Nov 9, 2025 | blog, Mental Health, Sexual Health
In recent years, our understanding of the connection between mental health and sexual health has deepened, revealing just how intertwined the brain, body, and desire truly are. In both men and women, changes in mood, anxiety levels, and stress hormones can profoundly affect sexual desire, performance, and satisfaction. Far from being two separate aspects of health, mental well-being and sexual functioning now appear to influence each other significantly.
One of the strongest findings emerging from current studies is the role of chronic stress. When the body is in persistent “fight or flight” mode, the brain is easily distracted by surrounding stimuli, making the person unable to be present during sex, making them enjoy it much less especially in women. Cortisol, the stress hormone, although with less intensity, contributes moderately to the suppression of arousal and consequent reduction of libido, and less overall interest in sex. Having a positive mental state and subjective assessment of one’s health is associated with better sexual performance.
Depression, too, is proving to be more than a mental state of low motivation and mood. It has been proven to affect sexual function either in sexual desire, satisfaction or performance. In 2022, an analysis of 12 studies showed that over 60% of men and 80% of women with major depressive disorder report sexual impairment. Scientists point to lower dopamine and serotonin levels, two neurotransmitters essential to both pleasure and emotional regulation, as the most likely cause for this. Other common symptoms that occur with depression have also been shown to affect sexual function, including lack of exercise and substance use, such as smoking. This situation is further worsened by the fact that many of the common medications for the treatment of depression have been shown to negatively affect libido and sexual pleasure.
The interrelation of depression and sexual dysfunction is evident in that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a common treatment for some mental disorders, also is effective in treating some types of sexual dysfunction. This indicates some common mechanism, if not origin, for the disorders. New findings offer hope, showing that treating mental health, even through small exercises of mindfulness, restores sexual function naturally. In fact, mindfulness not only restores sexual function but also improves the experience.
Evidence also suggests that positive sexual health indicators are associated with lower depression and anxiety, higher quality of life, and greater life satisfaction among men and women.
This is more than enough evidence to suggest that the mental and sexual health of an individual are interconnected and depend on each other. They are both central pillars of overall health and well-being. The growing self-care movement should not treat them as separate concerns in the care of a person. A mentally well person is more likely to have a more fulfilling sex life. A person with a fulfilling sex life is more likely to have good mental health. And a person with both is more likely to have a better overall well-being.
Writer : Dr. Hosaena Gebru
Sep 7, 2025 | blog, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health
Dear Letena,
I don’t really know how to begin this letter, but I feel like I can’t keep everything inside anymore. I’m twelve now, and my body is changing so quickly. Instead of feeling excited about it, I mostly feel out of place. When I look at my friends, they still seem like kids, but I don’t. It feels as if I’ve stepped into a world I wasn’t ready for, while everyone else stayed behind.
Lately, my chest has been growing, and sometimes it aches in a way I don’t understand. I catch myself crossing my arms over it, hoping the discomfort will ease and that no one will notice. But the boys at school already have, and the teasing feels endless. They point, laugh, and make comments that sting more than I can admit. Every time it happens, I wish I could shrink back into myself and disappear.
I’m too embarrassed to bring any of this up to my mom. Just the thought of saying the words out loud makes my face burn. I even tried searching for answers online, but all I found were long explanations filled with big words and scary possibilities. Nothing seemed to speak to what I’m actually going through. So I’ve stayed quiet, carrying all of this by myself.
Sometimes I wonder why it had to happen to me first, why growing up feels less like moving forward and more like being pushed into a spotlight I never asked for. It’s lonely, confusing, and often I just wish I could pause everything until I feel ready.
I’m writing to you because keeping this inside has started to feel unbearable. I need to believe there is at least one place where my fears won’t sound foolish.
Writer: Bezawit Elias
Aug 3, 2025 | blog, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health
Let’s Be Real
Not every health concern is easy to talk about, especially when it involves your private parts. You might feel a weird pain in your lower belly, notice a new bump, or just get the sense that something down there isn’t quite right.
And before you even think about going to a clinic, your brain starts to spiral:
• “What if it’s something serious?”
• “What if they judge me?”
• “What if I go and it turns out to be nothing, and I look stupid?”
• “What if they tell me I have something I’ll never get rid of?”
So… you wait. You hope it’ll go away on its own.
Sometimes it does.
But too often, it doesn’t. And by the time you finally seek help, the issue has gotten worse. The cost, financially, emotionally, physically, is higher. And here’s the truth: this hesitation, this silence, it’s not because you don’t care. It’s because many of us were raised to feel ashamed. To think anything related to our genitals is dirty, secret, or “not to be talked about.”
But wanting clarity, comfort, or care? That’s not shameful. That’s human. You’re not overreacting. You’re not being dramatic. You’re doing exactly what you should do, listening to your body and wanting answers.
You Don’t Need to Say It Perfectly
You don’t need fancy words or medical terms. You don’t need to sound like a health textbook. You just need to say enough to start the conversation.
Try:
• “There’s a small lump near my groin.”
• “I feel a burning pain when I pee.”
• “Something just doesn’t feel right down there.”
Trust us, health professionals hear things like this every day. Their job isn’t to judge you. It’s to help you get the answers and care you need. If you’re nervous, that’s totally normal. But your discomfort won’t make them uncomfortable, they’re trained for this.
But What If They Don’t Take You Seriously?
Unfortunately, it happens. Sometimes a doctor dismisses your concerns. That is not your fault.
You’re allowed to ask again. You’re allowed to get a second opinion. You deserve to be heard, respected, and taken seriously, especially when it comes to your body.
When Should You See Someone?
If you’re dealing with any of the following, it’s time to reach out:
• A lump that hasn’t gone away after a week or two
• Persistent pain around your genitals
• Burning or discomfort while peeing
• Unusual discharge, odor or irritation
• Pain during or after sex
And honestly? If something just feels off, even if you’re not sure how to describe it, that’s enough of a reason. You don’t need permission to care about your health. And you don’t have to wait until it’s unbearable to get help.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Start simple. Call or visit your local health center. If you’re looking for a friendly ear and judgment-free support, message/call Letena. We’re here to help you figure things out, no shame, no lectures, just real answers.
You Deserve Peace of Mind
Whatever it is, knowing is better than guessing. Getting checked might feel scary in the moment, but living with uncertainty is scarier. Relief beats silence. Clarity beats fear. So go ahead. Ask the question. Start the conversation.
You don’t have to do it perfectly, you just have to do it.
Written by:- Bezawit Elias, Fifth Year Medical Student
Jul 27, 2025 | blog, Sexual Health
This July, as part of Letena Ethiopia’s HIV Awareness Month, we spoke with Mrs. Krittayawan Boonto, a seasoned public health expert with over two decades of experience across Asia and Africa who currently leads UNAIDS efforts in Ethiopia as a UNAIDS Country Director, to gain an understanding of the state of Ethiopia’s HIV response. We entered the conversation recognizing the progress that had been made. But we left with something more pressing: stories of burnout, budget gaps, and young people facing the crisis in isolation.
UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is the UN’s leading body driving the global response to HIV. It brings together the resources and expertise of 11 UN agencies to support countries in preventing new infections, expanding treatment access, ending stigma, and ultimately ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. In Ethiopia, UNAIDS works closely with the government, civil society, and international donors to align efforts, fill data gaps, and keep the HIV response accountable and inclusive.
Over the past twenty years, Ethiopia has made significant progress in fighting HIV. The 90-94-96 numbers speak for themselves: many people living with HIV know their status, are receiving treatment, and have achieved viral suppression. These results didn’t occur by chance; they came from long-term investments, community outreach, and the dedicated efforts of health professionals. But that progress is now under threat.
Here’s what many don’t realize: 94% of Ethiopia’s HIV response is funded by external donors. In 2025, major budget cuts from programs like PEPFAR and the Global Fund dealt a blow to the country that it was not prepared for. These cuts aren’t abstract. They translate into fewer services, stalled outreach programs, and broken trust.
This isn’t just about systems or spreadsheets. It’s about real people. During a recent visit to Bahir Dar and Afar, Mrs. Boonto and her team saw the gaps firsthand. Community health networks, peer educators, and expert patients, who help others with testing, care, and adherence, are in a vulnerable position. Their funding has been completely cut off, leaving many without the resources to continue their work. In some areas, medications are no longer available, and several service delivery centers have shut down entirely. In regions affected by conflict or displacement, mobility is also a challenge; some community health workers can’t even move safely to reach the people in need.
Then there’s the youth, the part of the epidemic we still aren’t addressing properly.
Despite being more digitally connected than ever, many young people in Ethiopia lack basic knowledge about HIV. On our own Letena platform, which reaches thousands of youth across the country, we regularly hear staggering misconceptions. These aren’t rural or uneducated voices who have limited access to information, but rather many are the urban and misinformed youth.
Some don’t know where to go for testing, others wait until they’re seriously ill before seeking care, and far too many believe HIV is a problem of the past. The silence around HIV in Ethiopia is dangerous. As Mrs. Boonto noted, “HIV has fallen off the radar.”
But it shouldn’t be. Especially not now.
This is a crucial moment. If HIV fades from view, years of progress risk being undone. The truth is, Ethiopia’s youth are not just at risk; they are essential to ending the epidemic. But they need better tools, accurate information, and sustained support.
That’s why digital innovations matter.
UNAIDS plans to launch a new chatbot in September, drawing from successes in countries like Indonesia. The goal is to create a safe and anonymous space where young people can ask questions, express concerns, and get linked to services, without fear or shame.
At Letena, we’ve already seen how this approach works. Our content speaks openly about sex, consent, prevention, and testing. And because we speak honestly, youth respond. They ask for help, share their stories, and follow up.
Even just having someone hear them out can make a difference. And this is why Mrs. Boonto emphasizes the necessity of enhancing and expanding existing efforts by supporting more youth-led groups, volunteer networks, and community-based programmes. To support Ethiopia’s HIV response, we need to invest in the people who are already involved and encourage more young individuals to take on leadership roles. However, empowering youth and building community networks is just one part of a much larger equation. We also need to address the systemic barriers that still hold many people back. Having medical supplies alone will not solve the issue. Stigma and discrimination continue to prevent individuals from seeking care. Moreover, displacement, poverty, and fear prevent individuals from getting the help they need.
Overcoming these barriers takes more than just logistics or infrastructure; it requires trust, consistency, and care from people who understand the local realities. And of course, building that kind of system can be challenging. But, making that vision a reality needs political will and ongoing funding, both of which are currently in short supply. Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health proposed a plan to tax workers to fund domestic HIV efforts. But the proposal stalled in parliament due to economic hardship and public pushback.
So, where does that leave us? It leaves us needing local innovation. It means empowering health extension workers with specialized HIV training. It means expanding safe digital platforms that meet young people where they are. It means scaling peer-led programs in universities and towns. It means fostering youth ownership and empowerment, transforming them from passive recipients into active participants who drive Ethiopia’s HIV response.
This won’t be solved by one ministry, one agency, or one donor. It will take collective action from local governments, community organizations, health professionals, educators, and young people to show up and move forward.
And finally, to Ethiopia’s youth:
You’re not just the spectators in this fight; you’re in the middle of it. As Mrs. Boonto made clear, the fight isn’t over. And it won’t be won without you. What we do now determines what comes next. Let’s not wait until it’s too late. So learn the facts, call out the silence, share what you know, support your friends, and stay curious.
Help bring the issue back into the spotlight.
Written by : – Bezawit Elias, Fourth Year Medical Student
Jul 20, 2025 | blog, Sexual Health
Discussing condom use isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. When it comes to HIV prevention, communication and protection go hand in hand. Whether the relationship is casual or long-term, setting boundaries around safe sex protects both partners and fosters mutual respect.
Why Condom Use Matters
Condoms remain one of the most effective and accessible tools to prevent the transmission of HIV. When used correctly and consistently, they provide a physical barrier that reduces the risk of HIV infection through sexual contact.
According to UNAIDS:
• Nearly 60% of new HIV infections in 2023 occurred in Sub-Saharan Africa, making it the most affected globally.
• In Ethiopia, an estimated 610,000 people were living with HIV in 2023, with around 8,300 new infections that year.
• Condom use among young people in Ethiopia remains low. A 2022 DHS report found that only 32% of young women and 52% of young men reported using a condom during their last high-risk sexual encounter.
These numbers highlight the urgent need for open conversations about protection and consistent condom use.
Common Barriers to Condom Use
Many people still hesitate to use condoms due to myths, discomfort, or social pressure. Common objections include:
• “Don’t you trust me?” – Condom use is about health and prevention, not distrust.
• “It doesn’t feel the same.” – While some may experience a difference, the risks of HIV far outweigh any temporary discomfort.
• “It kills the mood.” – Taking a moment to protect each other should be seen as part of a healthy sexual relationship.
“The art of the deal” how to negotiate condom use (without killing the mood or causing World War III)
- Bring it up early
Don’t wait until the heat of the moment. Discuss condom use calmly and ahead of time.
- Use clear, respectful language
Express your preference using “I” statements, such as “I use condoms to protect my health.”
- Stay calm if there’s resistance
If your partner is hesitant, ask why and listen. Then explain your reasons clearly. Avoid arguments, but stand firm.
- Respect your own boundaries
If your partner refuses to use a condom, it’s your right to say no to sex. Your health comes first.
If Your Partner Says No
• Stay calm, but don’t compromise.
• Ask questions to understand their reasoning.
• Do not give in to guilt or emotional pressure.
• If your boundaries are not respected, walk away.
To wrap it up (pun definitely intended)
Talking about protection and condom use might not be anyone’s idea of foreplay, but neither is an unexpected trip to the clinic. Whether you are in a situationship, long-term love bubble, or just figuring it out with someone new, this is about knowing your worth, your standards, and your health priorities. You don’t need to be aggressive, and you don’t need to be apologetic. Because at the end of the day, for as long as you are clear, confident, open, and maybe a little charming. The only thing that should be going raw is your sense of humor.
Written by : – Kidus Solomon, 4th Year Medical Student
Jul 13, 2025 | blog, Sexual Health
It all started when I was in 5th grade. I got sick at school, and the principal called my mom, telling her I was experiencing severe abdominal pain. She rushed me to the hospital, and I was diagnosed with appendicitis. But that year, those few days in particular, changed everything for me.
That was when I learned something that made me feel inferior to other students, to my family members, and to people in general. My dad told me I was HIV positive. He even told my friends’ families, thinking they would show me a little more empathy or keep an eye on me when I played with their children. But instead, he shattered the privacy and innocence I had. At that age, no one really keeps secrets, especially not ones like that.
Even though deep down I know I am not the problem, it’s hard not to connect every experience of rejection to that one truth about me. Every time I was bullied at school, left out of events, or looked at differently, I couldn’t help but think it was because of that.
Now, I’m a second-year university student. Here, no one knows the virus that lives within me. To them, I’m just a girl from a well-off family who’s accomplished everything she set her mind to. I have friends, some really close ones, too, the kind I share nearly all my secrets with. But they still don’t know the biggest one.
Sometimes, I think about the guys who flirt with me, who ask me to sleep with them without knowing who I really am. And I wonder what I would’ve done if I hadn’t come this far in my healing journey.
Over the past few years, I challenged myself to grow beyond the darkness in my own mind. I started listening to motivational podcasts on YouTube, reading all kinds of books, and journaling to keep track of my growth and achievements. I began taking my medication consistently, something my mom used to remind me to do every day. Now, I don’t need her to check in. I eat well, sleep well, and I’m fully focused on becoming the best version of myself.
Still, I feel a deep sadness for my mom. I can’t imagine how much guilt she’s carried, thinking she’s the one who brought this into my life. And truthfully, I didn’t make it easy for her either, and that breaks my heart. Now, I’m trying to spend as much time with her as I can. I’m working on that.
So, when Hermon asked me to share my story and give some advice, here’s what I want you all to know:
You are not the problem. One day, you’ll see that clearly. And when that day comes, you’ll be proud of how far you’ve come.
Written by : – Hermon Israel, 4th Year Medical Student
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