Definition of sexual health
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 common usage in many languages, gender 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.
Sexual Health
According to the current working definition, sexual health is:
"... A state of complete physical, emotional, mental and social in sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity Sexual health requires a positive and respectful approach. 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 realized. "(WHO, 2006a)
Sexuality
Sexual health can not be defined, understood or operationalized without broad examination of sexuality, underlying behaviors and outcomes related to important sexual health. The working definition of sexuality is:
"... A central aspect of being human throughout life includes sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. The Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious and spiritual. "(WHO, 2006a)
Sexual rights
There is a growing consensus that sexual health can not be achieved and maintained without the respect and protection of certain human rights. The working definition of sexual rights below is a contribution to the continuing dialogue on human rights related to sexual health (1).
"Respect for sexual health is related to the extent to which human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled. Sexual rights embrace certain human rights that are already recognized in international and regional human rights documents and other consensus documents and national laws.
Rights essential to the achievement of sexual health include:
Rights essential to the achievement of sexual health include:
the rights to equality and non-discrimination
the right to be subjected to torture or to cruel or inhuman or degrading
the right to privacy
rights to enjoy the best health (including sexual health) and social security
the right to marry and to found a family and to marry with the free and full consent of the intending spouses, and equality in marriage and dissolution
the right to decide the number and spacing of their children
rights to information and education
the rights to freedom of opinion and expression,
the right to an effective remedy for violations of fundamental rights.
The responsible exercise of human rights requires that all persons respect the rights of others.
The application of existing rights to sexuality and sexual health is sexual rights. Sexual rights protect the rights of all people to fulfill and express their sexuality and enjoy sexual health, with respect for the rights of others and within a framework of protection against discrimination. "(WHO, 2006a, making update 2010)
(1) It should be noted that this definition does not represent the official position of WHO and should not be used or cited as such. It is offered instead as a contribution to the ongoing debate about sexual health.