Sexual and reproductive health

The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) use the following definitions for sexual and reproductive health:

‘Sexual health encompasses sexual development and reproductive health, as well as such characteristics as the ability to develop and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships; appreciate one’s own body; interact with both genders in respectful and appropriate ways; and express affection, love, and intimacy in ways consistent with one’s own values.’

‘Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes.  Reproductive health therefore implies that people are able to have a 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.  Implicit in this last condition are the rights of men and women to be informed and to have access to safe, effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice, as well as other methods of their choice for regulation of fertility which are not against the law.’

Information on sexual and reproductive health includes:

• Sexual and reproductive health literature review (PDF 195KB)
• Clearinghouse Connector - reproductive health
• Clearinghouse Connector - gynecological health
• Literature review - bacterial vaginosis (PDF 57KB)

Go to specific health issues introductory page.

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