Sexual Health

What is sexual health?

  

Health is not just the absence of physical disease but also the overall well-being of individuals. Sexual health is also more than avoiding sexually transmitted infections, but also being able to embrace and enjoy our sexuality throughout our lives. This is not limited to yourself or to your partner but may include the well-being of your family, and the social and economic development of your community or country.

According to the WHO, Sexual Health is defined as “a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Sexual health 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. For sexual health to be attained and maintained, the sexual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled.” (WHO, 2006)

However, in Japan and other Asian countries, it is considered taboo to talk about one’s sex life and such reluctance can hamper efforts to increase access to information and good-quality care in promoting sexual health.

Our activity as Tokyo Sexual Health is not limited to STI prevention but also committed to sexual health promotion by providing accurate and useful information about Sexual Health on a wide range of topics.