Sexual Health

Considered to be part of the reproductive health sector, sexual health is oftentimes referred to as sexual hygiene in that it promotes better health where sexuality is concerned.  Sexual health addresses three key issues, namely the reproductive functions, processes, and systems in every stage of a person’s life.  The concept of sexual health also implies that individuals can participate in safe and satisfying sexual activites.  Other implications include the not only the capability of reproducing but the freedom to decide if they want to engage in the reproductive process whenever and however often they choose to do so.

When the International Conference on Population and Development convened in Cairo, Egypt in 1994, over 20,000 delegates from 179 nations discussed issues regarding world population.  Topics included issues regarding birth control, family planning, immigration, infant mortality rates, and women’s education.  The goals they established addressed key population and societal issues concerning such as sexual education for young girls, as well as reducing maternal, child, and infant mortality rates.

Other important issues were addressed as well, especially the following:

• communication, education, and information
• consumption and environmental patterns
• controling and preventing the HIV/AIDS pandemic
• family issues
• internal as well as international migration
• technology including research and development