Celebrating Women's Month: Prioritizing Sexual Well-Being

Women's Sexual Well-Being

We will start celebrating Women's Month soon. As we approach Women’s Month this August in South Africa, it’s a fitting time to focus on an often-overlooked aspect of health: sexual well-being.

As providers to women's health, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women. Understanding the socio-cultural barriers to open communication about sexual wellbeing, we want to state our prioritization of their health and well-being.

Understanding Sexual Well-Being

Sexual well-being starts with healthy intimacy. It means feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin, understanding your desires, and openly communicating with your partner. It’s about creating a safe space where mutual respect and trust flourish. Healthy intimacy is not just about the physical aspects but also about enjoying the moments of connection and prioritizing pleasure.

An essential component of sexual well-being is contraception. Making informed choices about birth control methods allows you to take control of your reproductive health and plan your family according to your preferences and needs. Understanding the various options, from hormonal contraceptives to barrier methods and long-acting reversible contraceptives, empowers you to make the best decisions for your life.

The Need for Comprehensive Support

Achieving sexual well-being requires more than individual effort. It needs access to comprehensive resources, support, and professional care. Recognizing this need, we have developed the **SWIFT Care Supportive Package**—Sexual Wellness and Individually Focused Treatment and Care. This package offers a holistic approach to health, integrating multiple modalities to address various aspects of sexual well-being.

Recent Developments in HIV Prevention

In South Africa, where HIV transmission remains a significant concern, there is promising news. In a groundbreaking clinical trial involving over 2,000 women in South Africa and Uganda, a novel drug called lenacapavir which is administered once every six months demonstrated unparalleled efficacy. Not a single participant who received the injection contracted HIV during the study period.  This injectable secures a new degree of prevention and thus freedom and peace of mind, allowing individuals to enjoy their intimate moments without the constant worry of HIV acquisition. This advancement is a testament to the ongoing efforts to improve sexual health and well-being for all.

Vaginal and Pelvic Floor Interventions

Another critical aspect of sexual well-being is confidence and comfort in one's body. We are excited about developments inte the cosmetic and reparative vaginal and pelvic floor interventions designed to enhance confidence and intimacy. There are now well-established non-invasive modalities that women can consider to address barriers and anxieties related to sexual pleasure and wellness. These interventions are designed to improve both physical comfort and psychological well-being, contributing to a more fulfilling intimate life.

What the SWIFT Care Supportive Package Offers

The SWIFT Care Supportive Package provides a thorough and compassionate approach to supporting your sexual well-being, including:

1. Telephonic Initial Assessment:
   - Conducted by: Midwife or Doctor
   - Duration: 30-45 minutes
   - What to Expect:A comprehensive questionnaire session reviewing your medical and psychosocial history, providing initial guidance and immediate support strategies.

2. App-Based CBT Programme:
 - Duration: 6 months
   - Features:Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Weekly CBT modules, interactive exercises, progress tracking, and access to resources such as articles, videos, and relaxation techniques.

3. Monthly Telephonic Follow-ups:
   - Conducted by: Gynaecologist
   - Duration:15-30 minutes
   - Purpose:Reviewing progress, addressing concerns, and providing additional guidance and support.

4. Final Tele-consultation at End of 6 Months:**
   - Conducted by:Gynaecologist
   - Duration: 45-60 minutes
   - Focus: Comprehensive review of your progress, final assessment, and discussion of next steps. Options include closing the program or receiving a referral for ongoing support if needed.

Our team-based approach ensures that care is holistic and integrated. By combining tele-consults, app-based CBT, face-to-face consultations, psychotherapy, and pharmacological interventions when necessary, we tailor our support to meet your specific needs. This multidisciplinary strategy allows us to provide superior care, addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of sexual health.

Empowering Your Sexual Well-Being

As we celebrate Women’s Month, let’s prioritize sexual well-being as an essential part of women’s health. The SWIFT Care Supportive Package is a testament to our commitment to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. By fostering an environment of compassion, respect, and empowerment, we aim to enhance the health, happiness, and confidence of every woman we serve.

Join us in this journey towards better health. For more information or to schedule an initial assessment, visit our website at [hpmanyonga.com](http://hpmanyonga.com) or contact us directly.