Sexual health cannot be defined, understood or made operational without a broad consideration of sexuality, which underlies important behaviours and outcomes related to sexual health. The working definition of sexuality is: “…a central aspect of being human throughout life encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction ...
Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) gives young people accurate, age-appropriate information about sexuality and their sexual and reproductive health, which is critical for their health and survival. While CSE programmes will be different everywhere, the United Nations’ technical guidance – which was developed together by UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, UNAIDS and WHO – recommends ...
In general use in many languages, the term sex 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:
Looking at outcomes from various initiatives, the research recommends redesigning sexual education and health interventions to incorporate sexual pleasure considerations, including when promoting safer sex. This means acknowledging the reasons why people have sex – and recognizing that sexual experiences can and should be pleasurable.
Care guide for Safe Sex Practices. Includes: possible causes, signs and symptoms, standard treatment options and means of care and support.
Three Decades of Evidence: Promising Approaches to Effective Comprehensive Sex Education. J Adolesc Health. 2026 Jan;78 (1):19-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.06.034. Kim EJ, Park B, Kim SK, Park MJ, Lee JY, Jo AR, et al. A meta-analysis of the effects of comprehensive sexuality education programs on children and adolescents.