The word “sexual health” is broad. It’s normal for us to associate the term “sexual health” with having sex, but did you realise that sexual health encompasses much more?
Among the components of sexual health are:
Sexuality
Sexual Orientation
Gender Identity
Gender Expression
Body Image
Sexual Self-Esteem
Sexual and Reproductive Health Care
Reproduction
Experiences of unwanted violence and coercion
Consent and Boundaries
Relationships and Intimacy
Sexual and Reproductive Anatomy
Pleasure
Sexual Activities
Employment
Our Bodies
Sexual Health
There are several different kinds of health, such as mental, emotional, spiritual, cultural, social, financial, and environmental health. Moreover, these many forms of health can influence one another. For example, having access to the birth control you require and attempting to avoid pregnancy (physical health) may contribute to improved emotional and mental well-being, which in turn may enhance your feelings of confidence and self-worth in relation to sex (sexual health).
The value of sexual health is equal to that of other forms of health. Each person’s level of importance will vary. Sexual health may not always be as widely accepted as other forms of health, and there may even be stigma, embarrassment, fear, and confusion surrounding it, depending on your background and place in the world. This is extremely typical since, regrettably, there is often a great deal of stigma attached to “sex”-related activities. Speaking with family, friends, or a doctor about a common cold or the flu may feel more comfortable than discussing issues related to one’s sexual health. Conversely, you might feel quite at ease discussing and learning about sexual health. Conversely, you might feel quite at ease discussing and learning about sexual health. Just consider for a moment how you feel about the subject of sexual health.
We are here to assist in transforming sexual health into a more empowering and positive space, regardless of your background. A place where, hopefully, you may get the information you want about sexual health, see or talk to an expert in the field—either in one of our many clinics across British Columbia or via the Sex Sense Line—and leave with the knowledge that having a healthy sexual life is a normal aspect of being human.
What Factors Affect Sexual Health?
Every individual will have a distinct definition of sexual health. The explanation is that a variety of social and personal factors, including the following, can have an impact on sexual health:
Upbringing
Our values and beliefs
Culture
Religion
Indigenous Status
Spirituality
The people around us
Our personal experiences
Consider the things that affect your sexual well-being. What messages regarding sexual health have you received from friends, family, society, culture, religion, or spirituality? Which personal values and beliefs do you hold?
Our perception of the world and our sexual health are intertwined. For instance, numerous characteristics that have been linked to potential health effects include sexual health, according to health specialists. The ways that income, education, work, childhood development, food, housing, health care, gender, racism, disability, Indigenous status, social marginalisation, and social services affect health are together referred to as the “social determinants of health.”
An individual’s sexual health and experiences of social marginalisation may be impacted if their gender identity or identities are not acknowledged. Another scenario might be someone who recently moved to Canada and does not yet have the necessary health insurance or language skills to obtain the sexual health services they require.
As you can see, the different dynamics in our lives are just as unique and complex as our sexual health.
Human sexuality is a rich and complicated part of human experience that rarely fits into neat categories or lends itself to simple labelling.
Emotional, physical, spiritual, cultural, psychological, and relational aspects all play a role in sexual wellness.
What, therefore, does “sexual health” entail in your mind?