WORLD ACADEMY OF SEXUAL HEALTH (WASHE) showcases its commitment to advancing sexual health through research projects, publications, journals, and guidelines related to sexual health.
SEXUALITY AND SEXUAL RIGHTS
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. Sexuality is experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviours, practices, roles and relationships. While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed. Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical and religious and spiritual factors.
Sexual rights refer to a set of basic human rights related to sexuality, sexual health, and sexual well-being. These rights acknowledge and protect individuals’ autonomy, dignity, and freedom of choice in all aspects of their sexual lives. The concept of sexual rights emerged from the recognition that sexuality is an integral part of human identity and that everyone should have the right to express their sexuality in a consensual, safe, and fulfilling manner. Here are some key components of sexual rights:
- The right to sexual health: This includes access to comprehensive sexual health information, education, and services, including contraception, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive healthcare.
- The right to sexual autonomy and freedom of choice: This entails the freedom to make decisions about one’s own body, sexual activities, and relationships without coercion, discrimination, or violence. It encompasses the right to choose one’s sexual partners, engage in consensual sexual activities, and determine the course of one’s own sexual life.
- The right to non-discrimination and freedom from violence: Everyone should be free from discrimination, stigma, and violence based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other aspect of their sexuality. This includes protection from hate crimes, harassment, and discrimination in various areas of life, such as employment, housing, healthcare, and education.
- The right to privacy: Individuals have the right to privacy concerning their sexual life, decisions, and activities. This includes the protection of personal information, confidentiality in healthcare settings, and the freedom to engage in consensual sexual activities without unwarranted intrusion or surveillance.
- The right to sexual pleasure and satisfaction: People have the right to pursue and experience sexual pleasure, intimacy, and satisfaction. This encompasses the recognition that sexual expression and pleasure are essential components of overall well-being and quality of life.
- The right to consent and bodily integrity: Sexual interactions should be based on the principles of mutual consent, respect, and the integrity of one’s own body. Consent should be freely given, informed, and enthusiastic, and individuals have the right to set boundaries and revoke consent at any time.
- The right to comprehensive sexuality education: Individuals have the right to receive accurate, age-appropriate, and inclusive sexuality education that covers various aspects of sexual health, relationships, consent, and responsible sexual behavior.
- These sexual rights are recognized by various international and regional human rights frameworks, including the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, among others. The realization of sexual rights is crucial for promoting social justice, gender equality, and individual well-being.
WHAT IS SEXUAL HEALTH?
Sexual health is relevant throughout a person’s life, through to adolescence and into older age – not only during their reproductive years.
Our sexual health is affected by the quality, safety, and respect of our relationships: with oneself and other individuals, with family and friends, and the society in which we live, including the gender norms that shape our experiences. It is also dependent on fundamental human rights.
The World Health Organization (WHO) working definition of sexual health emphasises a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, one that cannot be separated from sexual well-being:
“Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being related 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.”
WHAT IS SEX THERAPY?
Sex therapy is a specialized form of therapy that focuses on addressing sexual concerns and improving sexual health and satisfaction. It involves working with a trained sex therapist who has expertise in the field of human sexuality. Sex therapists can be psychologists, counselors, or other mental health professionals who have received additional training in sexual issues.
The goal of sex therapy is to help individuals or couples overcome difficulties or challenges related to their sexual functioning, relationships, or overall sexual well-being. This type of therapy can be beneficial for people experiencing a wide range of concerns, including: Erectile dysfunction or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, premature ejaculation or delayed ejaculation, low sexual desire or interest, painful intercourse or difficulty with penetration, orgasmic difficulties or an inability to reach orgasm, sexual anxieties or performance anxiety, concerns related to sexual orientation or gender identity, relationship or communication issues affecting sexual satisfaction, recovery from sexual trauma or abuse, sexual compulsivity or addiction.
During sex therapy sessions, the therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental environment for clients to discuss their concerns openly. They may use various therapeutic techniques, including talk therapy, education about sexual functioning, mindfulness exercises, behavioral interventions, and homework assignments. The therapist may also address any underlying psychological or relational issues that may be contributing to the sexual concerns.
Sex therapy is often a short-term, goal-oriented form of therapy, but the number of sessions required can vary depending on the individual or couple and the complexity of the issues involved. The ultimate aim is to improve sexual satisfaction, enhance communication and intimacy, and promote overall well-being in the realm of sexuality.