Introduction: Respect Yourself
Welcome to the M.A.R.S. page for guys! Sexual and reproductive health is an important part of everyone's lives. M.A.R.S. aims to engage males on the issues around sexuality and reproductive health, and support them in achieving higher levels of sexual health and wellness.
What's the issue?
There are very few resources out there today that are designed specifically for men when it comes to the issue of sexual and reproductive health. But the fact is, men, just like women, have important health needs!
For instance, take a look at these facts about young men's health:
- In Oregon, 70% of Chlamydia cases occur in 10-24 year olds. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection and affects both males and females.
Source: Oregon HIV/STD/TB Epidemiologic Data Fact Sheets, 2004 - Testicular cancer is the most common cancer among males age 20-35 years old.
Source: Guidelines for Male Sexual and Reproductive Health Services, 2005. - Ninety percent (90%) of men want to know about ways to prevent pregnancy.
Sources: EngenderedHealth FGD Findings, 2003.
Unfortunately, there are several factors that seem to get in the way of men seeking sexual health services:
- Many men feel uncomfortable seeking sexual and reproductive health services.
- Men may not even know that their sexual and reproductive health is important.
- Men may think that sexual and reproductive health services are just for women.
- Males are socially conditioned to ignore health concerns or to seek help.
Sexual and reproductive health services are extremely important to the overall health and wellness and quality of life of men.
The M.A.R.S. program believes that if men's sexual health needs are met, the whole community will benefit. Men will gain awareness and responsibility for pregnancy and disease prevention. The incidence of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections will be reduced. More importantly, the people in our communities will be healthier and happier.
The majority of services currently provided do not recognize that men have unique needs when it comes to addressing their sexual health. There are clinics that serve men, but over the past 30 years only 2-4% of Title X family planning clinic patients have been males. Guys are not coming to seek those services, partially because they do not feel like those services are for them.
Subtle things make a difference-
For example: If a guy walks into a clinic and sees nothing but female clients and female workers, this could lead to feelings of discomfort which may deter guys from seeking services. Not to mention, a guy who has a bad experience at a clinic will tell his guy friends not to go there either.
Males that come and speak with a M.A.R.S. guy are appreciative to get a chance to speak with someone (especially another male of similar age) about sexual health issues. Most men are very concerned with issues around their own sexual health, and if they are sexually active they're also concerned about the sexual health of their partners. If men feel they have a role to play, they can fill that role very well.
The M.A.R.S. program helps guys realize the active role they can have in achieving a higher level of health and wellness.
So what can we do?
Knowledge is power!
By educating ourselves we can make more informed decisions that promote healthier lifestyles. There is not one solution or quick fix when it comes to sexual health and wellness.
Rather, the road to sexual health and wellness involves:
- Getting accurate information
- Learning the skills to be healthy
- Choosing healthy behaviors
Men are very diverse, and each male has his own set of needs specific to his life. The M.A.R.S. program starts from this principle and works from there.
Respect Yourself: Make Your Sexual Health a Priority
Do you have questions about your sexual health?
M.A.R.S. has answers.
Attend a FREE 45 minute M.A.R.S. appointment and receive $50* in gift cards to Fred Meyer.
*$20 for initial M.A.R.S. appointment and $10 for completing each of three follow-up surveys.
Talk individually to a M.A.R.S. peer educator (male college student) about sexual health and relationship topics. All appointments are free and confidential.
Schedule your M.A.R.S. appointment at any of these locations today!
- Benton Family Medicine
541.766.6835 - Monroe Family Medicine
541.847.5143 - Alsea Rural Health Care
541.487.7116 - Oregon State University Student Health Services*
541.737.2775
*must be an OSU student - Deschutes County Health Department
541.322.7467 - Jackson County Health and Human Services
541.744.8001 - Southern Oregon University Student Health and Wellness Center*
541.744.8001
* limited to SOU students - Marion County Health Department (appointments available soon!)
503.361.2659 - Multnomah County Health Department (appointments available soon!)
503.988.3030
Test Your Sexual Health Knowledge
Take MTV's online Sexual Health Quiz.