AYURVED FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH

Introduction

The topic of sex education is gaining increasing importance in the present day situation. Whether it should be given or not is still debated by various experts. If it is to be given, who must be the target group and at what age it should be imparted is the second question. The 3rd and the most controversial one, as part of sex education, to what extent it should be taught to students. Both proponents and opponents have their own arguments to defend their point of view. Vedas mention that to attain Moksha one must perform proper Dharma, Artha, Kama. Here kama denotes all comforts including proper sex. Though the importance of sex was known to our ancestors, it was probably thought to be only for the purpose of reproduction.

Vatsayana’s kama sutra still holds international fame, but an open talk on sex is a taboo from the time immemorial. A systematic and scientific thought was given by Sigmaund Freud, the father of psychiatry who spoke about the pleasure principle and psychosexual development during the early part of the last century.

The major source of scientific research information about sexual behaviour in western countries was carried out by Kinsey et al from 1948-53. later it was Masters and Johnson who made an extensive research on the physiology of sex and the treatment of sexual dysfunctions during the 7th decade of last century.

These studies revealed that by putting severe restrictions on the information and labeling open talk as taboo have caused more of misconception, when compared to proper knowledge of it. The extensive research work on various aspects of sexuality by biological, psychological and sociological experts has shown the need for sex education at various levels.]

Need for…

It has got utmost importance to prevent marital conflicts

Safe sex behavior is absolutely essential to control various S.T.Ds and AIDS which is the giant destroyer of the mankind.

It has been an important tool in planned parenthood and population control.

Through mass counseling it has a big role in providing the just scientific information and clearing the misconception among the youth.

It also helps to overcome the psychological stress and thereby preventing many of the illnesses

It has been proved beyond limit that many disorders like dyspareunia, un consummation of marriages, male erectile dysfunction and others are more or less due to unhealthy sexual attitudes.

By providing facts to the married couple and prospective marriage partners one can set their marital life in the right direction.

In Adolescents…

There is an increase in the rate of youths between the ages of 19-24 coming for consultation on various sexual matters. The youths have a host of questions in the form of misconceptions, doubts about their reproductive organs, about their future marriage etc

Need for sex education in Adolescence

The need to impart education in this sensitive area is felt primarily because the current generation of adolescents is more than a billion strong and will be the largest generation in history to make the transition from children to adults. As they stand in the threshold of adulthood, they need authentic knowledge that helps them understand the process of growing up in particular reference to their reproductive health needs, so that they are well equipped to cope with the problems which they comfort during the transitional phase.

This need is particularly felt in India, because the school curriculum here does not include the crucial elements of reproductive health.

They need to be taught about some physiological, emotional and socio-cultural dimensions of the adolescent reproductive health in a holistic manner. Like…

Sexual behavior

Homo sexuality

About pregnancy to avoid unintended teenage pregnancies

Family planning etc…

In married couples…

The common sexual problem for which couples come for consultation is that of inadequate arousal and unsatisfactory sex by either of the partner.

In most of the cases this is due to the stressful life style of either of the partners or both.

Very simple measures like spending some good time with family with smiling faces, expressing hidden feelings will not only relieve lot of stress but also helps to mutual trust and closeness.

They need to be educated for the foreplay and many other minor factors like surroundings etc will all contribute for a happy union.

The personality and temperament makeup of the couples which fall apart also needs attention.

It is important on the part of both the partners to follow give and take policy, leaving their entire egoistic attitude.

They should have a mutual share and care principle, which will be the corner stone of a happier sex even at older age.