Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sex and sexuality. A prerequisite for good sexual health is having a positive and respectful attitude towards sexuality and sexual relationships.
Good sexual health is about valuing your sexuality, expressing love and intimacy, taking responsibility for your behaviour, and treating people of both genders with mutual respect.
Safe sex brings you peace of mind
The quality of sexual life, both physical and emotional pleasure, is closely linked to peace of mind and a feeling of security. One of the cornerstones of a good sexual relationship is safe sex. Respecting your own health and wellbeing, it is important to take responsibility for protecting yourself and your sexual partner. Based on your preferences, you can choose from a range of options to avoid contracting sexually transmitted infections. This way you can also protect yourself or your partner from unwanted pregnancy.
Sexual rights are part of human rights
Sexual health is closely linked to sexual rights, which is a part of human rights that applies to all of us. Everyone has the right to enjoy and express their sexuality, without the risk of sexually transmitted infections, fear of unwanted pregnancy, violence, discrimination, or coercion. This means a commitment to respect your partner’s rights and wishes.
No one may impose their rights on another through violence or coercion.
Sexual consent – what is it?
All sexual activities including comments of a sexual nature, touching, kissing, hugging, sexual intercourse, etc., must be done with the consent and approval of everyone involved. No action should be undertaken against the will or under the influence of violence and coercion. This constitutes sexual violence and is punishable by law.
People have different boundaries – what is a normal and pleasant activity for one person may be unacceptable for another. If you do not ask for your partner’s consent, there is always the possibility that he or she does not really want to have sex but is afraid to say so.
It is prohibited to coerce people to engage in sexual activities by force, threat, or other forms of coercion, regardless of their age.
Everyone has the right to decide whether they are ready to have sexual intercourse. You can always say ‘no’ if you wish to have no sexual contact. You have the right to refuse at any time – even if sexual activity is already taking place, or if you initially gave your consent but then change your mind.
● Consent must be clearly stated. A reluctant agreement can mean that a person was pressured or that they feared the consequences of refusing.
● Consent must not be presumed by default.
● Consent must be given voluntarily and without any threat or coercion.
● Consent is a one-time agreement and is specific – it applies only to the particular activity at the time.
●Consent can be withdrawn at any point – no matter how many times, no matter what activities, no matter with whom, you have previously agreed to do something.
● A person who is asleep, unconscious, intoxicated or under the influence of drugs cannot give consent – only a fully conscious person can give consent. Sexual activities with a person who is asleep, unconscious, drunk or under the influence of drugs would always be interpreted as sexual violence.
The article was created by using the HIV website of the National Institute for Health Development www.hiv.ee.
The National Institute for Health Development is a public research and development institution which conducts research on public health, disease prevention programmes and activities and promotes health.
Published in the youth information portal Teeviit in 2022.
