There are many different types of health that we come across daily, such as physical health, mental health, spiritual health, and financial health to name a few. Understanding sexual health is just as important and we are here today to help you understand what sexual health is, and some of the components that make up sexual health.

Before we define “sexual health” it’s important to understand review the definition of sex and sexuality. The World Health Organization defines sex and sexuality as the following:

Sex

Sex refers to the biological characteristics that define humans as female or male. While these sets of biological characteristics are not mutually exclusive, as there are individuals who possess both, they tend to differentiate humans as males and females. In general use in many languages, the term sex is often used to mean “sexual activity”, but for technical purposes in the context of sexuality and sexual health discussions, the above definition is preferred.

Sexuality

Sexual health cannot be defined, understood, or made operational without a broad consideration of sexuality, which underlies important behaviours and outcomes related to sexual health. The working definition of sexuality is:

“…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles, and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors.” (WHO, 2006a)

Now that we’ve covered the definitions of Sex and Sexuality as provided by The World Health Organization, it helps us differentiate the meaning of Sexual Health.

Sexual Health

According to the current working definition, sexual health is:

“…a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation 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.” (WHO, 2006a)

Sexual Health is made up of many different components, and all of which are extremely important, Options for Sexual Health has created a list of these areas and provided some excellent explanations of their fundamental meanings:

Sexual Orientation

Sexual Orientation is who someone is attracted to sexually, emotionally, romantically, including how they identify themselves and express their attraction whether in thoughts and/or behaviours. It also includes asexuality or experiencing no sexual desire and/or attraction which can fall on a spectrum. Sexual orientation can be different from sexual behaviours. Sexual orientation is fluid and can change over time.

Gender Identity

Gender Identity is how you feel and identify yourself: as a woman, man, both, in between, neither, as two-spirit, transgender or anywhere along the gender spectrum.

Gender Expression

Gender Expression is how someone expresses their gender identity or identities. This can be consistent, or change often, depending on the individual.

Body Image

Body Image is how someone sees and what they feel and believe about their body.

Sexual Self Esteem

Sexual Self-Esteem is how someone sees and what they feel and believe about themselves as a sexual being.

Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare

Sexual and Reproductive Health Care includes care, access, and experiences of medical health relating to sexual and reproductive areas such as: STIs and HIV, pap testing, prostate exams, pregnancy testing, birth control, abortion, birth, transgender care, etc.

Reproduction

Reproduction relates to reproductive organs, puberty, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, birth, adoption, and parenting. This includes trying to prevent pregnancy, birth control, abortion, difficulty becoming pregnant, use of reproductive technologies, miscarriage(s), or other losses of pregnancy or child(ren).

Our Bodies

Our bodies have a major role to play in our sexual health! Our physical and mental abilities, including the physical changes with puberty, aging, surgery, and illness all impact our experience of sexual health and overall wellbeing. Our sexual bodies evolve from birth until death.

As you can see, sexual health is made up of many different areas of health. You can find the complete list compiled by Options for Sexual Health here.

Understanding sexual health is imperative as it empowers you to make the right decisions for your well being.