Sexual Wellness

The World Health Organization defines sexual health as a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It 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.

Source: World Health Organization Health Topics: Sexual Health.

Healthy sexuality is linked to emotional, social, cultural and physical aspects of wellness. It encompasses values, attitudes, feelings, interactions and behaviors. Those who have a good understanding and desire for sexual wellness will be more likely to approach sexual interactions and relationships in a consensual, respectful and informed way.

Source: National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 2012. An overview of healthy sexuality and sexual violence prevention.

Characteristics of Sexual Wellness:

• Appreciating your own body.
• Expressing love and intimacy in appropriate ways.
• Developing and maintaining meaningful relationships.
• Feeling confident in your ability to set appropriate boundaries
• Exhibiting skills that enhance personal relationships.
• Identifying and living according to your own values.
• Demonstrating effective decision-making.
• Taking responsibility for your own behavior.
• Communicating effectively with family, peers, and romantic partners.
• Practicing health-promoting behaviors, such as regular check-ups, breast and testicular self-exam, and early identification of potential problems.
• Seeking information about reproductive health as needed.
• Using contraception effectively to avoid unintended pregnancy.
• Avoiding contracting or transmitting a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV.
• Demonstrating respect for people with different sexual values, sexual orientation and gender identities.

Adapted with permission from: Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States. (2004). Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education, 3rd Edition https://siecus.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Guidelines-CSE.pdf pp 16-17.

Knowledge Empowers Action

Are you sexually active, or do you plan to be sexually active someday? If so, it is important that you take time to enhance your knowledge and skills.

• Learn what you can do to protect yourself and your partner from contracting sexually transmitted infections/diseases or becoming pregnant.
  • Proper use of a condom or other barrier protection can reduce risk of sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy.
  • Contraceptive options vary. Research the options and talk with your health care provider to determine which is right for you.
  • ASU Health Services offers information and testing for sexually transmitted infections and diseases.
  • Schedule an appointment with an ASU health provider to help you select a contraceptive that is right for you.
• Communicate about relationship values and use of contraception.
  • Examine your values. How will you communicate about your values, intentions, and contraceptive/barrier choices? Practice how you will communicate your decisions with your partner.
• Understand the meaning of consent.

What is Consent?

Consent is:

• Mutual: partners each agree to the activities
• Voluntary: without coercion or force, freely willing to participate
• Clear: communicated in such a way that there is no question of consent
• Active: communicated with each activity, ongoing
• Enthusiastic: An affirmative and positive "yes"
• Sober: conscious, awake, participatory. By legal definition a person must be sober in order to give valid consent to sex.

Keep in mind that alcohol makes it difficult to communicate about sexual intentions. Alcohol makes it difficult to interpret someone else’s intentions and to clearly communicate your own intentions.