The importance of practising good sexual health will be highlighted this February. We aim to remove the fiction, busting common myths and presenting the facts around sexual health. Couples who have met through Macra will also be featured throughout the month in the runup to Valentine’s Day. The important issue of consent will also be highlighted in the final week.

Here is a teaser of the month ahead:

Myth or fact?

  • You can get pregnant by having oral sex.
  • Condoms are the only way to protect you from STIs.
  • Sex acts as an antihistamine.
  • Condoms can be re-used.
  • You will have symptoms if you have an STI.
  • Orgasms can lower a woman’s risk of heart disease, stroke and depression.
  • Certain sex positions will prevent you from getting pregnant.
  • Keep an eye on our Instagram page @macranafeirme to see the facts.

    Meet some Macra couples!

    John Murray and Caitriona Fox.

    John Murray from Carrick-on-Suir, a member of Slievenamon Macra, South Tipperary, and Caitriona Fox from Mitchelstown, member of Ballyhoura Macra, Avondhu Region, were married on 29 July 2016.

    They met at a Macra event in Offaly. Caitriona was a contestant in the Young Farmer of the Year competition, which was held at Kinnity Castle, Co Offaly, in September 2012 and John attended an NCR meeting there.

    They got engaged in July 2014 and married in July 2016. They have one child, Helen, born in 2018 – the future generation of Macra!

    Consent

    We were delighted to hear Coco’s Law was passed, which now criminalises the distribution of intimate images. Consent for any sexual acts or sharing of intimate imagery should be:

  • Freely given.
  • Reversible.
  • Informed.
  • Enthusiastic.
  • Specific.
  • Remember, only yes means YES.

    If you have been affected by these issues you can free call the rape crisis helpline at 1800-77 88 88.