From the Guidelines
Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality, encompassing positive and respectful approaches to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination, and violence. According to the World Health Organization, as cited in 1, 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. This definition is further supported by 2, which highlights the importance of sexual health in adolescents and young adults with cancer, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to address sexual health needs.
Key Components of Sexual Health
- Physical well-being: understanding one's body, regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 3
- Emotional and mental well-being: developing a positive body image, understanding consent in sexual relationships, and addressing concerns about sexual function, desire, or satisfaction with a healthcare provider 1, 2
- Social well-being: living in an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health, having open communication with partners about boundaries and preferences, and accessing comprehensive information about sexuality and sexual healthcare 3
- Access to sexual healthcare: discussing contraceptive options with healthcare providers, practicing safe sex through methods like condoms or dental dams, and addressing any concerns about sexual health with a healthcare provider 1, 2, 3
Importance of Sexual Health
Sexual health is a key component of overall health and quality of life, and is often under-acknowledged in general health care, particularly in cancer care 2. Addressing sexual health needs requires a holistic approach, considering the physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of sexuality, as well as the individual's developmental stage and health status 2, 3. By prioritizing sexual health, individuals can reduce their risk of sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and sexual violence, and improve their overall well-being and quality of life 1, 2, 3.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Definition of Sexual Health
- Sexual health is considered a state of wellness with physical, emotional, mental, and social dimensions 4
- The World Health Organization defines sexual health as "a state of physical, emotional, mental and sexual well-being related to sexuality" 5
- Sexual health is the state of well-being regarding sexuality, highly valued and associated with overall health 6
Importance of Sexual Health
- Sexual health can contribute to our overall well-being in each of its dimensions 4
- Sexual health is positively associated with sexual satisfaction, sexual self-esteem, and sexual pleasure, which can improve physical health, mental health, and overall well-being 7
- Assessing sexual health can give providers important information about a patient's health, well-being, and health goals, and may signal undiagnosed health conditions 6
Challenges and Barriers
- High rates of poverty, income inequality, low educational attainment, stigma, racism, sexism, and homophobia can make it difficult for some individuals and communities to protect their sexual health 4
- A gap in communication between patients and providers, and the lack of support within some electronic health record systems for sexual health assessment, are barriers to assessing sexual health in primary care clinics 6
- The conflation of sexual health and sexual wellbeing has affected our ability to address everyday sexual issues 8
Sexual Wellbeing
- Sexual wellbeing is proposed as a distinct and revolutionary concept that can be operationalised as a seven-domain model 8
- Sexual wellbeing is imperative to public health as a marker of health equity, a meaningful population indicator of wellbeing, and an opportunity to refocus the ethics, form, and practices of public health 8