Correcting misinformation on sexual practices

Description

Correcting misinformation on sexual practices involves actively identifying, addressing, and dispelling false or misleading information related to sexuality, health, and behavior. This strategy ensures the dissemination of accurate, evidence-based knowledge through education, public campaigns, and accessible resources. Its practical intent is to reduce stigma, prevent health risks, and empower individuals to make informed decisions, thereby remedying the spread of myths, unsafe practices, and discrimination associated with sexual misinformation.

Context

Misinformation on sexual matters is rife: 40% of secondary school students in Zimbabwe thought that HIV could be caught from toilet seats; most Indian men believe that masturbation weakens a person and that sexually transmitted diseases could only be transmitted by prostitutes but not by girlfriends or domestic servants; many young people believe that pregnancy cannot occur without ejaculation; in sub-Saharan Africa, older men (or 'sugar-daddies') often believe that having sexual relations with a young or virgin girl will cure a sexually transmitted disease or prevent exposure to HIV.