World Sexual Health Day: Emphasizing the Importance of Consent and Well-being
In recognition of World Sexual Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) underscores every individual’s right to sexual well-being. This year’s theme, “Consent!”, places a spotlight on the significance of consent and mutual respect in sexual encounters. It emphasizes the need for people to have complete and accurate information to make informed choices regarding their sexual and reproductive health. WHO’s efforts in promoting sexual well-being are aimed at providing individuals with the tools they need to lead healthier sexual lives.
One area that has often received insufficient attention is the prevalence and management of sexual and gynecological health issues during and after pregnancy. A forthcoming webinar will delve into this topic, exploring the impact of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum experiences on sexual and gynecological function. The webinar aims to shed light on how these factors influence counseling and service delivery.
Sexual health is not confined to a specific phase of life but is relevant throughout a person’s lifespan, spanning from adolescence to older age. It extends beyond reproductive years and is intertwined with the quality, safety, and respect within our relationships, including those with ourselves, family, friends, and society at large. Gender norms also play a crucial role in shaping our sexual health experiences. Importantly, it is rooted in fundamental human rights.
WHO’s working definition of sexual health emphasizes a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, viewing it as more than the absence of disease or dysfunction:
“Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity.
Sexual health 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. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected, and fulfilled.”
To promote sexual health and well-being, WHO tailors its guidance and programs to meet the diverse needs and experiences of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual characteristics, HIV status, or disability. Activities conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Special Research Programme HRP encompass a wide range of areas, including sexuality education, counseling, sexual identity support, addressing sexual function, psychosocial counseling, combating intimate partner violence, preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV, self-care interventions, and the prevention and management of reproductive system cancers.
Recognizing the centrality of good sexual health to overall well-being, WHO asserts that sexual health is an essential aspect of being human. It is integral to the health and well-being of individuals, couples, families, communities, and nations, contributing to their social and economic development. While closely intertwined with reproductive health and rights, sexual health encompasses crucial facets that deserve distinct attention. WHO remains committed to championing sexual health, ensuring that everyone, everywhere can exercise their human rights related to their sexuality and sexual well-being.
