DEFINITION OF SEXUAL HEALTH

Sexual health is the integration of the somatic, emotional, intellectual, and social aspects of sexual being, in ways that are positively enriching and that enhance personality, communication, and love.

Every person has a right to receive sexual information and to consider accepting sexual relationships for pleasure as well as for procreation.

2. There is a need to change the existing attitudes towards human sexuality among the general public, as well as among health and other personnel who are responsible for sex education and sex counselling.

3. Any effort to improve the local situation as regards problems related to human sexuality must be adapted to suit the local culture and conditions and must be accomplished by indigenous health and other personnel.

4. In most parts of the world there is a need for survey and epidemiological data on social attitudes and practices related to sexuality. There is also a need to assess the related health problems in order to plan teaching and therapy programmes. Information of both types should be used in formulating programmes of education and training in human sexuality.

5. Family planning programmes should pay adequate attention to sexual behaviour and to sexual problems and needs. While family planning usually provides a suitable context in which to introduce training and services for sexual health, in certain situations where family planning is regarded as being exclusively concerned with birth control, sexuality programmes could also be developed outside this settings. ( WHO )