Adolescent Reproductive Health Symposium Reflection

It is highly likely that adolescents will face a variety of health and social challenges if
they are unequipped with knowledge of a particular topic. For instance, when adolescents
begin sexual activity before they have the information and skills for protection, they put
themselves at an increased risk of unintended pregnancy, unsafe abortion, and sexually
transmitted illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. In addition, there is a correlation between the high
incidence of early marriage and childbearing, higher rates of maternal mortality and
morbidity, and higher rates of neonatal and infant death in adolescents.
In addition, becoming pregnant while still a teenager is linked to a greater likelihood
of developing health issues such as anemia, sexually transmitted infections, abortions
performed without proper medical supervision, postpartum hemorrhage, and mental
disorders (like depression).
Many adolescents who are in need of sexual and reproductive health services, such
as correct information, contraception, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, are
unable to access these services because they are either not available or they are delivered in
a manner that causes adolescents to feel unwelcome and embarrassed.
As a result, the Department of Education held a symposium called "Oplan Kalusugan,
OK sa DepED" to educate students on various issues pertaining to the health of adolescents
and reproductive systems.
With that, on March 27, 2023, the Bantayan Science High School hosted a discussion
with Grade 11 and Grade 12 students from BanScie at the Kaabtik gym. This discussion was
organized in partnership with the Bantayan local nurses.
The students did, in fact, take away a significant amount of new information from the
symposium. I was also a student who sat and listened to what was said.
The symposium has provided me with further information regarding reproductive
health, despite the fact that I have some background knowledge on the subject due to the
fact that I have been studying it since the fifth grade Science class—the openness with which
everyone discussed it made for a delightful conversation. Contrary to the norm, discussions
about reproductive health were generally frowned upon inside families and among
acquaintances. Even though it was awkward at first, as I could tell by the reactions of my
classmates when they saw the images of genitals on the screen, they eventually came to the
conclusion that topics like this ought to be discussed freely since sex education for everyone
is very important. Due to the fact that there are various sexually transmitted diseases if the
person or people engaged in that activity did not practice safe sex. Thus, using protection
and using the acquired knowledge is highly encouraged. The speakers even taught the
BanScie students the ways and practices in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
These are abstinence from sex, using condoms and protection, getting tested before
engaging in sexual activities and being faithful to one partner. The person and their partner
would be protected from STIs through these practices. They even include that there are free
testing centers for the public or people who want to get tested before having sexual
intercourse.
The nurses also discussed the pathways or modes of transmission of the diseases.
That is through used needles, vaginal discharge, semen, blood, and penetration. Therefore,
they definitely discouraged everyone from doing drugs as the used needle from the drugs
could cause a pathway for the transmission of HIV and AIDS.
On a side note, it was also tackled that kissing on the lips could also be a mode of
transmission of HIV/AIDS, although the person would have to consume a gallon of saliva
from their partner who is positive.
A person's immunity and protection against diseases that could be passed on
through sexual contact will be significantly increased if they know the factors as mentioned
earlier. In addition, after gaining this knowledge, they could engage in sexual activity
securely and safely.
In addition to that, the symposium offers information on how to properly care for our
reproductive health, which is a critical topic. And that is by cleaning the genitals properly,
practicing safe sex, and being healthy.
The nurses also included the topic of the treatments for people with HVI and AIDS.
They also discussed that the people positive with that illnesses should not be discriminated
against as they are protected by the law, and their confidentiality must be kept. Thus, people
positive for the virus should not be frowned upon by the public. With that, they also broke
the myths and beliefs that people believed regarding the topic.
As we are Bantayanons, we have certain beliefs in albularyos and mamyong, which
the nurses discussed that they are not enough to combat HIV and AIDS. People need proper
medical and scientific knowledge. Some people even asked if washing the genitals with soap,
water, and vinegar would be then enough to remove aids. One of the students even asked
these sorts of questions if albularyo could heal a person positive for HIV, to which the nurse
replied that albularyos could not cure AIDS.
After the nurses had finished their presentations, they opened up the floor to
questions and answers from the students. Many of the questions were ones that the
students would never dare to ask their parents.
Although it is still a bit taboo topic, we must be informed about these things. Keep in
mind that knowledge is power. Therefore, the symposium indeed provides additional
knowledge for everyone.

Submitted by: Chelsea Tinga Grade 11- Newton