Forbidden Conversations: A Comprehensive Exploration of Taboos in Sexual and Reproductive Health

Abstract

This scoping review aims to comprehensively explore the landscape of taboos and their impact on sexual and reproductive health. Titled "Forbidden Conversations," it delves into the intricate web of societal, cultural, and religious norms that have contributed to the elusive and often stigmatized nature of sexual and reproductive health topics. The review navigates through the multifaceted dimensions of these taboos, shedding light on their impact on individuals, communities, and public health while advocating for a paradigm shift toward open, inclusive, and informed dialogue. The analysis within this review spans a decade, capturing the most recent and relevant literature to map the landscape of taboos in sexual and reproductive health. It explores the persistent societal apprehensions and subsequent stigmatization surrounding topics such as menstruation, contraception, fertility, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The review contextualizes the multifaceted challenges presented by these prevailing norms by tracing historically rooted taboos and their evolution across different cultures and contexts. The scoping review identifies the profound implications of these taboos on public health, highlighting how they contribute to disparities in access to healthcare, perpetuate misinformation, and infringe upon the fundamental rights of individuals. It addresses the challenges in sexual education, emphasizing how these taboos impede comprehensive understanding and enforcement of sexual and reproductive health rights among adolescents and young adults. The intersectional approach taken in this review situates these taboos within broader systems of inequality, emphasizing the compounded impact they have on marginalized populations. Through this comprehensive exploration, the review aims to provide actionable insights and identify existing research, policy, and practice gaps. It seeks to lay the foundation for future initiatives that advocate for destigmatization, empowerment, and equity in sexual and reproductive health. Ultimately, "Forbidden Conversations" aims to steer the conversation toward openness and inclusivity while advocating for unbiased, comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare with dignity for all individuals.

Keywords: contraception; cultural beliefs; healthcare access; human rights; menstruation; policy recommendations; reproductive health; sexual health; sexual orientation; stigma.

Figure 1. Objectives of the scoping review.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 2. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) flow diagram.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 3. Gaps and challenges in addressing taboos in sexual and reproductive health.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 4. Suggested modules for cultural competence training.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 5. Advantages of providing youth-friendly and confidential services in sexual and reproductive health.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 6. Advantages of providing integrated services in sexual and reproductive health.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 7. Methods of performing community engagement to address taboos around sexual and reproductive health.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 8. Factors to be considered when implementing educational technology to address taboos around sexual and reproductive health.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 9. Potential research areas to address the issue of taboos around sexual and reproductive health.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.

Figure 10. Limitations of the scoping review.

Image credit: Nor Faiza Mohd. Tohit.