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On World Sexual Health Day, Dr. Divya Vora, Gynecologist and Obstetrician, highlights the alarming rise of STIs in India, the gaps in sexual wellness awareness
On World Sexual Health Day, Dr. Divya Vora’s message is clear, “Sexual health is health. The more we talk about it, the more we empower people to live healthier, more confident lives.”
As India marks World Sexual Health Day, the rise in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) underscores the urgent need for more awareness, open conversations, and credible information around sexual health. Despite progress in access to wellness products, education and stigma remain the biggest barriers.
Dr. Divya Vora, Gynecologist and Obstetrician, shares her insights on where India stands and what needs to change.
On Bridging the Awareness Gap
“As a gynecologist, I see first-hand how little awareness there still is around STIs, consent, and safe sex practices in India,” says Dr. Vora. “Many patients come in with late-stage symptoms simply because they didn’t know whom to ask or felt too embarrassed to talk about it.”
Her experience highlights how silence and stigma continue to cost people their health and wellbeing.
On Changing Consumer Behaviour
There are various platforms like Love Depot who are raising this awareness, “There is definitely a shift happening among young Indians,” Dr. Vora notes. “They are more willing to explore sexual wellness products online, largely because digital platforms offer privacy and discretion. But while access to these products has improved, the education around why and how to use them safely still lags behind. Both need to go hand-in-hand.”
On Normalizing Sexual Wellness
For Dr. Vora, sexual health is inseparable from overall wellbeing. “Sexual wellness should never be treated as a taboo, it’s a vital part of overall health, just like physical and mental wellbeing,” she explains. “When people are encouraged to talk openly, it not only helps prevent STIs but also improves relationships and confidence. The more we normalize these conversations, the healthier our society will be.”
On Digital Responsibility
In the age of smartphones, where the internet is often the first doctor, misinformation poses its own risks. “In today’s digital world, people often turn to the internet for answers, but misinformation is rampant,” warns Dr. Vora. “This is where credible, fact-driven platforms make a huge difference. People need medically accurate and trustworthy content to learn about safe practices, prevention, and early signs of STIs. As doctors, we welcome this kind of digital responsibility because it reduces the stigma and ensures people don’t fall into the trap of myths or unsafe advice.”
India has made strides in access, but without education, awareness, and normalization, sexual wellness will remain incomplete. On World Sexual Health Day, Dr. Divya Vora’s message is clear, “Sexual health is health. The more we talk about it, the more we empower people to live healthier, more confident lives.”
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
