Re: Non-disabled and disabled women sexual health comparison

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20220932

Keywords:

Sexual health, Disabled women

Abstract

The authors stressed the fact that the provision of sexual and reproductive health services to disabled women poses a special challenge as these women do not seek medical help when in need. We opine that the disabled subset of women deserves a compassionate and unprejudiced attitude from health care professionals towards their sexual well-being.

According to WHO, sexual health is defined as - ‘a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled’.2 Free of discrimination and violence is the key here, wherein we suggest that disabled women need to be protected with special legal and social protection which is easily accessible to them.

Author Biographies

Manvi Verma, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Senior Resident(M.Ch. student in Cosmetic Gynecology)Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Kavita Khoiwal, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Associate Professor
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

Jaya Chaturvedi, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Professor & Head

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

References

Pitkēviča I, Rostoka Z, Saulīte G, Rezeberga D, Briedīte I. Non-disabled and disabled women sexual health comparison. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2022;11(1):15-9.

World Health Organisation. Sexual Health, 2006. Available at: http://www.who.int/health-topics/sexual-health. Accessed on 27 January 2022.

Taouk LH, Fialkow MF, Schulkin JA. Provision of Reproductive Healthcare to Women with Disabilities: A Survey of Obstetrician-Gynecologists' Training, Practices, and Perceived Barriers. Health Equity. 2018;2(1):207-15.

Sonalkar S, Chavez V, McClusky J, Hunter TA, Mollen CJ. Gynecologic Care for Women with Physical Disabilities: A Qualitative Study of Patients and Providers. Womens Health Issues. 2020;30(2):136-41.

Holt L. Perceived Barriers to Gynecologic Care by Women Who Use Wheelchairs. Cureus. 2021;13(6):e15647.

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Published

2022-03-25

Issue

Section

Letter to the Editor