Sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, as well as to the social and economic development of communities and countries.

Sexual health, when viewed positively, is understood as a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination and violence.

The ability of men and women to be sexually healthy and to experience a sense of well-being in this regard depends on:

• their access to comprehensive and good quality information on sex and sexuality;
• of the knowledge they have about the risks they may face and their vulnerability to the harmful consequences of unprotected sexual activity;
• their ability to access sexual health care;
• of the environment in which they live, namely an environment that affirms and promotes sexual health.

Sexual health issues are wide-ranging and include sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual expression, relationships and pleasure. They also address harmful or pathological issues such as:

• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reproductive tract infections and their adverse effects
• unwanted pregnancies and abortion;
• sexual dysfunctions;
• sexual violence.