Sexual Health | Sexual Problem | What is sexual health?

Sexual Health

All clients are encouraged to spend few minutes on reading the definition of sexual health and know their sexual rights. This can help clients to realise the importance of sexuality in human life and make them more aware of the two broad aspects of sexuality – the pleasure and problems.

What is sexual health?

Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well being related 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.

- World Health Organisation, 2002

What are my sexual rights?
Sexual rights embrace human rights that are already recognized in national laws, international human rights documents and other consensus documents. These include the right of all persons, free of coercion, discrimination and violence, to:

To know more about some of the common sexual problems, concerns and infections, please click on the sub-headings below

Sexual Intercourse Advice

Male sexual problems

- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Premature ejaculation (PE)
- Other ejaculatory problems

Female sexual problems

- Sexual Pain
- Low Libido

Sexually transmissible infections

Sexual Concerns

- Masturbation
- Loss of Semen

Homosexuality

1. The highest attainable standard of health in relation to sexuality, including access to sexual and reproductive health care services;
2. Seek, receive and impart information in relation to sexuality;
3. Sexuality education;
4. Respect for bodily integrity;
5. Choice of partner;
6. Decide to be sexually active or not
7. Consensual sexual relations & consensual marriage;
8. Decide whether or not, and when to have children; and
9. Pursue a satisfying, safe and pleasurable sexual life.

Sexual problems include impaired sexual functioning, impaired emotions, compulsive sexual behaviour(s), gender identity conflicts, sexual violence and victimisation, sexually transmitted infections, problems with reproduction and any sexual problems secondary to other medical/health conditions.

Sexual concerns can be related to

safety,

eroticism (sexual pleasure),

body integrity,

gender,

sexual orientation,

emotional attachment or

reproduction.

Sexual concerns are not always problematic for those who have such concerns. However, for many, preoccupation and worries about their sexual concerns can lead to sexual problems. For such clients, it is mainly education and reassurance that is needed to solve their problems.

PROBLEMATIC SEXUAL BEHAVIOURS

Many times it is difficult to draw the line between acceptable and problematic sexual behaviour. What is acceptable to one person could be seen as problematic for others.

For example: Is it OK to masturbate twice daily?
The answer is both YES and NO. It depends on not just the frequency but on the amount of preoccupation the person has, psychological dependence, the triggers and level of self-control. These sorts of behaviour could be problematic with associated preoccupation and can affect a person’s capacity and need to sexually intimate with one’s partner.

Another example of addictive/problematic sexual behaviour is accessing pornographic and sexually explicit materials through Internet. To kno more about this, please contact us.

Clients with ‘out of control’ sexual behaviours seldom seek treatment in a sexual health clinic fearing embarrassment, punishment or denial.

Other Links

If you want to know more about any other particular problem please contact us.

Last Updated on Friday, 14 January 2011 16:03