Sexual and reproductive health
As you know, this Session is all about sexual and reproductive health – but what do these terms actually mean?
Think first!
What do you think is meant by the terms ‘sexual health’ and ‘reproductive health’? If you had to explain these terms to someone else, what would you say? Type your thoughts into the box below before you move on.
Now let’s take a look at the official definitions, according to the World Health Organisation.
Define it!
The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that sexual health is all about:
“…maintaining physical, mental and social wellbeing in sexuality and sexual relationships. It is achieved through a positive and respectful approach to sexual relationships – this ensures that sexual experiences are safe and pleasurable, and free from violence, coercion and discrimination.”
The term ‘reproductive health’ is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as:
“A state of physical, mental and social wellbeing in all matters relating to the reproductive system. It addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system at all stages of life. Reproductive health, therefore, implies that people are able to have a responsible, satisfying and safe sex life and that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so.”
As you can see, sexual and reproductive health relates to pretty much everything to do with maintaining safe sexual relationships and healthy reproductive systems.
Before we move on to find out how we can work to maintain good sexual and reproductive health, let’s explore the subject of sexual health in more detail.
So far in this Session, you have learned about the part that sex plays in the reproduction process – however, there are other aspects to consider when it comes to having sexual relationships with others, such as being aware of infections that can be spread and knowing how to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
Click to move on to page 11 to learn more about sexually transmitted infections.