firstly, I have come to understand that in order to have a
safe life, it is necessary to obey the rule ‘No condom, no sex‘
as Ms.Ngoc said. Second, I already know the quality condom, brand Durex, as
well as the places where I can buy them. Besides, through the guidance of the
doctor Thu, I have learned how to use condoms properly. Third, I have increased
my understanding of sexually transmitted diseases. I understand that viral
diseases cannot be cured and HIV cannot be treated yet but ARV drugs are
available to prevent it. In short, the seminar has provided me with important
and useful knowledge so that I can prepare for a safe life.
· Ngo
Thai Phuong Nhu. I have been to so many sessions like this
in other places, but Gender Talk #5 is the best because I didn’t feel sleepy
and kept me listening more. Gender Talk # 5 is also very excited and very fun, and
the speaker is also very happy. I really knew a lot of sex education
information. Thank you to the Organizers for giving our students the
opportunity to know more and protect ourselves more.
· Luong
Thanh Tuan-HSU studen: First of all, I would like to thank the
Organizers for organizing a very useful seminar for us, not only for knowledge
but also for valuable experiences. Through Gender Talk #5, I have learned the
abortion rate of our country and the world, how to prevent and promptly handle
diseases, such as HIV, AIDS and STDs. Not only that, I also understand the
consequences and worries of young people when having an unwanted pregnancy and
how it affects their lives. I come to understand the pain of babies aborted.
Terrible! With the knowledge passed through the program, I now know to protect
myself, my loved ones, and those around me. Once again, I thank the organizers
for providing such a rewarding program. I look forward to participating the
next event.
· Hoang
Hai Yen from Marketing Department: Firstly, I sincerely thank
the Organizers for giving us a chance to talk about this important topic. The
gender talk is not only a talk about gender or sexual orientation, but it also
provides me with a lot of knowledge in life. I am certain that I know how to
protect myself, relatives and loved ones around me. Through the gender talk
session, I received not only knowledge but also received many useful lessons
for my life now and in the future.
· Bui
Thi My Thanh shared: Initially, I would like to thank
the Organizers for helping me to have a better understanding of sexual health,
the effects of abortion, sensitivity of the matters. So I can protect yourself.
I was quite surprised about the rate of abortion in Viet Nam and in the world.
This is a very alarming issue, accounting for 300.000 cases per year. It í more
painful when knowing that 60-70
percentage of the girls at the age of 15-19 had to abort their children. This
is a very beautiful age that they should be in schools and don’t have to suffer
to the severe health and psychological influences such as anxiety, guilt, even the
worst the loss of a woman's innate ability. The main reason for this is lack of
sex education. So sad! Gender Talk #5 provides for me many contraception such
as: menstrual cycle counting, external ejaculation, oral contraceptives,
insertion and using a condom. Using a condom is a very simple method that can
help to prevent unwanted pregnancy and STDs.
By
Doan Thi Ngoc- HSU Lecturer and The Founder of Gender Talk.
