Sexual and Reproductive Health in Pakistan

Talking about sexual and reproductive health in Pakistan is considered a taboo which resulted into doubling the population size in last 30 years. Increased population growth is not the only issue that we are facing right now. Child and maternal mortality, unintended pregnancies, STIs and hygiene issues that lead to health risks are some issues that arise due to lack of awareness about sexual and reproductive health.  

Let’s talk about sexual and reproductive health in teenagers and the problems that they face. 23% of the total population of Pakistan comprises adolescents. Situation analysis of reproductive health in adolescents and youth in Pakistan conducted by UNFPA shows that two-third ratio of teenage girls in Pakistan did not have any prior knowledge about menstruation and how to take care of that, if it happens. There is no formal education channel to help teenage girls and boys about puberty related changes and how to go through them safely. Awareness comes from family, in case of girls and from friends in case of boys, majorly.  Lack of awareness causes following issues among the teenagers:

Let me explain a few of these problems and their solutions.

Puberty Related Health Issues:

1.       Girls face vaginal discharge, menstrual issues include pain in abdomen and legs, weakness. There are also psychological issues related to it like there’s a certain shame associated with menstruation.

2.       Boys face concerns about nocturnal emissions, masturbation-related issues, urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases. They also have concerns about their appearances incase of delay in secondary sexual characteristics.

Effects of Puberty on Life:

1.       Girls in Pakistan face mobility restrictions, responsibility of domestic/household chores, discomfort that comes with menstruation, absence from school and hygiene management challenges. They might have to take veil or other sorts of pardah like chaadar when they reach puberty level.

2.       Boys face different circumstances on reaching puberty. Their mobility and freedom becomes easier, but they face economic responsibilities; their propensity to masturbation increases, so does their ratio to consume pornography; in some cases, they get involved in unsafe sex including paid sex.

 Early marriages and lack of knowledge about contraception:

Median age of first marriage in Pakistan is 20 years. Awareness of reproductive rights and contraception among youth is wider but access to contraception and safe health practices and trained antenatal care is limited. This is more prevalent in rural areas where one-third deliveries are conducted without a trained birth-attendant. This is unsafe for both the mother’s as well as the child’s health, also a burden to the country's economy on a broader level.

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