04/06/2022
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 s*xuality and s*xual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe s*xual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. The ability of men and women to achieve s*xual health and well-being depends on their:
* access to comprehensive, good-quality information about s*x and s*xuality;
* knowledge about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to adverse consequences of unprotected s*xual activity;
* ability to access s*xual health care;
* living in an environment that affirms and promotes s*xual health.
Sexual health-related issues are wide-ranging, and encompass s*xual orientation and gender identity, s*xual expression, relationships, and pleasure. They also include negative consequences or conditions such as:
* infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and their adverse outcomes (such as cancer and infertility);
*unintended pregnancy and abortion;
*s*xual dysfunction;
*s*xual violence; and
* harmful practices (such as female ge***al mutilation, FGM)