Teenagers attend seminar on reproductive health

NST: KUALA LUMPUR: There was an equal number of embarrassed and interested looks among the young audience when they were shown photos of the human genitalia at a seminar on Monday.
But it was all done for a good cause as the aim was to teach the 250 secondary school students on the subject of sexually-transmitted diseases (STD) and the human reproduction system.
The Teenagers Reproduction Health seminar was held at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bandar Tun Razak here.
SMK Sri Mulia Form Two student Mohd Qayyum Muhaimin Abdullah shyly admitted that he closed his eyes when the photos were shown.
“I felt embarrassed as there are both male and female students here. I think the subject is important, but it is not often discussed openly.”
Nur Zuraida Mawardi, 17, of SMK Sinar Bintang, Segambut, described the seminar as an eye-opener and that it had improved her understanding of the subject.
“We learnt the dangers of STDs are and how our reproductive system works,” she said.
Teacher Rabiah Muda from SMK Taman Sri Rampai, Wangsa Maju, said students should be exposed to sex education although some might find it sensitive.
“Teenagers, especially in urban areas, are more exposed to social ills.
It is better that we provide them with the correct information rather then for them to find out elsewhere, without proper guidance.”
Malaysian Association of Maternal and Neonatal Health president Prof Dr Zaleha Abdullah Mahdy said as lifestyle patterns were changing, youngsters must know about reproductive health.
“They need to learn from the right sources, especially sex-related issues."
The seminar, attended by students from 20 schools in the Klang Valley, was opened by UKM Medical Faculty Dean Prof Datuk Dr Lokman Saim.