With the level of sexually transmitted diseases at an all time high, it’s time to stop sweeping the issue of unprotected sex under the table, says Dr Tapan Patel
In most Asian families, sex is a dirty word, a taboo subject, inappropriate for family discussion. Cultural barriers seem to prevent many parents from being able to discuss important aspects of sexuality with their children, resulting in many young people remaining ignorant about serious issues that are very much a part of their lives.
Because so much emphasis is placed on the moral aspects of sex, important health risks are missed. There seems to be a feeling that talking about sex somehow makes people more promiscuous. Too much emphasis is placed on abstinence and even the thought that a young Asian person might engage in sexual activity is dismissed.
A recent poll showed that around 45 percent of British South Asians, who include Indians, Bengalis and Pakistanis, didn’t have a condom handy the first time they had sex – almost double the 23 percent of the British white population who were caught short the first time.
Unsurprisingly it also showed that over 80% of British Asians had never discussed sex with their parents. It’s time we were all open to the idea. It could be a matter of life or death…
• Read more health advice from Dr Tapan Patel in Asiana 23. Out now
|