What is Sexual Health?

“SEXUAL HEALTH is the ability of women and men to enjoy and express their sexuality and to do so free from risk of sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, coercion, violence and discrimination. In order to be sexually healthy, one must be able to have informed, enjoyable and safe sex, based on self esteem, a positive approach to human sexuality, and mutual respect in sexual relations. Sexually healthy experiences enhance life quality and pleasure, personal relationships and communication, and the expression of one’s sexual identity.”

Lottes, I. (2000). New perspectives on sexual health. In I. Lottes & O. Kontula (Eds.), New views on sexual health: The case of Finland (pp. 7-29). Helsinki, Finland: Population Research Institute.