AIIMS classes on sex for the unmarried

August 11, 2008
By Syed Akbar
Hyderabad, Aug 10: Getting ready for the marriage? Enrol with the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences for an exclusive two-day training course in sex education for a happy married life.
The India's premier medical and research institute has decided to conduct a pre-marriage training course for happy married life in a bid to keep the youth away from sex quacks and so-called sex specialists, whose ill diagnosis is leading to a spurt in HIV and broken marriages.
This incidentally is the first-ever sex education course, for people planning to marry shortly, being offered by a recognised medical body in the country. What's more, the participants will get a certificate from the AIIMS. However, those already married are barred from the admission.
The course is presently conducted at AIIMS campus in New Delhi and will be gradually extended to all medical colleges across the nation.Admission to the sex education training course is on first-come-first-served basis. The curriculum is exclusively designed keeping in mind the sexual and marital needs of the present generation of Indians, both men and women.
"It is a scientifically designed training course meant for people above 18 years. We are giving preference to those who are planning to marry soon. The curriculum includes human and sexual anatomy, sexual functions, sexual problems and their solutions, contraception, common sexual problems and sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/AIDS, besides expert medical advice on screening for genetic
diseases and making adjustments in married life," Dr Bir Singh, professor of community medicine, AIIMS, told this correspondent.
He said the AIIMS had taken up he course in view of high incidence of marital discord and sexual disharmony and increase in HIV/AIDS and STD cases among young couples in the country.
"Apart from stress in general life, it is believed that ignorance, myths and misconceptions about human body, sex and failure to adjust in marriage are the principle reasons for this. This course aims to help the youth in preparing physically, socially and emotionally for married life in a better way," Dr Bir Singh said.
Participants will also be advised on screening for certain genetic and acquired diseases before getting into nuptial alliance. Eminent specialists will take sessions in this exclusively designed participatory course.
"Our aim is to reach all people in the country. We want to introduce the course in all medical colleges that expert advice is available within their reach," he added.