Sex is the pure essence of vitality in life. In some it builds marriages, in others it creates families and in all of us sex sustains love. Such is its power that we swing out of our minds into our souls and vice versa many a times. Arent we obsessed with sex? With its remarkable vitality and vibrancy, we begin to fear it too. Sex is often used to mean sexual activity, but for technical purposes, in the context of sexuality and sexual health.

The varied expressions of sexuality

Are we aware of the umpteen faces of sexuality? It is expressed in thoughts, desires, beliefs, values, behaviors, roles and relationships. Thats not all. Sexuality also includes emotional attachment, eroticism, love, sex, gender and reproduction. Though it travels with us through out of lifetime, many of us do not experience all the faces of sexuality.

What exactly is sexual health?

A positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relations introduces you to sexual health. It is the possibility of having safe and enjoyable sexual experiences. No violence and absolutely no discrimination. The World Health Organization states "Health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."

To maintain sexual health, sexual rights of all people should be respected, fulfilled and protected. Mental health, violence and chronic illnesses also influence the sexual illnesses of a person.

Sexual Rights

Sexuality, sexual health and rights become satisfying when the three primary elements are balanced perfectly.

World Association for Sexologys Declaration of Sexual Rights

The right to sexual freedom

The right to sexual autonomy, sexual integrity, and safety of the sexual body

The right to sexual privacy

The right to sexual equity

The right to sexual pleasure

The right to emotional sexual expression

The right to sexually associate freely

The right to make free and responsible reproductive choices

The right to sexual information based upon scientific inquiry

The right to comprehensive sexuality education

The right to Sexual Health care