Sexual health

Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries. Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. The ability of men and women to achieve sexual health and well-being depends on their:

• access to comprehensive, good-quality information about sex and sexuality;
• knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of unprotected sexual activity;
• ability to access sexual health care;
• living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health.

Sexual health-related issues are wide-ranging, and encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual expression, relationships, and pleasure. They also include negative consequences or conditions such as:

• infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their adverse outcomes (such as cancer and infertility);
• unintended pregnancy and abortion;
• sexual dysfunction;
• sexual violence; and
• harmful practices (such as female genital mutilation, FGM)