Let’s talk about sex, say health experts
The Sexual Health Centre in Cork said it is hoped the conference, the first of its kind in the country, will end our “ostrich approach” and foster a healthier approach to sex and related issues.
The rise in the numbers of people under 17 having sex, alcohol and its role in sex and the differing approaches to sex education will be among the issues discussed.
“We still have not accepted the realities of sex in Ireland today,” said Deirdre Seery, the centre’s executive director.
“We need to provide clear and accurate messages about sex and sexual health and help build the confidence and skills of our young people so that we can support them as they develop into sexually healthy individuals.”
Ms Seery said it was time to stop pretending that it is normal to have:
* sexually transmitted infections up by 12% from 2003 to 2004;
* a 24% increase in chlamydia - an infection that has no symptoms for 70% of women and 50% of men;
* a rise in HIV infections which shows the safe sex message is not being taken on board;
* and more than 6,000 Irish women still giving an Irish address when travelling to England for an abortion in 2004;n and thousands of people under 17 engaging in sexual intercourse.
“The conference brings together experts from Europe and Ireland so that we can address these problems which are spiralling out of control”, Ms Seery said.
Keynote speakers will include Lars-Gösta Dahlöf from Göteborg University’s department of Psychology and Sexology.
He will deal with sexual desire, lust and romantic love.
Sandra Van den Eynde from Belgium will address behavioural and situational influences on sex.
Paula Mayock from Trinity College will deliver a presentation on sexual risk taking.
And UCC’s Liz Kiely’s presentation will focus on formal sex education in Ireland.
Other speakers will include representatives from family planning centre and GPs and there will be various workshops on issues like sexuality and disability, and sexuality and cultural diversity.
The two-day conference will take place in the Clarion Hotel on December 1 (World Aids Day) and December 2.
* Conference details and bookings at www.sexualhealthcentre.com
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
