On the occasion of World Sexual Health Day on September 4th, the campaign “Feel like talking. Together for Sexual Health” – again bringing the urgency of talking about sexual health to the forefront. Many people would like to talk about sexual health with their doctors, nurses or therapists, but often don’t know how. The campaign therefore emphasizes the need to create safe spaces for conversations and recognize sexual health as an integral part of holistic healthcare. The “Lust auf Talken” initiative receives support from the umbrella organization of Austrian social insurance providers.
In 2022, AIDS Hilfen started the “Fancy Talking” project together with the umbrella organization of Austrian social insurance companies. Together for sexual health!”. The aim of the campaign: to take sexual health out of the taboo zone and show the connection to general health. In 2024, an online survey was launched as part of the campaign. The first survey results now illustrate the desire for more opportunities to discuss sexual health in the doctor-patient relationship.
Sexual health is considered by experts to be an essential component of general well-being and should of course be addressed in medical care. Better conversations are hugely important when it comes to taking sexual health out of the taboo zone. Once the taboo is broken, it has a positive effect on the prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
Shame, fear of judgment and uncertainty about how to start such conversations are among the most common reasons why this important topic is often ignored by both patients and practitioners.
Dr. Mirijam Hall, chairwoman of AIDS Hilfe Vienna, explains: “It is alarming that many people in the health field do not have the opportunity to talk about this important part of health. This is exactly where the ‘Fancy Talking’ campaign comes in: We want to help ensure that these topics can be discussed openly and without fear of stigmatization. This is the only way we can ensure that all aspects of health – physical and psychological – are treated appropriately.” According to Hall, it is therefore essential that sexual health is understood as part of holistic health care.
Cooperation partner, the umbrella organization of social insurance providers, advocates for more openness in the healthcare system
Andreas Huss, MBA, Chairman of the Conference of Social Insurance Institutions and Chairman of the Austrian Health Insurance Fund: There are still reservations in healthcare when it comes to sexual health. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that such topics can be discussed without prejudice and with the necessary professional expertise. We are therefore supporting AIDS Hilfen Österreich and AIDS Hilfe Vienna in continuing to provide educational work with the ‘Fancy Talking’ campaign and strengthening the treatment providers with appropriate training.”
Information and training as a basis for joint discussions
There is therefore still a need for educational opportunities for patients and medical staff on how sexual health can be addressed. AIDS-Hilfen therefore expanded its 2024 campaign with additional workshops, training courses and online consultation hours to support both patients and practitioners.
An onlineOpinion poll The topic will run until the end of 2024 and anyone interested is warmly invited to take part. Here is the link to the survey: https://www.umfrageonline.com/c/je3gae9q
Further information about the campaign can be found at www.lustaufreden.at
**Date note**:
Feel like talking – online consultation World Sexual Health Day
On September 4th, World Sexual Health Day, an online consultation with Univ. will take place as part of the campaign from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Prof. Dr. Michaela Bayerle-Eder will take place, who will answer questions about sexual health.
Datum: September 4, 2024, 3:00 p.m
Ort: Online
URL: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84984373846?pwd=SCaydiupmbUrbH83jwLKuKJTZ8AXqF.1