In the heart of Singapore, a startling reality emerges: over half of women in their reproductive years are grappling with poor sexual function. A recent study from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) shines a spotlight on this pressing issue that many have swept under the rug.

A Personal Journey: Ms. Aisyah's Struggle with Vaginismus

Take Ms. Aisyah, for instance. At 30, her marriage was meant to be a joyful adventure, but when they struggled to consummate their union, they were thrust into a bewildering crisis. After researching online, they stumbled upon vaginismus—an involuntary tightening of the vagina preventing penetration.

With hope, they sought help, trying various therapies and consultations with professionals. Despite numerous attempts, including visits to physiotherapists, Ms. Aisyah and her husband still wrestled with difficulties.

After a year and a half, they found themselves lost in uncertainty, revealing just how common and misunderstood these issues are among women.

The Shocking Statistics

The KKH study, which surveyed nearly 800 women aged 21 to 45, revealed that a staggering 54% reported issues with sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and overall satisfaction. Alarmingly, most respondents—over half—were unaware of the symptoms related to their sexual health challenges.

Why the Silence?

Dr. Elaine Quah, a senior research fellow at KKH, notes that while physiological issues like chronic illnesses can contribute to sexual dysfunction, psychological factors such as anxiety or cultural stigmas create significant barriers as well.

The Vaginismus Epidemic

Vaginismus, in particular, is now the predominant concern at KKH’s sexual health clinic—with 90% of patients diagnosed with it being women aged 30 to 39. The number of cases has tripled since 2017, highlighting an alarming trend.

A Call to Action for Healthcare Professionals

Interestingly, while 91% of women expect healthcare providers to initiate discussions about sexual health, only 10% of professionals feel equipped to handle these issues. This disconnect has led to the rollout of Singapore’s first sexual health guidelines aimed at empowering both healthcare providers and women.

Transforming the Landscape of Sexual Wellness

The sexual wellness scene in Singapore has undergone a transformation over the past decade. No longer confined to diagnosing STIs, clinics like InSync Medical focus on holistic approaches to sexual health, addressing the emotional and relational factors often overlooked.

Dr. Martha Tara Lee: A Voice in the Wilderness

Dr. Martha Tara Lee, a pioneering sexologist, recalls the battles she faced in promoting sexual wellness. Her mission has always been to empower women to speak up, dispelling the silence that surrounds these deeply personal issues.

Changing Perspectives

Women are beginning to seek help earlier and more proactively than before. Dr. Jessherin Sidhu, who founded InSync Medical, observes a trend of women addressing their sexual health challenges in the early stages of relationships instead of waiting until it’s nearly too late.

Addressing the National Urgency

Experts stress that poor sexual health extends beyond personal and relationship issues—it's a matter of national significance, considering Singapore’s declining birth rate. Addressing sexual wellness could play a pivotal role in reversing this trend.

Empowering Women to Speak Up

Advocates like Ms. Noorindah Iskandar are also leading the charge for greater awareness and open discussions surrounding sexual health. With platforms like Shy & Curious, women can find a safe haven to exchange stories and breaking the silence that has too long surrounded their experiences.

A Brighter Future for Sexual Health Awareness

As conversations evolve, and more women like Ms. Aisyah find their voice, there’s hope for a society where sexual health is openly discussed and prioritized. As Dr. Lee emphasizes, it is vital to discern credible information from misinformation in this crucial area of wellness.

Today, Singapore stands at a crossroads, with an opportunity to reshape the narrative surrounding women’s sexual health—transforming silence into a chorus of empowerment and understanding.