Sexual Health covers some fascinating topics and has featured in some of the most prominent parts of recent history. For anyone who wants to learn more about Sexual Health with a cultural slant, I’ve put together a list of books, TV/film and exhibitions which provide different perspectives of sexual and reproductive health, often from a patient perspective. Hopefully, they’ll be an accessible source of information about the past and present and will help you develop holistic practice (seeing all aspects of patients’ health and wellbeing, rather than just treating the presenting problem).
It’s important to note that none of the resources mentioned in this article are a substitute for exam revision, and that some (TV shows especially) may include aspects of dramatisation that are not completely factually accurate. I’ve provided a brief summary of each resource and included content warnings where appropriate.
Contents
 It’s a Sin- Channel 4/HBO Max
Set in London in the 1980s, this series follows a group of friends and their experiences of the HIV and AIDS crisis. A heartbreaking representation of the suffering and stigma that so many LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones experienced during a time when HIV/ AIDS was labelled a ‘gay disease.’ It portrays the shame that so many gay men experienced, unable to come out to friends and family or access HIV testing for fear of being ostracised. An amazing show to watch for more context on the emergence of HIV and AIDS from a patient perspective and to compare how far we’ve come in terms of treatment and prevention (with advancements like antiretroviral therapy, PrEP and PEP).
Content warnings- physical violence, grief and death, homophobia, strong language.
Three Girls- BBC One
A short series based on the true story of the 2012 Rochdale grooming and trafficking case. This is a difficult watch; over and over, the signs of abuse are ignored by those in a position to safeguard the girls. Only Sara Rowbotham, a nurse working at a Sexual Health clinic, advocated for the girls and reported their abuse to the police. This eventually led to a full investigation and the members of the trafficking ring being brought to justice. Although it is an incredibly sad series, I think it’s an essential one to watch for anyone working in healthcare. The representations of potential signs of sexual abuse are accurate and have helped keep safeguarding at the forefront of my mind whenever I look after a young person or someone that may be vulnerable.
Content warnings- sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, physical violence, strong language.
Sex Education- Netflix
This series follows a group of teenage friends as they navigate their way through adolescence. It covers serious topics like consent, coming out, vaginismus, asexuality and sexual assault while still being accessible, engaging and humorous. One of the main characters, Jean Milburn, is a Sex Therapist who promotes good Sex and Relationships Education throughout the series. She advocates for open and honest discussions with young people, supporting and empowering them to look after their sexual health. This series brings awareness to so many SRH topics, using patient and relative perspectives and experiences.
Content warnings– strong language, physical violence, homophobia, racism, sexual assault, drug use.
Joy- Netflix
A series exploring the invention and development of IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation) in the 1970s and 1980s. It shows the heartbreak experienced by couples who had been unable to conceive and the hope that IVF provided (despite there being strong opposition from the Church, Politicians and other Doctors and Scientists). Other topics touched on are endometriosis, grief, and cultural attitudes to termination of pregnancy.
Content warnings- pregnancy loss, grief, domestic violence, strong language.
A Curious History of Sex– Kate Lister
A journey through history from the perspective of Sex and Relationships. Written in a funny and informative style, it addresses os much ore than just the history of sex. We learn about the origin of words like ‘feminism’ and ‘abortion’ as well as cultural assumptions and attitudes to Sexual and Reproductive Health through the years. One of the most important topics covered in the book is the importance of advocating for your Sexual rights and destigmatising discussing Sexual Health. This book reiterates the importance of good patient communication so they have the knowledge to look after their own Sexual Health. It also has so many interesting facts about Sexual Health throughout history, I found it fascinating!
Queer Britain- Museum, London
Located a short walk away from King’s Cross station, Queer Britain is the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum. It gives information on historical LGBTQ+ people like Anne Lister, Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf, as well as topics like the HIV/AIDS crisis and the history of Pride marches in the UK. The exhibition uses a lovely mixture of media, historical objects, photography and artwork to provide a diverse overview of LGBTQ+ culture. They also have a lovely selection of books curated by the famous LGBTQ+ bookshop ‘Gay’s The Word’ and opportunities for visitors to contribute and interact with the exhibit.
I hope this article has provided some inspiration for extended learning about Sexual and Reproductive Health. If you’d like to revise some high yield topics, I’ve linked a free webinar on the diagnosis and management of HIV below. Happy studying!
Final Year Series: HIV Diagnosis and Management UKMLA
Written by Dr Gaayatri Sharma (F1)
With thanks to Dr Harriet Howard (ST1 CSRH) for reviewing and validating this article.
