What does "Sexual Health" mean? With Dr. Philippa Kaye

If you were asked what the term ‘sexual health’ means, what would be your answer?

The World Health Organisation defines health as a ‘state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. We can apply a similar definition to sexual health. To be sexually healthy is more than not having a disease or health condition, it is about being well sexually, physically, mentally and socially. Sexuality is a basic human right!

Medicine has often started to consider health by looking at disease. In terms of sexual health this might mean screening for sexually transmitted infections at a sexual health clinic and treating them if found. Or it may mean diagnosing and treating symptoms which are related to sex such as vaginismus, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, decreased libido and more. It can also include screening programmes such as cervical screening and vaccination programmes like the HPV vaccination programme.

But these all refer to one aspect of sexual health and are not holistic, taking into consideration the whole person and all communities. This means that being respectful and considerate of sexuality and different sexual relationships. It also means not being at risk of coercion and sexual violence, or indeed any violence or discrimination.

Sexual health education

Sexual health can also include access to sex education in schools and other venues as well as access to contraception and family planning services. All carried out in an environment which is inclusive to all.

It seems that sexual health or wellness is not just about the individual but also about society and starts with a respectful and positive approach to all sexuality and sexual relationships. Education and respect without fear of violence or abuse, which in turn is likely to lead to healthier sexual relationships!

There has been a lot of progress in the field of sexual health and wellness and research is ongoing but there is still a long way to go! In particular, female sexual pleasure is still a taboo and the orgasm gap is very real, there is more work to be done!