The Cost of Silence: Why Talking About Sex Is a Matter of Public Health and Human Rights

From sex education to condoms, from migrants to adolescents: why information can prevent disease, violence and discrimination around the world

Far too often, talking about sexuality is still considered taboo. It is discussed in hushed tones, with embarrassment, as though it were something inappropriate rather than a fundamental dimension of the human experience. Yet sexuality concerns health, emotional well-being, personal freedom, disease prevention, human rights, gender equality and even the social and economic development of nations.

Personally, I find it remarkable that in 2026 people can spend hours discussing international politics, artificial intelligence or economic crises without any discomfort, while words such as condom, contraception or sexually transmitted infections can still make many people uneasy. This silence, however, comes at a very real cost. Every day, millions of men and women around the world face unintended pregnancies, preventable diseases, discrimination, sexual violence and profound psychological suffering that could be reduced through proper information and education.

Sexuality is not a marginal aspect of human life; it is an essential part of it. Ignoring it does not protect people. It simply leaves entire generations without the tools they need to understand their bodies, build healthy relationships and make informed, responsible and safe choices.

When discussing sexual health, people often make the mistake of reducing the concept to the mere absence of disease. In reality, sexual health is much broader. The World Health Organization defines it as a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related to sexuality. This means that a person enjoys good sexual health when they can experience their emotional and relational life free from coercion, discrimination and violence, while having full access to the information and healthcare services they need.

It means understanding one's own body, knowing how reproduction works, learning how to prevent infections, accessing appropriate healthcare and developing relationships based on mutual respect. Sexual health therefore concerns not only medicine, but also education, psychology, law, sociology and the protection of fundamental rights. It is a concept that embraces the whole person and recognizes that sexual well-being is an integral part of overall well-being.

In this context, sex education plays a crucial role. Numerous international studies show that comprehensive sexuality education programs are among the most effective tools for improving public health. Contrary to what some ideological movements claim, teaching young people about their bodies does not encourage early sexual activity. On the contrary, it makes them more cautious, more aware and better equipped to make responsible decisions.

An informed teenager understands risks more clearly, knows prevention methods, is more likely to recognize abusive situations and develops a stronger capacity to respect both themselves and others. Sex education does not teach people how to have sex; it teaches them how to protect their health, understand consent, manage emotions and build healthy relationships.

In an era where much information is sought through social media—often through superficial, misleading or entirely false content—the role of schools and healthcare institutions becomes even more important.

Looking around the world, it becomes clear that the level of sex education directly influences people's quality of life. In Northern Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Finland, sexuality education is an integral part of school curricula. Children gradually learn about bodily autonomy, consent, disease prevention and the value of healthy relationships. It is therefore no surprise that these countries generally report lower rates of teenage pregnancy and higher levels of sexual health awareness.

In other parts of Europe, however, the topic remains trapped in cultural and political disputes. As a result, we witness the paradox of technologically advanced societies that still struggle to discuss sexuality openly in schools, leaving many young people to learn through the internet, online pornography or unreliable sources.

Across Africa, sexual health remains both a major challenge and one of the most important frontiers of public health progress. HIV/AIDS has profoundly shaped the recent history of many African countries, claiming millions of lives and devastating entire communities. Over recent decades, awareness campaigns, educational programs, condom distribution initiatives and access to antiretroviral therapies have produced remarkable achievements. Yet significant challenges remain.

In many regions, girls are still forced into early marriages, have limited access to education and face enormous obstacles in obtaining information about reproductive health. Under such circumstances, the risks of sexually transmitted infections, adolescent pregnancies and maternal mortality remain high. In many ways, the fight for sexual health in Africa is inseparable from the struggle for women's rights, education and social empowerment.

Asia presents an equally diverse picture. Countries such as Japan, South Korea and Singapore have highly advanced healthcare systems, yet cultural reluctance to discuss sexuality openly sometimes persists. In other parts of the continent, the situation is even more complex. Millions of young people grow up with fragmented or nonexistent information about sexual health.

Restrictions on girls' education, such as those currently seen in Afghanistan, inevitably affect their ability to understand their bodies and protect their health. When access to education is restricted, access to prevention is restricted as well—and where prevention is lacking, vulnerability inevitably increases.

Across the Americas, some of the world's best educational practices coexist with some of its most striking inequalities. Canada is often regarded as a model because of the breadth of its educational programs and the accessibility of its healthcare services. In the United States, the situation varies significantly from state to state. Some jurisdictions adopt comprehensive, evidence-based programs, while others continue to favor approaches based almost exclusively on abstinence. In Latin America, meanwhile, the combination of poverty, social inequality and insufficient access to healthcare continues to contribute to high rates of teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. In many communities, improving sexual health inevitably requires reducing economic inequalities and expanding access to education.

Oceania also offers important insights. Australia and New Zealand have invested for years in advanced educational programs, prevention campaigns and accessible healthcare services. However, many small Pacific Island communities continue to face challenges related to geographic isolation, shortages of specialized healthcare professionals and logistical difficulties in ensuring continuous care. Even in Antarctica's scientific bases, where researchers from around the world live temporarily, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections is included in standard health protocols. This demonstrates how sexual health is considered a fundamental component of human well-being regardless of geographical location.

There is also a group of people who are too often excluded from prevention and information campaigns: migrants. I am referring to men, women and children who cross continents, wars, persecution, extreme poverty and migration routes marked by violence and exploitation. In many cases, they come from countries where sex education is almost nonexistent or heavily restricted by cultural, religious or social factors. Many arrive in Europe having never received comprehensive information about sexually transmitted infections, contraception, consent or available healthcare services. In many cases, they have never had the opportunity to properly understand how their own bodies work, how the reproductive system functions, or the biological and physiological differences between male and female bodies. This lack of knowledge is not an individual failure but rather the result of deep educational, social and cultural inequalities that continue to characterize many parts of the world.

The issue becomes even more significant along migration routes. Numerous reports from humanitarian organizations have documented cases of sexual exploitation, human trafficking, forced prostitution and sexual violence suffered by migrants and refugees during their journeys or in transit countries. Women and girls, but also men and minors, may find themselves in situations of extreme vulnerability where the lack of sexual health information is compounded by a lack of legal and healthcare protection. In such contexts, condoms are not merely tools for disease prevention; they can become concrete instruments for protecting health and human dignity.

Even after arriving in destination countries, many migrants face linguistic, cultural and economic barriers when accessing healthcare services. They may be unaware of counseling centers, free screening programs or services dedicated to preventing sexually transmitted infections. For this reason, sex education targeted at migrant communities should be considered a priority within integration policies. Informing people means protecting not only individuals but society as a whole. An inclusive society does not simply welcome those who arrive from afar; it also guarantees access to the information necessary to fully exercise the right to health.

Among all available prevention tools, condoms continue to occupy a central role. Despite being one of the simplest, most affordable and most effective medical devices ever developed, they remain underestimated. Condoms are the only method capable of simultaneously reducing the risk of unintended pregnancies and many sexually transmitted infections. When used correctly, they provide an effective barrier against HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis B and many other infections. Yet millions of people still do not use them regularly, often because of misinformation, cultural prejudices or inaccurate perceptions of risk. Many believe that some diseases have disappeared or are easily treatable, ignoring the complexity of reality. Promoting condom use does not mean encouraging specific sexual behaviors; it means promoting responsibility, prevention and public health.

At the same time, a modern understanding of sexual health cannot be limited solely to disease prevention. For too long, sexuality has been discussed only through the language of risk, guilt or reproduction, forgetting that it also encompasses well-being, pleasure, intimacy and quality of life. Within this perspective, products such as lubricants and sex toys also deserve consideration, despite the embarrassment or moral judgment that often surrounds them. When used properly, they can contribute positively to an individual's sexual well-being. Lubricants, for example, are not intended exclusively for people with specific medical conditions. They can reduce friction, discomfort and micro-injuries during sexual activity, improving comfort and indirectly contributing to better sexual health. They may be useful for menopausal women, people with particular clinical conditions or simply anyone who wishes to experience sexuality in a more comfortable and positive way.

Sex toys likewise deserve to be discussed seriously and without prejudice. In many European, North American and Oceanian countries, they are considered tools that can promote body awareness, sexual exploration and improved individual and couple well-being. Understanding one's preferences, developing greater bodily awareness and experiencing pleasure in a healthy way can positively influence self-esteem, mental health and the quality of intimate relationships. Naturally, it is essential to choose safe products made from certified materials, follow proper hygiene practices and take appropriate precautions when such devices are shared between partners. In these situations as well, condoms can help reduce the risk of transmitting infections. Responsible sexuality is not only about avoiding disease; it is about creating the conditions in which physical, emotional and relational well-being can flourish safely and harmoniously.

Sexually transmitted infections remain a major global public health concern. Chlamydia is often asymptomatic and can lead to infertility if left untreated. Syphilis can seriously damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems. Genital herpes may accompany a person throughout life through recurrent outbreaks. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with numerous forms of cancer affecting both women and men. HIV, while now much more manageable thanks to advances in medicine, remains a chronic condition requiring lifelong treatment. Even more concerning is the growing phenomenon of antibiotic resistance. Certain strains of gonorrhea are becoming increasingly difficult to treat, and international health experts regard this trend as one of the major public health threats of the future. In this context, condoms are not merely a tool of personal protection but a genuine public health safeguard.

Sex education, however, cannot stop at disease prevention. It must also address consent, one of the most important foundations of civil coexistence. Understanding consent means understanding that every individual has the right to make free decisions about their own body. It means recognizing that a "yes" obtained through pressure, threats, manipulation or abuse of power is not genuine consent. It means learning that consent can be withdrawn at any time and that respecting another person's wishes is the basis of every healthy relationship. In a society where sexual violence remains a serious reality, educating people about consent is not only a form of health prevention but also a legal and cultural necessity.

As a legal professional, I consider sexual health to be closely connected to human rights. Numerous international treaties recognize the right to health information, reproductive health and non-discrimination. Ensuring proper sex education therefore means giving practical effect to fundamental legal principles. It is not a cultural concession or an educational trend; it is a responsibility of democratic institutions toward their citizens.

Ultimately, sexual health is about far more than sex. It concerns human dignity, individual freedom, disease prevention, equality between women and men, the protection of minors, the fight against discrimination and the construction of a more informed society. Speaking openly about sexuality does not lower the level of public debate; it elevates it. The true maturity of a society is measured by its ability to address, without fear or prejudice, those issues that directly affect people's lives. Among them, sexual health undoubtedly occupies a central place. In a world where information is more accessible than ever before, the real danger is not talking about sexuality. The real danger is continuing not to talk about it enough.