Sexual health is your physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing (wellness) in relation to sexuality.
It is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as '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.”*
This encompasses multiple parts of someone's sexual wellness including but not limited to access to contraception, support and information around sexually transmitted infections, safe and consensual sexual experiences, care related to sexuality, sexual identity, and sexual relationships.
* See the
WHO definition
See these FAQs for more info:
Where can I get sexual health advice?What is sexual consent?What are sexually transmitted infections (STI's)?I think I'm pregnant, what do I do?What sources of help and support are there for sexual violence?What is sexual assault?